What could be causing my heavy periods?

Causes | What to do About Heavy Periods

There are many potential causes of heavy periods such as:

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances may be a cause of heavy periods. Such imbalances may be of estrogen or progesterone, or a thyroid hormone disorder such has an underactive or overactive thyroid. Hormonal imbalances are common, especially when a woman is beginning or ending her reproductive years. See treatment options.

Fibroids & Polyps

Abnormal growths such as polyps or fibroids inside your uterus, which may be removed if they are causing uncomfortable symptoms.

Infections

Infections of the uterus or cervix, which can be treated with antibiotics.

Bleeding Disorders

Disorders that impair blood clotting (thickening of the blood to slow or stop its flow). See treatment options.

Women at higher risk for heavy periods include:

  • Women who are overweight
  • Women who have hormonal imbalances
  • Women who have never been pregnant
  • Women over 35

To determine the cause of your heavy periods, talk to your doctor.

If you are concerned that you are experiencing heavy periods, it is time to do something about it.

The content of this website has been reviewed by an advisory board of physicians that includes: Royce T. Adkins, MD, FACOG; Christian S. Pope, DO, FACOG; James B. Presthus, MD; Scott Schade, MD, FACOG.and Crystal Strickland, MD, FACOG.