Q:
What causes heavy periods?
A:
Often, the underlying cause of excessively heavy periods is not known. Many women experience heavy flow when the body's healthy blood clotting process doesn't function properly. The breakdown of blood clots occurs more rapidly than normal, causing excessive bleeding during menstruation.
There are several other causes, including:
- uterine fibroids (however fibroids often cause no symptoms)
- conditions in which pieces of the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus or into the muscle of the uterus (adenomyosis)
- hormonal imbalance
- certain birth control methods, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or birth control pills
- uterine, cervical or vaginal cancers
- chronic liver, kidney or thyroid conditions
- some medications, such as anti-inflammatory medications, anticoagulants and some hormones
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