Heavy menstruation can be frustrating for any woman, especially if the cause is unknown. While only a doctor can accurately diagnose and treat the various causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, some of the most common reasons for heavy menstruation include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cervical or endometrial polyps. Pelvic inflammatory disease may also be a contributing factor. Birth control devices known as IUDs may also lead to heavy menstruation, and in rare cases the heavy bleeding could be due to the presence of endometrial cancer.
Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of heavy menstruation. Endometriosis is a medical condition that causes cells similar to those that normally grow inside of the uterus to develop and grow in other areas of the body. This can cause a variety of symptoms for the patient, including pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Hormone therapy and surgery are typical treatment options for this condition.
Uterine fibroids can sometimes lead to heavy menstruation. Uterine fibroids are tumors found in the uterus. These tumors are almost always non-cancerous, but pain and heavy bleeding are common symptoms. Surgical intervention is generally necessary if the fibroids become excessively large or begin to cause severe symptoms.
Cervical or endometrial polyps are among the possible causes of heavy menstruation. These polyps are small masses that may develop on the cervix or the lining of the uterus. Minor outpatient surgical procedures can usually take care of this problem.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a term used to describe an infection of the female reproductive organs. This condition is often caused by sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Antibiotics and pain medications are frequently given to combat this medical condition. If these treatment methods are not successful, surgery may sometimes become necessary.
An IUD, also known as an intrauterine device, is a type of female birth control device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. In some cases, this device can lead to heavy menstruation or pain. When this occurs, the device should be removed and replaced with an alternate form of birth control.
Endometrial cancer may be the cause of heavy menstruation in some women. The first line of treatment for endometrial cancer is generally a surgical procedure known as a hysterectomy, in which the uterus is removed. If a hysterectomy does not eliminate all of the cancer, other options, such as radiation or chemotherapy, are often explored. When detected in the early stages of the disease, survival rates for endometrial cancer are quite high.