Heavy, painful periods (menorrhagia) are a common issue that can significantly affect daily life. They can cause fatigue, anemia, and severe cramping, interfering with work, school, and personal activities.
Causes of Heavy, Painful Periods
- Hormonal imbalances (excess estrogen, low progesterone)
- Uterine fibroids or polyps
- Adenomyosis (endometrial tissue growing into the uterine wall)
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Blood clotting disorders
- Intrauterine device (IUD) use
Symptoms of Heavy, Painful Periods
- Bleeding lasting more than 7 days
- Soaking through pads or tampons every 1–2 hours
- Passing large blood clots
- Severe cramping and pelvic pain
- Fatigue and weakness due to blood loss
Treatment Options
- Hormonal birth control (pills, patches, IUDs)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
- Tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding
- Iron supplements for anemia
- Endometrial ablation (removal of the uterine lining)
- Myomectomy (removal of fibroids)
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in severe cases
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes heavy, painful periods?
Heavy, painful periods can be caused by hormonal imbalances, fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, and underlying health conditions.
2. How do I know if my period is too heavy?
If you soak through a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours or your period lasts more than 7 days, it’s considered heavy bleeding.
3. Can stress cause heavy periods?
Stress can affect hormone levels, which may lead to irregular or heavier periods.
4. Are heavy, painful periods normal after childbirth?
It’s common for periods to be heavier or more painful after childbirth, but severe symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
5. What medications can help with heavy, painful periods?
Hormonal birth control, NSAIDs, and tranexamic acid are commonly used to manage heavy periods.
6. When should I see a doctor about heavy periods?
See a doctor if your period lasts more than 7 days, you pass large clots, or you feel weak and fatigued.
7. Can heavy, painful periods affect fertility?
Yes, underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids that cause heavy periods can affect fertility.