Women with abnormally heavy periods (or “menorrhagia” , to use the medical term) experience menstrual bleeding that is heavy enough to have a negative impact on their usual activities and quality of life- physically, emotionally and/or socially.
While in many cases no underlying cause will be found, some women may have heavy periods due to Adenomyosis, Fibroids or Uterine polyps. Uterine (endometrial) cancer can cause heavy periods but it is uncommon in younger women- it would be considered in women who are approaching menopause. Other causes include Endometrial Hyperplasia (abnormal overgrowth of the lining of the uterus), STIs (sexually transmitted infections), Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), blood-thinning medication (such as Warfarin), or certain genetic conditions which mean your blood does not clot properly. Heavy periods can also be a side effect of various types of contraception.
