Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: What You Need To Know?

Keeping oneself informed should be a given when it comes to the menstruation cycle.

For example, a wide range of medical conditions can cause prolonged menstrual bleeding that we should know about. These include:

• Endometrial cancer – Although rare, this uterine lining cancer may be the most severe cause of prolonged menstrual bleeding.

• Bleeding disorders – It causes heavy menstrual bleeding when the blood doesn’t clot properly.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Women experiencing PCOS almost always get prolonged periods due to changing hormones.

• Thyroid disease – Unhealthy levels of thyroid hormone can also cause periods to be longer than is considered normal.

• Intrauterine Device (IUD) – A copper IUD may cause heavier menstrual bleeding, especially during the first year.

• Endometriosis – In addition to excessive bleeding, endometriosis also causes significant pain.

• Endometrial hyperplasia – An excess level of the hormone ‘estrogen’ can be a cause of concern for prolonged periods.

• Uterine fibroids – Also referred to as ‘leiomyoma,’ uterine fibroids often lead to heavy bleeding, causing the menstruation cycle to last longer than a week.