Heavy Periods: 6 Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses six causes of heavy periods that require medical evaluation. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing abnormal bleeding, such as passing clots or feeling exhausted, as heavy periods can indicate underlying issues. The six causes include uterine polyps, which are often benign but can be malignant if untreated; uterine fibroids, which can cause heavy bleeding and require surgical removal; adenomyosis, an inflammatory condition affecting the uterus; endometrial cancer, particularly in women with irregular periods; anovulation, which disrupts the menstrual cycle; and retained products of conception, which can cause heavy bleeding post-pregnancy. Dr. Crawford advises seeking medical evaluation for any significant changes in menstrual patterns.

Questions Answered:

What are signs of abnormal bleeding?

Why is it important to discuss menstrual health?

What constitutes a normal period?

What are signs of heavy bleeding?

What are uterine polyps?

How do polyps cause heavy bleeding?

How are polyps diagnosed and treated?

What are uterine fibroids?

How common are fibroids?

What treatment options exist for fibroids?

What is adenomyosis?

How is adenomyosis diagnosed?

Can adenomyosis be treated?

How does irregular ovulation relate to cancer risk?

What causes potential uterine cancer?

How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?

What causes heavy periods due to anovulation?

How can retained pregnancy tissue affect bleeding?

When should you seek medical evaluation?

What are the key takeaways about heavy periods?