Hi there. This condition is called Menorrhagia in medical terms. The important causes are :-
1. Unexplained - for half of all cases no cause can be found.
2. Contraceptive coil (IUD) - the coil can cause heavier, longer periods.
3. Injectable contraception (Depo Provera) - can cause heavy or prolonged bleeding.
4. Pelvic disorders:
o Fibroids - these benign (not cancerous) growths in the muscular wall of the uterus are a common cause of
heavy bleeding.
o Polyps - these benign growths of the lining of the uterus may cause heavy bleeding but more commonly lead to
spotting between or after periods.
o Pelvic inflammatory disease - an infection in the reproductive tract which can cause infertility and chronic
pain if untreated.
o Endometriosis - a painful condition in which the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
o Endometrial hyperplasia - thickening of the lining of the uterus, leading to heavier bleeding.
o Endometrial cancer - cancer of the lining of the uterus, causing heavy periods, bleeding between periods and
blood-stained vaginal discharge. Rare, but more common in women after the menopause.
5. Blood and hormonal conditions:
o Hormone imbalances - can stop ovulation (egg release) leading to build-up of endometrium and heavier
periods.
o Hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid gland can cause heavier periods.
o Blood clotting disorders.
o Use of anticoagulant drugs.
I would suggest you to visit your gynaec for a detailed evaluation. Best wishes.
