What is menorrhagia?
Menorrhagia is heavy menstrual bleeding. During a typical menstrual period, women lose approximately three tablespoons of blood over four to five days. However, people with menorrhagia may experience bleeding lasting longer than seven days or heavy bleeding that requires them to change their tampon or pad more than once an hour for several hours in a row.
Heavy menstrual bleeding might be common, with about one-third of women seeking treatment for it, but it isn't normal. It can disrupt your life and may indicate a more serious health condition. If you’re experiencing menorrhagia, talk with your women’s health specialist to find a solution to improve your quality of life.
Menorrhagia symptoms
It can be difficult to identify menorrhagia based on whether you have “heavy” bleeding because every person defines it a little differently.
You may have menorrhagia if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Doubling up on pads to keep from leaking
- Feeling exhausted or short of breath as a result of blood loss
- Heavy menstrual bleeding with clots the size of a quarter or larger
- Heavy menstrual flow that disrupts your life
- Needing to change sanitary pads or tampons overnight
- Periods that last longer than seven days
- Soaking through one or more pads or tampons hourly for several consecutive hours
When to see a doctor
If heavy menstrual bleeding interferes with your daily activities and causes you significant discomfort, talk with your OBGYN or primary care provider. Regularly losing excessive blood can significantly impact your health and well-being.
Your doctor can help find out why you are bleeding heavily. As some causes can be serious health issues, it’s best to check your symptoms for peace of mind.
What causes heavy menstrual bleeding?
Sometimes, the cause of heavy periods is unknown. However, several conditions can contribute to this issue, including:
Hormone imbalances
The hormones your body produces, like estrogen and progesterone, regulate your menstrual cycle and the heaviness of your periods. Imbalances in these hormones can cause the endometrial lining to build up excessively, leading to heavy bleeding.
Conditions that disrupt hormone production, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anovulation and thyroid disease, can interfere with ovulation.
Excess body weight can also affect hormone production and contribute to heavy periods. Discuss your ideal body weight with your healthcare provider to see if it may be a factor.
Medications
Birth control pills, implants, injectables, aspirin, blood thinners, and certain antidepressants can cause heavy bleeding. Women with a copper IUD may experience heavy bleeding during the first year of use. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about potential side effects.
Noncancerous growths
Benign growths in your uterus and conditions that cause abnormal cell growth can also lead to heavy menstrual bleeding. These causes include:
- Adenomyosis: In adenomyosis, endometrial tissue grows into the uterine wall. When that happens, pockets of blood may form or blood vessels may become damaged, and you may experience heavy bleeding during your period.
- Polyps: Polyps, or benign growths on the cervix or uterus, may cause menorrhagia.
- Uterine fibroids: Fibroids, or noncancerous growths in the uterine muscle, may lead to heavy periods.
Infection
Some sexually transmitted infections may cause bleeding from your cervix or vaginal wall, which may be confused with abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Pregnancy complications
Bleeding during early pregnancy may be confused with abnormal menstrual bleeding, especially if you do not know you are pregnant. Tell your doctor about any bleeding if you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant, as it can indicate ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Cancerous growths
Endometrial hyperplasia, a precancerous condition, can lead to menorrhagia. Other cancers affecting the reproductive system, such as uterine, cervical or endometrial cancer, can also cause heavy menstrual bleeding. This is why it’s crucial to speak with your doctor if you notice any changes to your menstrual cycle.
Other medical conditions
Other conditions may also cause heavy or prolonged periods:
- Endometriosis
- Kidney disease
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Von Willebrand disease
How is menorrhagia diagnosed?
To diagnose menorrhagia, you may have a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and lab tests. These may include a pregnancy test and tests for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Depending on your symptoms and age, additional tests may also be required.
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Medical history and physical exam
If your provider suspects you have menorrhagia, they’ll talk with you about your personal menstrual history, such as the age you had your first period and how many days your period typically lasts, along with how your periods affect you. They may also ask questions about your birth control method and the medications you are taking.
From there, your provider will perform a thorough physical exam and a pelvic exam or pap smear.
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Blood tests
Blood may be drawn to check for iron deficiency anemia. Your provider may also test for other conditions, such as thyroid disease or blood clotting disorders.
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Endometrial biopsy
During an endometrial biopsy, your doctor removes a sample of endometrial tissue and examines it under a microscope. Sometimes, hysteroscopy is used to guide this procedure. Another method for this test is a surgical procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C).
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Imaging
Imaging tests that can help diagnose menorrhagia include:
- Transvaginal ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to capture detailed images of organs and tissues in the pelvis.
- Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy involves inserting a thin scope through the cervix into the uterus to provide a view of the uterus.
- Sonohysterography: This is an imaging exam in which fluid is injected into the uterus through a small tube that passes through the vagina and cervix. Ultrasound technology is then used to capture images of the uterus to help identify issues with the uterine lining.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI may be used if an ultrasound doesn’t provide sufficient information about abnormal structures inside your uterus.
Menorrhagia treatment
Excessive menstrual bleeding isn’t something you have to live with. Multiple treatment options can help alleviate bleeding and provide relief from other symptoms.
The treatment your women’s health provider recommends will depend on the causes of your bleeding.
Medications
Initial treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding often involves medications, such as:
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Help reduce pain associated with periods
- Antifibrinolytics: Slow blood clot breakdown, reducing heavy flows
- Contraceptives:Especially IUDs, birth control pills and others, can regulate menstruation and reduce bleeding
- Desmopressin nasal spray: Helps stop bleeding for people with inherited bleeding disorders such as mild hemophilia and von Willebrand disease
- Drug-releasing intrauterine contraception: Regulates menstruation and reduces bleeding
- Hormone therapy : Reduces bleeding for women going through perimenopause
- Iron supplements: Treat anemia caused by replacing some iron lost through excessive bleeding
Minimally invasive procedures
Some types of heavy bleeding can be treated more effectively with procedures that can treat the heavy bleeding directly.
- Dilation and curettage (D&C): Your provider removes the lining of your uterus with a scraping tool inserted through the cervix.
- Hysteroscopy: Your provider removes fibroids that may cause heavy bleeding by using a thin scope inserted into your uterus through your cervix.
- Endometrial ablation: Your provider uses electricity, radiofrequency energy, heat or another method to destroy the tissue lining of the uterus to reduce bleeding during periods.
- Endometrial resection: Your provider removes the lining of your uterus to prevent menstrual bleeding.
- Focused ultrasound: Your provider uses targeted ultrasound to destroy fibroids that may cause heavy bleeding.
- Uterine artery embolization (UAE): Your provider blocks the artery that supplies the fibroids with blood.
You should not attempt to get pregnant following endometrial ablation and endometrial resection. Speak with your doctor to find the best option for you.
Surgery
If your heavy bleeding is severe or has a significant impact on your quality of life, you may need surgery. There are two types of surgery for menorrhagia:
- A hysterectomy, where your surgeon will remove your entire uterus, and you will no longer have periods or be able to have children.
- A myomectomy, where your surgeon will remove fibroids. You will still have periods, so this may be a better option if you want to have children in the future.
Find a specialized care for menorrhagia
The women’s health team at Baylor Scott & White is here to help you manage heavy menstrual bleeding. We offer several locations for comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options in North and Central Texas. We help you get care at a convenient location that fits your needs.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Rockwall
1005 W Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 115, Rockwall, TX, 75032- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Rowlett
9500 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 205, Frisco, TX, 75035- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Garland
530 Clara Barton Blvd Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75042- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Park Lane OB/GYN Associates
9101 N Central Expy Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75231- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Dallas
3920 Worth St , Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Women's Health Group
3600 Gaston Ave Wadley Tower, Ste 1158, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving
1901 N MacArthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 370, Grapevine, TX, 76051- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Grapevine
2040 W State Highway 114 , Grapevine, TX, 76051- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Waxahachie
2460 N Interstate 35E Ste 225, Waxahachie, TX, 75165- Monday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White OB/GYN Clinic - Waco
120 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Office Building 2, Ste 201-2, Waco, TX, 76712- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Santa Fe
1402 W Avenue H , Temple, TX, 76504- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple Professional Plaza II
1713 SW H K Dodgen Loop Bldg II, Ste 100, Temple, TX, 76502- Monday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Brenham Hwy 290
604 Highway 290 W , Brenham, TX, 77833- Monday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Salado
213 Millcreek Dr Ste 190, Salado, TX, 76571- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Harker Heights
907 Mountain Lion Cir , Harker Heights, TX, 76548- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway
2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 302 University
302 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Ste 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Pflugerville
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Ste 100, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Cedar Park
910 E Whitestone Blvd , Cedar Park, TX, 78613- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin North Burnet
2608 Brockton Dr , Austin, TX, 78758- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin
5245 West US Highway 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Lakeway
200 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda
5330 Overpass Rd , Buda, TX, 78610
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Marble Falls
800 W State Highway 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Marble Falls
810 W. State Highway 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Frequently asked questions
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Is menorrhagia dangerous?
Menorrhagia is not dangerous, but it can cause anemia, which has its own complications, including feeling very tired, heart problems and pregnancy complications. Also, menorrhagia could indicate other medical conditions so it's important to discuss with your provider.
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How can I stop heavy menstrual bleeding with clots?
Your healthcare provider will ask about the size and frequency of your blood clots and determine if there’s an underlying cause. Thyroid disease, polyps, fibroids, bleeding disorders and cancer can all cause heavy bleeding with clots. Based on their evaluation, your provider may recommend a medication or surgery.
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How long does menorrhagia last?
Any menstrual bleeding lasting longer than seven days is considered menorrhagia. However, women may bleed for longer if they have certain health conditions, such as coagulation disorders.
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Can menorrhagia cause infertility?
Yes, infertility is occasionally a complication of abnormal uterine bleeding. Some treatments for menorrhagia, such as hysterectomy, may also result in infertility.
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Can birth control help menorrhagia?
Yes, some women find that hormonal birth control can make periods lighter or more regular.
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Can heavy menstrual bleeding cause anemia?
Yes, heavy menstrual bleeding can cause anemia. This is one reason it is important to tell your doctor about heavy or long periods.
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Can I go to urgent care for heavy menstrual bleeding?
Seek emergency care if you experience acute abnormal uterine bleeding: You need to change your tampon or pad every hour for more than two hours, and you feel dizzy, lightheaded or have pain in your chest.
Understanding the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding may take time and several diagnostic tests. Your best guide through this process is a regular healthcare provider, such as an OBGYN.