Why is my period so heavy this month? Is it normal??

In the two years that follow the first rule, it is frequent that it is not regular. They can be alterations due to absence or excess of period.

The importance of excessive bleeding, due to its intensity or its persistence over time, is that it can lead to anemia. Excessive bleeding during menstruation days is called metrorrhagia .

How can I tell if the bleeding during my period is too heavy?

Blood loss during menstruation can be abundant due to the duration and/or volume of bleeding. Both can vary a lot.

A normal period lasts between four and eight days. If it lasts more than eight days, it is a prolonged menstrual cycle.

Volume is more difficult to measure; an amount between 5 and 80 ml is considered normal. If the volume is greater than 80 ml, it is a heavy bleeding. It’s much more practical to know that 6 or more soaking pads a day is considered heavy bleeding.

I don’t understand my menstrual cycle… Why are my periods heavy?

The menstrual cycle is a series of changes in the ovary and uterus that are due to the action of sex hormones. They are repeated every 24-38 days. These sex hormones are perfectly coordinated. They are responsible for ovulation and the growth of the endometrium. The endometrium is the layer that lines the uterus. Receives and protects the egg if it is fertilized (pregnancy). If the egg is not fertilized, at the end of the menstrual cycle the endometrium sheds and bleeding takes place, which we know as a rule.

Most of the bleeding in adolescents are due to immaturity. In the two years following the first period, there is no ovulation in 55-82% of menstrual cycles. This causes the hormones to not be well regulated. The endometrium grows and grows in a disorderly way. By shedding a very thickened endometrium, it makes menstrual bleeding more abundant.

Other possible causes of metrorrhagia are: coagulation disorders and diseases that affect the functioning of hormones.

What important data do I have to know, if my rules are very abundant?

• Time elapsed from the first period to the appearance of the alterations.
• Menstrual calendar: the amount of bleeding and how long the cycle lasts.
• Since when do I have alterations?
• History of hemorrhages or bleeding in other areas: nose, gums, appearance of bruises.
• Family history of coagulation diseases or diseases that affect hormonal control.

When should I go to the pediatrician or my doctor?

– If the bleeding is very heavy and you feel very tired or pale. A blood test may be needed to rule out anemia.

– When the alterations last more than two years after the first period

– If you bleed in other areas.

Are explorations and studies necessary?

Generally not. Hormonal studies are not required.

If you consider the alterations to be important and you go to your pediatrician, they will make an adequate clinical history and physical examination. He or she will decide if further testing is needed.

What treatments exist?

Most cases are due to immaturity. So they get better on their own. No need to treat. It is advisable to take foods rich in iron .

If the menses are so abundant that they cause anemia, it is recommended to treat with iron.

Sometimes, when the bleeding is very heavy, prolonged and does not improve with the above, other drugs may be necessary. They should ALWAYS be indicated by your pediatrician or gynecologist. There are two types of treatment:

1. Hemostatic (antifibrinolytic): they serve to reduce bleeding. The days of heavy bleeding are taken. They should not be taken for more than 5 days.

2. Hormonal treatment: they reduce bleeding and help regulate the menstrual cycle. There are several types depending on the combination of hormones that the drug carries:

• Natural estrogen and progesterone. They are not contraceptives. Being natural estrogens they do not have the natural effects of chemical estrogens.
• gestagens. They are the hormones that appear after ovulation. Therefore, the treatment begins 15 days after having the period. Yes, they are contraceptives.
• Estrogen and gestagen. This combination is what is known as contraceptive treatment .

Hormonal treatment can be maintained for 3 to 6 months. Your pediatrician or gynecologist will tell you the treatment time and when to remove them.

REMEMBER

Heavy periods almost always get better on their own. If pharmacological treatments are necessary, they should always be indicated and controlled by your pediatrician or doctor.