What might heavy menstrual bleeding indicate?

Menstrual bleeding, particularly if heavy, can certainly be a cause for concern amongst women of all ages. In our latest article, Mr Hisham Abouzeid, a highly esteemed Manchester-based consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, outlines the most common causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, and tells us when women should start to worry about it.

What are the main causes of heavy menstrual bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding can occur due to a variety of different reasons. It can happen due to tumours, (benign tumours such as fibroids), swelling inside the uterus (polyps), malignant tumours, infection, haematologic disorders, or irregular hormone production.

Thankfully, in the majority of cases, heavy menstrual bleeding is not due to a serious condition.  

What are the main risk factors?

Women who are close to the menopausal age are at a high risk of endometrial cancer, or endometrial hyperplasia. Patients who suffer from postmenopausal bleeding are at risk of suffering from these conditions.

In other conditions, such as fibroids, the risk factors would include family history, and if women have to go to the toilet more than usual due to pressure in the bladder.

When should I worry about heavy menstrual bleeding?

It is certainly something to worry about when it is excessive enough to make you anaemic, or if you start to bleed between the menstrual periods as well.

What might heavy menstrual bleeding indicate?

It might indicate dysfunctional ovaries and a dysfunctional uterus, infection, inflammation, malignant cervical or uterine cancer, or fibroids.

Make sure you check out Mr Hisham Abouzeid’s Top Doctors profile today if you are worried about or have recently noticed heavy menstrual bleeding. You can book either a face-to-face or online consultation with him by taking a look at his Top Doctors profile.