What can cause menorrhagia?

Heavy periods can be exhausting both physically and emotionally. If you find yourself changing pads or menstrual cups too often, experiencing fatigue, or dealing with clotting, you might be facing menorrhagia. But what exactly causes it? 

Let’s break it down in this blog.

Please keep in mind that this blog cannot diagnose your condition and does not provide medical advice, but it is here to help you understand what menorrhagia is and how you can manage it. 

What is menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is a medical term for abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. While every person’s cycle is different, consistent excessive bleeding can indicate an underlying issue. Understanding the causes of menorrhagia is the first step towards managing it.

Symptoms of menorrhagia can include: 

1. Passing large blood clots during your period

2. Bleeding that lasts more than seven days

3. Needing to change your menstrual cup, pad or tampon every hour

4. Feeling fatigued or experiencing dizziness

5. Experiencing severe menstrual cramps that interfere with daily activities

What are some common causes of menorrhagia?

There are several factors behind menorrhagia, ranging from hormonal imbalances to medical conditions.

1. Hormonal imbalances and menorrhagia

Your hormones play a crucial role in regulating your cycle. An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can lead to heavy menstrual flow, causing the uterine lining to build up excessively before shedding.

2. Uterine fibroids and menorrhagia

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can be excessive menstrual bleeding triggers. These growths affect how the uterus contracts, sometimes resulting in prolonged and heavy periods.

3. Endometrial polyps and menorrhagia

These small, benign growths in the uterine lining can contribute to abnormal uterine bleeding. They can cause unpredictable or prolonged bleeding, making periods more intense than usual.

4. Adenomyosis and heavy menstrual bleeding

Adenomyosis occurs when the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This condition is often followed by menstrual disorders leading to menorrhagia, causing painful and prolonged bleeding.

5. Pelvic inflammatory disease and menorrhagia

Infections in the reproductive organs, known as pelvic inflammatory disease and menorrhagia, can cause chronic inflammation, leading to irregular and excessive bleeding.

6. Coagulation disorders and menorrhagia

Blood clotting disorders like Von Willebrand disease can prevent proper clotting, increasing risk of menstrual bleeding culprits such as prolonged and heavy flow.

What lifestyle can contribute to menorrhagia?

Stress, diet, and overall poor health can impact your menstrual cycle and also cause menorrhagia. 

Stress-related menorrhagia can occur when chronic stress disrupts hormone production. Similarly, poor diet and lack of exercise can make periods heavier.

Refer to our blog on nutrition and period health for tips to support your cycle naturally.

How can you manage menorrhagia?

The good news is that there are ways to manage this condition! 

If you are dealing with menorrhagia or other gynecological conditions, here are a few tips:

  1. Track your cycle to monitor changes in flow and duration. You can use the Asan Period Tracker to understand your menstrual cycle and get accurate predictions. 

2. Incorporate iron-rich foods in your diet to prevent anemia and menorrhagia.

3. Light workouts like yoga or walking can help regulate hormones and improve blood circulation. Read about the benefits of working out while on periods in detail here.

4. Eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals can support overall hormonal balance and menstrual health.

5.Staying hydrated can help your body manage heavy menstrual flow and reduce bloating.

6. Consider talking to a doctor about medical treatments.

Can a menstrual cup help with menorrhagia?

Although period products cannot regulate your flow, menstrual cups offer a great solution to menstrual discomfort as they provide high-capacity, leak-proof care for heavy flow. Unlike tampons or pads, they can hold more fluid and prevent frequent changes.

If you are experiencing heavy flow and looking for a reliable solution, the Asan Heavy flow cup could be a great option.

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Frquently asked questions

When should I see a doctor for menorrhagia?

If your period lasts more than seven days, soaks through a pad or cup in under two hours, or causes dizziness, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

Can stress cause menorrhagia?

Yes, stress-related menorrhagia can happen when high stress levels disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular or heavy periods.

Is menorrhagia the same as having a heavy period?

Not always. While many people experience heavy periods occasionally, common causes of menorrhagia involve consistent excessive bleeding that affects daily life during your period.

Does menorrhagia lead to anemia?

Yes, excessive blood loss can lower iron levels, resulting in anemia - which may cause fatigue and weakness.

Can medications cause menorrhagia?

There are certain medications, such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, that can also cause menorrhagia. 

If you suspect a medication is affecting your cycle, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider to get accurate information.

Can birth control methods trigger heavy bleeding?

Some birth control methods, especially intrauterine devices and menorrhagia can be interconnected, causing heavier or longer periods especially in the first few months of use.

Does menopause affect menstrual flow?

Fluctuating hormone levels can result in menorrhagia during perimenopause, making periods unpredictable and heavier than before.

Are pregnancy complications linked to menorrhagia?

Yes, certain pregnancy complications and menorrhagia can be linked. Occurrences of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy can lead to excessive bleeding. If you experience sudden heavy bleeding, seek medical attention.

Can thyroid disorders affect menstrual flow?

An overactive or underactive thyroid can interfere with hormone regulation, leading to thyroid disorders and further, menorrhagia. If you notice changes in your cycle along with fatigue, weight fluctuations, or hair thinning, consider getting your thyroid levels checked.

Can diet help manage menorrhagia?

Yes! A nutrient-rich diet can help regulate hormones. Read our blog on foods that you should consume on your periods.

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