Depending on your age, Menstruation and bleeding can alter quite considerably. If you are aware of what are the causes of heavy bleeding as well as what are the differences in bleeding, then you are more equipped to deal with this properly. So in the following paragraphs, I will outline some of the causes of heavy bleeding which will hopefully make you more informed.
You may be a young adolescent who has just started getting her periods. It is known that this is a time when it will be more likely that bleeding will be heavier. Sometimes side issues, such as low blood pressure, can occur and this needs to be dealt with by a physician.
Also as women age, it is normal that heavier bleeding occurs. In particular, the last few years of menstruation, this can be quite common.
Thirdly, heavy bleeding can be as a result of varying hormonal levels in the female body, depending on various factors such as mood, health and age.
After a woman has had a baby she will often experience heavy bleeding. This is known as lochia and is the woman’s body’s way of cleansing out the uterus and enabling it to return to its former size. It can be distressing as it is often accompanied by cramping and clots. Even though it is normal, it is still worth speaking to your physician about it.
Also, if you use an IUD, you could experience heavy bleeding. Some of the latest IUDs will actually lessen your monthly bleeding, while at times they can cause bleeding to increase. As well, some IUD’s create a situation where your period lasts for longer. Depending on the method chosen to prevent, an IUD can increase and lengthen your period.
Sometimes though heavy bleeding can indicate the presence of certain diseases or health problems and call for prompt consultation with your doctor.
One serious platelet disease called von Willebrand’s disease causes heavy bleeding. This can be accompanied by secondary symptoms such as nose-bleeds or blood in the stools or urine.
Also, other diseases such as Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervical polyps and sometimes lupus can cause you heavy bleeding during periods.
It is very important to mention these two following types of cancer which can result in heavy period bleeding. These are Cervical cancer or endometrial cancer and can be detected by a regular pap test. For this reason alone it is important to arrange for these check-ups with your physician.
In other words, heavy bleeding may be part of a normal change that occurs in a woman’s life, or it may be an indication of something more serious which needs urgent attention from a physician.
