How Heavy Is Too Heavy? When to Seek Help for Abnormal Bleeding

The CDC reports that heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most common issues women report to their OB/GYN, affecting more than 10 million women yearly. Heavy bleeding could be a regular part of your menstrual cycle, or it may signal a more serious problem.

Heavy bleeding is a concern when it's excessive, but what constitutes excessive bleeding? If you're concerned about abnormal vaginal bleeding or heavy menstruation, Dr. Darin L. Weyhrich offers expert obstetrics and gynecology services in Boise, Idaho.

Dr. Weyhrich provides treatments for issues like endometriosis and fibroids, both of which can lead to heavy or abnormal bleeding.

What causes heavy bleeding?

Vaginal bleeding is something every woman experiences at some point — it's a part of life. But vaginal bleeding shouldn't be so heavy or abnormal that you can't go about normal daily activities.

Heavy vaginal bleeding happens for many reasons, some more concerning than others. The most prevalent causes of abnormally heavy bleeding include the following:

• PCOS
• Ovulation problems
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Adenomyosis
• Hormonal birth control (both a potential cause and treatment)
• Bleeding disorders
• Cancer
• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy

Some abnormal bleeding may occur for a month and resolve on its own. However, if heavy menstruation continues and happens with other symptoms, it's vital to seek help. Heavy bleeding that persists could be a sign of a condition that requires treatment.

Signs vaginal bleeding is too heavy

What some women perceive as heavy vaginal bleeding may simply be heavy for them, but not sufficient to warrant concern. Any bleeding that deviates from your usual cycle should raise a red flag.

But how much bleeding is too much? The following are signs that you're bleeding too much during or between your cycles:

• Pass blood clots larger than a quarter
• Have to wear more than one pad to control menstruation
• Need to change a tampon or pad in less than two hours
• Have bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour
• Need to change tampons or pads overnight
• Menstruation that lasts more than seven consecutive days
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping during your periods
• You're constantly fatigued and lack normal energy
• You can't do the things you love due to heavy bleeding

One or more of these signs should prompt you to monitor your periods and any unusual bleeding. If it forms a pattern, it's wise to seek assistance and schedule a pelvic exam at our office.

Getting help for abnormal bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding can be alarming, and recognizing when to seek treatment is crucial for your health. Heavy bleeding isn't always simply your body shedding its uterine lining — it may also indicate a more serious issue.

Anytime you're unsure of heavy bleeding, you should seek treatment with our team. If you're not sure when heavy bleeding is too much, follow these guidelines for seeking medical care:

• Soaking through pads and tampons hourly for at least two hours
• Bleeding accompanied by severe abdominal pain
• Symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out
• Bleeding with pregnancy
• Bleeding with a fever or vaginal discharge
• Heavy or any bleeding after menopause

You should also seek medical care if you experience any symptoms of anemia. Increasing fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness are all signs of anemia associated with heavy vaginal bleeding.

Call our office in Boise, Idaho, today to discuss abnormal vaginal bleeding, or book an appointment online to see Darin L. Wehyrich, MD.