Periods arrive in different sizes and shapes. Different women experience them differently — for some, it may be light and unproblematic, while for others, it could be painful and heavy, and in rare cases, may require a laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery. Now, what if you experience a sudden change in your periods from light to a heavier one? Well, several reasons can cause a sudden change in the pattern and intensity of your periods.
It is important to have an open discussion if you experience a sudden change in your pattern. After all, only highlighting your problem can provide you with the right solution. Plus, there is no point in prolonging heavy painful periods, as gradually, they will start to affect your personal life and routine. So, let us check out the common reasons for heavy painful periods.
Changes in weight
Weight gain has a significant influence on how heavy the monthly periods would be. It happens because the fat cells in your body hold on to estrogen, which gets released all over the body. This results in the dominance of the estrogen hormone throughout the body, affecting your normal menstrual cycle. This dominance is usually characterized by mood swings, painful breasts, heavy periods, bloating and irritability.
Similarly, huge weight loss can result in the shortage of the hormone estrogen, which could result in various symptoms like light and infrequent periods, and low mood, which could also become a problem.
Medications
Medications usually come with side effects. However, certain medications can cause your periods to become heavier. The list includes:
- Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are generally recommended to prevent the formation of blood clots. However, this effect mostly leads to heavy periods than normal.
- Aspirin
Aspirin is used as a medication for several ailments, but it is most notably used as pain relief during periods. Many women are known to use it to reduce their cramps during periods. Aspirin, however, comes with blood-thinning properties and contributes to heavy periods.
PMS
PMS or premenstrual syndrome is generally described with a wide variety of symptoms, such as painful periods, fluid retention, heavy periods and irritability. Unfortunately, the true causes of PMS are still unclear. It is believed that PMS occurs mostly due to the imbalance in the estrogen and progesterone hormone levels in your body. It is also linked with stress and diet, and these factors are known to worsen the symptoms of heavy periods and painful periods.
Underlying condition
Sudden heavy painful periods can be a symptom of an underlying condition which persists undetected. Therefore, do not attempt to self-diagnose and self-medicate. If you experience sudden heavy periods, then visit your nearest private gynaecologist for diagnosis and treatment. The list of underlying conditions that can cause sudden heavy periods are:
- Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)
DUB is a very common condition which usually occurs due to the hormonal imbalance within the body. This condition can result in bleeding even outside the regular menstruation period and even cause heavy bleeding. It occurs at any time during the reproductive years of the women. However, it is commonly observed after 40 years. And you have to seek treatment for heavy painful periods.
- Uterine fibroids
Fibroids are tissue outgrowths that develop inside or around the uterus. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous. The reason for such outgrowths is unclear. However, these growths could be attributed to the lower estrogen levels in the body. This condition is common among fertile women. Uterine fibroids cause heavy periods, constipation and extreme pain.
- Underactive thyroid
When the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate thyroid hormones, it results in a condition called underactive thyroid. The symptoms of the ailment include depression, weight gain and tiredness. The most symptom is heavy and painful periods.
Change in Birth control measures
- Contraceptive pill and patch
The use of a contraceptive pill or patch usually lightens the flow during periods. And if you stop using the contraceptives, then you could experience heavy periods than normal.
- The coil
The coil is a commonly used contraceptive Intrauterine Device or IUD for birth control. This contraceptive IUD is inserted into the uterus by the private gynaecologist to prevent unwanted pregnancy. This IUD is effective and could last for many years. However, it comes with an inevitable side effect — heavy painful periods.
The side effect, however, is a temporary issue, and things would go back to normal after some menstrual cycles. This is because your body requires some time to adjust to the new contraception when it is introduced to your body.
These are some of the common reasons for heavy periods. If you experience any such symptoms, then you must seek treatment for heavy painful periods from a private gynaecologist. After all, they will help relieve you of the immense pain and suffering that you have to endure every month during your periods.
If you are searching for more information on laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery, then you must visit the Well Women Clinic today.
