Several factors might be responsible for your heavy menstrual bleeding. I want you to be aware of all of them, so we can figure out what’s going on:

Hormonal Imbalance:

• Anovulation: This is when your ovaries fail to release an egg during your cycle, and it can lead to heavier, irregular bleeding. It’s common in younger people or people approaching menopause, or even with conditions like PCOS. If your cycle is unpredictable, please come talk to me.

• Estrogen dominance: When your estrogen levels are higher than your progesterone levels, the uterine lining becomes thicker, and when it sheds, it can cause heavy bleeding.

Uterine Fibroids:

• These non-cancerous uterine growths can make periods significantly heavier. The size and location of the fibroids matter, but if you notice any unusual bloating or discomfort, don’t wait to see me.

Endometrial Polyps:

• Small tissue growths in the uterine lining may contribute to excessive bleeding. They can usually be identified easily with imaging tests, so if you’re dealing with abnormal bleeding, we should check for them.

Adenomyosis:

• This happens when the inner lining of your uterus starts growing into the muscular walls of the uterus. It makes the uterus bigger and can lead to painful, heavy periods. Please don’t ignore any consistent pain or heavy bleeding—you don’t need to suffer unnecessarily.

Cancer:

• Although rare, heavy bleeding could sometimes indicate uterine or cervical cancer. If you’re past menopause or notice any strange bleeding patterns, don’t hesitate to get checked. Early detection is key.

Blood Disorders:

• Conditions like von Willebrand disease or hemophilia can increase bleeding. If these run in your family, we should discuss testing options.

Medications:

• If you’re on medications like blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), they can increase your bleeding. We should always review any medications you’re taking, just in case they’re contributing to your heavy flow.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs):

• Some types of IUDs, especially non-hormonal ones (like copper IUDs), can cause heavier bleeding. If you’ve recently had one placed, let’s keep an eye on your cycle and see how things are going.

Other Conditions:

• Thyroid disorders (whether hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can mess with your menstrual cycle and cause heavy bleeding.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or other infections in the reproductive organs can also be the culprit. It’s important to get checked if you’ve had pelvic discomfort or any signs of infection.