Services Obstetrics & Gynecology Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods can be disruptive, if not painful. Get treatment for your heavy periods at Hattiesburg Clinic, where we offer comprehensive OBGYN services throughout South Mississippi.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Overview

There is a wide range of what can be considered a healthy menstrual period. Menstrual cycles can vary in duration, flow, and symptoms among different individuals. While the average menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, cycles can range from 21 to 35 days. Similarly, some people may have lighter periods that last a few days, while others may experience heavier menstruation for a longer duration. However, if your period persists longer than seven days or you find yourself soaking through menstrual products frequently through the day, you may be experiencing menorrhagia, the medical term for excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

What is considered a heavy period?
What causes heavy menstrual bleeding?
Menstruation Matters at Hattiesburg Clinic
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What is considered a heavy period?

How heavy is too heavy when it comes to your period? To determine whether you may be experiencing menorrhagia, consider the following indicators:

Duration: A heavy period typically lasts longer than seven days.
Flow: The bleeding is significantly heavier than usual. This may involve saturating a pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours.
Clotting: While it’s typical to pass small or medium blood clots, passing large blood clots during menstruation is a common characteristic of menorrhagia.

Heavy periods can also cause or contribute to other symptoms, such as fatigue or weakness, severe pain, or anemia. If your heavy or abnormal periods are disrupting your daily life or preventing you from engaging in normal activities, discuss your concerns with a trusted gynecologist.

What causes heavy menstrual bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be a symptom of other medical issues. Common causes of heavy periods include, but are not limited to:

Hormonal imbalances or fluctuations in hormones
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Uterine fibroids
Adenomyosis
Endometriosis
Blood clotting disorders
Certain medications, such as anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory drugs
Underlying medical conditions like thyroid disorders, liver or kidney diseases, and certain types of cancer

To best determine the cause of your heavy periods, our knowledgeable physicians will ask about your personal medical or family history in order to identify to properly diagnose your symptoms. If you track your menstrual cycle, you can also share any deviations or trends you’ve noticed.

Menstruation Matters at Hattiesburg Clinic

With locations throughout South Mississippi, Hattiesburg Clinic’s OBGYN practices offer convenient, high-quality care for women experiencing any abnormalities in their menstrual cycles. We are committed to listening to our patients and identifying the best treatment option, and we offer a full continuum of care through easy outpatient clinics to advanced options at our Lowery A. Woodall Outpatient Surgery Center or Forrest General Hospital.

Request an Appointment

If you are an existing patient of Hattiesburg Clinic’s OBGYN practices and you have concerns about your menstrual cycle, please request or schedule an appointment through your Iris account. If you are a new patient suffering from heavy periods, please contact one of our locations below through our contact form.