Women Menstrual Health: 5 Reasons You're Having Heavy Period Flow Than Usual

Every woman's menstrual cycle differs from one another due to a wide range of factors such as body type, hormones, and lifestyle among others. Periods can be painful for some women while for others it can be a smooth process. Your menstrual cycle might be regular or irregular and the period flow can be heavy or low, depending on several factors. A common amount of menstrual fluid loss per period is between 5 mL to 80 mL. While losing over 80 mL of menstrual fluid per period is considered heavy menstrual bleeding. Here are some probable reasons why you might be experiencing a heavier period flow than usual.

1. Changes To Periods

There can be frequent changes to your menstrual cycle after the menarche or pregnancy. In between these stages of life, you may experience a similar menstrual cycle and flow, however, there can be some changes if you don't ovulate each cycle. Sometimes, when you miss your periods, you might see heavy period flow post that.

2. Hormone Imbalance

A major reason for heavy period flow can be a hormone imbalance. The Mayo Clinic states that in a normal menstrual cycle, a balance between the hormones estrogen and progesterone regulates the buildup of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), which is shed during menstruation. If a hormone imbalance occurs, the endometrium develops in excess and eventually sheds by way of heavy menstrual bleeding.

3. Polyps

Also known as endometrial polyps, uterus polyps are growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus that expand into the uterus. They can cause irregular menstrual bleeding, bleeding after menopause, very heavy menstrual flow or bleeding between periods.

4. Adenomyosis

According to John Hopkins Medicine, adenomyosis is a gynecologic condition that causes endometrial tissue in the lining of the uterus to grow into the muscular wall of the uterus. It enlarges the uterus and may lead to very heavy menstrual bleeding.

5. Medications

Certain medications can cause heavy bleeding during your periods. Medications such as anti-inflammatory medications, hormonal medications such as estrogen and progestins, and anticoagulants such as warfarin or enoxaparin, can contribute to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, reports Mayo Clinic.

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)