Heavy Menstrual Bleeding | Menorrhagia | Baylor Scott & White Health

What is menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is heavy menstrual bleeding. During a typical menstrual period, women lose approximately three tablespoons of blood over four to five days. However, people with menorrhagia may experience bleeding lasting longer than seven days or heavy bleeding that requires them to change their tampon or pad more than once an hour for several hours in a row.

Heavy menstrual bleeding might be common, with about one-third of women seeking treatment for it, but it isn't normal. It can disrupt your life and may indicate a more serious health condition. If you’re experiencing menorrhagia, talk with your women’s health specialist to find a solution to improve your quality of life.

Mother and daughter sitting happily on a couch discussing menorrhagia

Menorrhagia symptoms

It can be difficult to identify menorrhagia based on whether you have “heavy” bleeding because every person defines it a little differently.

You may have menorrhagia if you have any of the following symptoms:

Doubling up on pads to keep from leaking
Feeling exhausted or short of breath as a result of blood loss
Heavy menstrual bleeding with clots the size of a quarter or larger
Heavy menstrual flow that disrupts your life
Needing to change sanitary pads or tampons overnight
Periods that last longer than seven days
Soaking through one or more pads or tampons hourly for several consecutive hours

When to see a doctor

If heavy menstrual bleeding interferes with your daily activities and causes you significant discomfort, talk with your OBGYN or primary care provider. Regularly losing excessive blood can significantly impact your health and well-being.

Your doctor can help find out why you are bleeding heavily. As some causes can be serious health issues, it’s best to check your symptoms for peace of mind.

What causes heavy menstrual bleeding?

Sometimes, the cause of heavy periods is unknown. However, several conditions can contribute to this issue, including:

Hormone imbalances

The hormones your body produces, like estrogen and progesterone, regulate your menstrual cycle and the heaviness of your periods. Imbalances in these hormones can cause the endometrial lining to build up excessively, leading to heavy bleeding.

Conditions that disrupt hormone production, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anovulation and thyroid disease, can interfere with ovulation.

Excess body weight can also affect hormone production and contribute to heavy periods. Discuss your ideal body weight with your healthcare provider to see if it may be a factor.

How is menorrhagia diagnosed?

To diagnose menorrhagia, you may have a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and lab tests. These may include a pregnancy test and tests for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Depending on your symptoms and age, additional tests may also be required.

Menorrhagia treatment

Excessive menstrual bleeding isn’t something you have to live with. Multiple treatment options can help alleviate bleeding and provide relief from other symptoms.

The treatment your women’s health provider recommends will depend on the causes of your bleeding.

Medications

Initial treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding often involves medications, such as:

Anti-inflammatory medications: Help reduce pain associated with periods
Antifibrinolytics: Slow blood clot breakdown, reducing heavy flows
Contraceptives:Especially IUDs, birth control pills and others, can regulate menstruation and reduce bleeding
Desmopressin nasal spray: Helps stop bleeding for people with inherited bleeding disorders such as mild hemophilia and von Willebrand disease
Drug-releasing intrauterine contraception: Regulates menstruation and reduces bleeding
Hormone therapy : Reduces bleeding for women going through perimenopause
Iron supplements: Treat anemia caused by replacing some iron lost through excessive bleeding

Find a specialized care for menorrhagia

The women’s health team at Baylor Scott & White is here to help you manage heavy menstrual bleeding. We offer several locations for comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options in North and Central Texas. We help you get care at a convenient location that fits your needs.

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

What is menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia symptoms

When to see a doctor

What causes heavy menstrual bleeding?

Hormone imbalances

How is menorrhagia diagnosed?

Medical history and physical exam

Blood tests

Endometrial biopsy

Imaging

Menorrhagia treatment

Medications

Find a specialized care for menorrhagia

Frequently asked questions

Is menorrhagia dangerous?

How can I stop heavy menstrual bleeding with clots?

How long does menorrhagia last?

Can menorrhagia cause infertility?

Can birth control help menorrhagia?

Can heavy menstrual bleeding cause anemia?

Can I go to urgent care for heavy menstrual bleeding?

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