Uterus has a lining inside known as the endometrium. In case a hormone imbalance occurs, the endometrium develops in excess and eventually sheds. A number of conditions can cause hormonal problems like PCOD, thyroid problems, insulin resistance, obesity, etc. The good news is that most of these causes are treatable. Meeting your gynaecologist is the only way to know the reason for heavy menstrual bleeding.

- Bleeding more than 7 days
- 1-2 pads or tampons every hour
- Need to change your pad or tampons during the night
- Need to double up the protection used
- Clots
- Lifestyle changes: Even stress can cause abnormal periods. It’s very common to see a change in menstrual pattern, change in night shift of job, household stress, post-delivery or childbirth and transition to menopause (peri-menopause).
- Medication: If you are on blood thinner medication for any reason it can cause a heavy menstrual bleed. Change in your contraceptive pills can change your menstrual cycle. Using a copper-T or hormonal IUD can cause heavier periods for 3-6 months after insertion. Talk to your doctor for assurance.
- Fibroids: Non- can cerous growth inside the uterus can range from a grain of sand to a large mass and can affect the size of your uterus. Your gynaec might recommend removing them to treat your heavy periods.
- Endometriosis: It’s a painful condition that causes abnormal growth of the uterus lining outside the uterus. It may cause short period cycles and heavy painful periods.
- Endometrial polyp: Excess hormones will cause abnormal growth of the uterus lining.
- NSAID/painkillers help reduce the amount off low during the menstrual cycle
- oral contraceptives pills
- Intrauterine devices (LNG -IUS) progesterone releasing devices over the years to help reduce the size of the fibroid and also irregular hormonal imbalance to give moderate menstrual flow
- Anaemia
- Fatigue
- Light headedness
- Poor quality of life
- Medical/menstrual history taken in detail by the doctor
- Blood test: Check for hormones by a blood test, amount of haemoglobin to rule out anaemia, a blood test to check for bleeding/clotting factors
- Pap smear
- Endometrial biopsy: Samples from the uterine lining will help see abnormal cells and also rule out cancerous tissue
- Ultrasound: Sound waves will check the dysfunction al growth of the uterus and blood flow being provided in the area to diagnose and then take a call about its correction.

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No, iron supplements do not cause heavy menstrual bleeding. On the contrary, iron supplements can help replenish the lost iron in the case of heavy bleeding. Iron deficiency is widespread in heavy bleeding during periods, which can lead to many other issues. Taking iron supplements can prevent such problems and improve overall health.
An imbalance between the hormones estrogen and progesterone mostly causes heavy menstrual bleeding. Periods are nothing but the shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy does not occur. Estrogen and progesterone are responsible for the formation of this uterine lining. In case of an imbalance in these hormones, the lining can become thick, leading to heavier shedding, thus heavier bleeding.
HMB – Heavy Menstrual Bleeding is just another name for Menorrhagia. Many women experience heavy bleeding during their periods. However, heavy blood loss is only referred to as HMB or Menorrhagia. This heavy bleeding can last more than a few days during a woman’s menstrual period.
Heavy periods refer to heavy bleeding during the menstrual period. Heavy bleeding can deplete iron levels, resulting in anaemia. Dietary changes, iron supplements, and hormonal birth control can help replenish iron levels. Iron found in animal products is more easily absorbed than in plant-based sources.