Why is my period heavy every month?

If you have heavy periods, you know your life often revolves around timing. You avoid traveling, going to the gym, or planning social events because you’re afraid of bleeding through your clothes. You’ve canceled plans at the last minute more times than you’d like to admit, and when you do go out, you have a backup outfit and extra pads or tampons. But did you know that heavy periods are more than a monthly inconvenience? They can also negatively affect your energy, mood, and overall health.

Over time, prolonged heavy bleeding could lead to low iron, leaving you feeling tired or dizzy.¹ Some women reach a point where doctors recommend blood transfusions. When your period lasts longer than seven days, and medication doesn’t help, you might start to believe this is just your reality.

It doesn’t have to be. 

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be a symptom of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), which has several possible causes. In this blog, we’ll cover those causes, the qualities of a typical period, and possible treatment options. Advocating for your health starts with understanding your body, so let’s begin.

What is abnormal uterine bleeding?

AUB is a medical term that describes irregularities in period frequency, regularity, duration, and volume. It’s different from heavy menstrual bleeding, which refers specifically to long, heavy periods. 

During a typical period, the total amount of blood lost is usually around 2 to 3 tablespoons for 4 to 5 days.² You might have AUB if you soak through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row, pass large clots, or have periods that last longer than 7 days.³ If your period feels unmanageable, it deserves attention, as AUB could be a sign of a more serious health condition. 

Why is my period so heavy?

The health conditions that can cause AUB are more common than you might realize. For many women, a hormone imbalance may disrupt their regular cycle and lead to irregular, heavy, or prolonged bleeding. 

Other culprits of heavy periods are noncancerous growths like uterine fibroids and polyps. These abnormalities grow in the uterus and may cause additional symptoms like bloating, frequent urination, and fatigue. Conditions like adenomyosis, bleeding disorders, and side effects from certain medications could also lead to heavy periods.³

No matter the cause, we know how hard it is to live with disruptive bleeding. The good news is you have treatment options for heavy periods.

How can I treat my heavy periods?

Treatment options for heavy periods depend on the cause and your personal goals. Medications like hormonal birth control, tranexamic acid, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may help control, lighten or even stop bleeding.³ However, medical management isn’t for everyone. 

When medication doesn’t help your heavy period, there are procedures that could be considered. A minimally invasive option that your doctor may discuss is endometrial ablation. The goal of this treatment is to reduce or stop bleeding by removing or destroying the uterine lining, which is the part of your body that can cause heavy periods.⁴

The NovaSure® procedure is a type of endometrial ablation that destroys the layer of uterine lining that causes bleeding with radiofrequency energy. The incisionless solution is quick and can be done in your doctor’s office. Many women return to normal activities the next day.

The NovaSure procedure, step-by-step

Before starting the procedure, your doctor will issue a pregnancy test to ensure you’re not pregnant.

1. Insertion

The cervix is dilated and a slender wand is inserted, extending a triangular-shaped netting.

2. Placement

The netting is extended to fit the size and shape of the uterus.

3. Ablation

Heat is delivered through the netting for about 90 seconds, ablating the lining of the uterus.

4. Removal

The netting is pulled back into the wand and removed from the uterus.

How do I know if endometrial ablation is right for me?

Endometrial ablation has helped more than 4 million women find relief without major surgery; however, it may not be the right option for everyone.⁵ Candidates are premenopausal women with heavy periods who aren’t looking to conceive. A conversation with your doctor can help you decide whether the NovaSure procedure or another option fits your lifestyle and health goals.

If you’re living with heavy periods that disrupt your life and don’t know where to begin, we’re here to help!

Better is possible. 

Get to know your period and what your symptoms might be telling you about your health by taking our symptoms quiz.

Use our physician finder to find a doctor to talk with about your symptoms or a surgeon who offers the NovaSure procedure near you.