Heavy Menstrual bleeding – What is it? And what is causing it?
- France-Emmanuelle Adil
- Nov 7, 2024
- 2 min read
Hi everyone,
Today, I want to share some insights on what heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is and its possible causes. Many people assume that heavy bleeding is just a normal part of having a period, but this isn't necessarily true. Known as menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding is not biologically normal.
Here are some signs to help you identify if your period might be considered heavy (1):
Bleeding that lasts more than seven days
Needing to change tampons or pads more often than every two hours
Losing more than 80ml of blood during the cycle (a menstrual cup can help you measure this, or if you use menstrual panties, check the absorbency depending on the brand)
Having to use two different types of protection to avoid leaking onto your clothes
Passing clots that are about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter or larger
If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for more than six months, it’s important to listen to your body and investigate possible underlying causes. Heavy bleeding doesn’t have to be your normal, and you don’t have to rely on hormonal birth control to regulate it unless you choose to.
Exploring your health and lifestyle might reveal what your body is signaling to you. Realizing that your period may have been abnormal for years—perhaps since you started menstruating—can feel daunting. But it’s also an opportunity to connect more deeply with your body.
Here are some medical conditions often associated with heavy menstrual bleeding that you might want to discuss with your healthcare provider:
Endometriosis (2)
Adenomyosis (3)
Fibroids (4)
Uterine polyps (5)
Von Willebrand disease (6)
Heavy bleeding can also be linked to hormonal imbalances, such as estrogen dominance or low thyroid function. Managing your blood sugar levels and reducing stress may help you address these imbalances and gradually feel less stuck in a fight-or-flight response.
A note on intrauterine devices (IUDs) (7):The copper IUD can cause heavy bleeding for the first three to six months after insertion, though it should stabilize after that. However, if heavy bleeding continues, removing the IUD and considering other contraceptive options may be necessary.
Different life stages can also impact your menstrual flow.
During teenage years, irregular cycles and heavier bleeding can be common. In cases of heavy bleeding before age 20, look at lifestyle factors like sugar intake, inflammatory foods, and stress levels to help reduce blood loss. (8)
Perimenopause, typically starting in your 30s or 40s, can also contribute to heavier bleeding. (9)
Now you know that solutions and options exist to help with heavy bleeding.
I hope this has been helpful and has provided you with some tools to better live with your periods.
With love,
France
References:
(8) Fix Your Period, Nicole Jardim, Vermillion, 2020
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