Hormone imbalance – Too much or too little estrogen and progesterone can cause menorrhagia. Some women experience high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone. This can cause the uterine lining to thicken.
Underlying health conditions that can cause long periods include uterine fibroids, endometrial (uterine) polyps, adenomyosis, or more rarely, a precancerous or cancerous lesion of the uterus. A long period can also result from hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism) or a bleeding disorder.
Hormonal imbalance
Menorrhagia can be caused by an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone levels. Some women have elevated estrogen levels and low progesterone levels. This can lead to a thickening of the uterine lining, which often results in heavy bleeding.
Perimenopause may cause longer periods. This is due to fluctuations in the hormones estrogen and progesterone that take place during this transition phase before menopause. During perimenopause, your period may also start earlier or later than normal or be lighter or heavier.
Your body is producing less of the hormones that help you ovulate, so your periods can become irregular. Your menstrual cycle could become longer or shorter than usual. Your bleeding could also be heavier or lighter than normal. Some people also notice a change in their premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
Having long periods frequently can indicate one of several potential conditions, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. A doctor can help diagnose and treat these conditions. Often, taking hormonal birth control pills or switching the type of hormonal medication can help people find relief.
If you have bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days per period, or is so heavy that you have to change your pad or tampon nearly every hour, you need to talk with your doctor. To find out if you have menorrhagia, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and menstrual cycles.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is bleeding between monthly periods, prolonged bleeding or an extremely heavy period. Possible causes include fibroids, polyps, hormone changes and — in rare cases — cancer.
Menstrual bleeding might happen every 21 to 35 days and last 2 to 7 days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common. However, menstrual cycles tend to shorten and become more regular as people age.
Changes to your hormone levels
Young women often spot, or bleed very slightly, when they ovulate (release an egg from the ovary). It happens about 10 to 14 days after their period and is usually caused by a temporary drop in levels of the hormone oestrogen. This is quite normal.
Your periods may last longer than usual, and the causes can vary in different age groups. “Hormonal imbalance is the number one culprit in young adolescents. Whereas, fibroids and adenomyosis, pregnancy-related conditions, and infections can affect the menstrual cycle in adults.
Hormone imbalances
The hormones that your body produces, like estrogen and progesterone, help regulate your menstrual cycle, including how heavy your periods are. Having a condition that causes your hormones to become imbalanced can lead to heavy period bleeding. Causes include: Anovulation.
Bleeding disorders When the blood does not clot properly, it can cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Endometrial cancer Though rare, this cancer of the uterine lining is the most serious cause of prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Heavy periods are not usually a medical emergency. However, if a person is losing a lot of blood, and it is making them feel weak, dizzy, or sick, emergency room (ER) treatment may include medications to slow the bleeding.
Signs that you should contact your doctor include: Menstrual bleeding that last longer than 7 days. Passing clots larger than a quarter. Changing pads or tampons more than every hour.
Many common perimenopause symptoms are similar to menopause signs. For example, hot flashes may occur — when your body feels very hot for brief periods of time, and night sweats. Some people experience mood changes, anxiety, problems sleeping, vaginal dryness, and less interest in sex.
Low progesterone
Progesterone may be low if ovulation is not occurring regularly (or at all), or if your body can not build enough progesterone. Some signs and symptoms of low progesterone include: Long or heavy periods.
Estrogen levels rise and fall twice during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels rise during the mid-follicular phase and then drop precipitously after ovulation. This is followed by a secondary rise in estrogen levels during the mid-luteal phase with a decrease at the end of the menstrual cycle.
Perimenopause can begin in some women in their 30s, but most often it starts in women ages 40 to 44. It is marked by changes in menstrual flow and in the length of the cycle. There may be sudden surges in estrogen.