Is This a Medical Problem?

Is my heavy bleeding a medical problem?

Complete this quiz about heavy bleeding.

Heavy Bleeding & Menopause

Heavy periods aren't necessarily a normal part of menopause

More than 7 million women in America experience a heavy menstrual cycle. Many of these women don't seek treatment, believing that a heavy menstrual cycle is a normal part of the aging process and of menopause. In fact, a heavy menstrual cycle is not normal and can lead to complications, including:

Living with Heavy Bleeding

Stop living with heavy bleeding.

A heavy period isn't normal.

More than 7 million women in the United States suffer with a very heavy menstrual period each month. This can have a major impact on their lives. Consequences of a very heavy period can include severe pain, fatigue, embarrassment, and iron-deficiency anemia. A heavy period may be caused by such conditions as fibroids, polyps, and hormonal changes.

What Causes Heavy Periods

What causes my heavy periods?

There are many potential causes for heavy periods, such as hormone imbalances, fibroids and polyps, infections, and bleeding disorders.

Normal vs. Heavy Periods

How do I know if my period is normal?

During your menstrual cycle, your body prepares for the possibility of becoming pregnant. During the first half of your cycle, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels rise and thicken the lining of the uterus to protect the egg released by an ovary each month. If an egg is fertilized, it will embed itself into the new thick lining of your uterus. However, if no egg is fertilized, your body sheds the excess lining over the course of several days in the form of menstrual blood or, your period.