How to Recognize the Difference Between a Heavy Period & Abnormal Bleeding

Menstruation is a part of being a woman, and everyone has a unique experience with periods. For many, heavy periods are the norm, while others have monthly bleeding that is easily managed. 

At Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom, we’re here to help you achieve the highest possible quality of life. Abnormal bleeding can pose a challenge, but treatments can help. Partnering with Timothy Phelan, MD, is a great way to determine the cause of your heavy periods and find ways to make your periods easier to live with.

Recognizing a heavy period vs. abnormal bleeding

Most women experience shifts in their monthly bleeding as they move through life. In general, your periods are likely more irregular during puberty and as you near and enter menopause. However, issues like pregnancy and changing birth control options can also alter your period. 

One of the easiest ways to identify abnormal bleeding is when your period is much heavier than normal. This can happen regardless of whether you normally have light or heavy monthly bleeding. 

Substantial changes could be a sign of a gynecologic condition, so if you have more than one abnormally heavy period, consider coming in for a diagnostic exam. 

Signs of abnormal uterine bleeding

If you normally have heavy periods, it can be a little more challenging to know when they’ve crossed the line into abnormal bleeding. Here are some possibilities:

• Bleeding for seven days or longer
• Bleeding at irregular times (more or less than 21-35 days apart)
• Bleeding through a tampon or pad within an hour
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after menopause
• Signs of anemia (weakness or fatigue)

In general, if your periods make you feel like you can’t leave the house or have to cancel plans, you should come in to make sure an underlying health condition isn’t causing you to bleed more than you should each month. 

Abnormal bleeding could indicate other problems

Abnormally heavy periods or irregular bleeding can point to many different health issues. Some of the conditions that could cause abnormal bleeding include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Thyroid disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Adenomyosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Certain gynecologic cancers

As you can see, changes in your monthly bleeding can hint at a wide range of conditions. That’s why it’s so important to tell Dr. Phelan if your periods are heavier than normal. 

If you live in or around Folsom, California, you can book a visit with Dr. Phelan and his team at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom with a quick phone call or a visit to the online booking page.