Every woman occasionally experience menstrual bleeding that is more intensive than regular menstrual bleedings. Luckily, most often what they think is intensive is not intensive enough to be qualified as menorrhagia – abnormally intensive menstrual bleeding.

But how can we actually tell if the menstrual bleeding is intensive? The easiest method is to track how often you need to change the tampons or pads. If your menstrual bleeding is so intensive that you have to change the tampons or pads on every couple of hours or your menstruation lasts for a week or longer than you might be suffering from menorrhagia and these are the most common causes of abnormally intensive menstrual bleeding:

Fibroid tumor of the uterus

The most common tumors are so-called benign (non-cancerous) tumors and they usually occur in women that are in their thirties or forties. The reason for the appearance of uterine fibroid tumors is still unknown, but what is clear is that there is some kind of connection with estrogen levels. There are several types of surgery that can remove the fibroid tumors of the uterus (ablation, myomectomy, hysterectomy and uterine artery embolization). Progesterone was very successful in the treatment of this tumor in some women. If the situation is not very serious, the doctors usually recommend waiting until the menopause when the tumor is cut and pulled without any difficulties.

Lupus

This is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease that can appear on several parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. The cause of lupus is unknown, but some researchers believe that the genetic predisposition is the main factor for it and that things such as environmental factors, infections, stress, hormones, UV exposure and certain types of antibiotics can cause the formation of lupus.

Uterus Cancer

This type of cancer affects the inner part of the uterus (the endometrium). It occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably and can also affect other organs. This type of cancer usually affects older women. It is treated with hysterectomy or chemotherapy.

Cervical cancer

This type of cancer appears when cells of the cervix begin to grow uncontrollably. More than 20 % of cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It can be treated by removing the affected body parts or with extensive chemotherapy.

Cervical polyps

Cervical polyps are small growths that are usually benign and appear on the surface of the lining of the cervix. The cause of cervical polyps is still not clear but it is thought that they occur under the influence of increased estrogen levels or blocked blood vessels of the uterus. These polyps occur in women older than 20 years who have already given birth.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance during puberty or menopause is the most common cause of intensive menstrual bleeding. During puberty it occurs after the first menstrual period and several years before a woman enters the menopause. The level of hormones in the body significantly affects the entire cycle including the very period. It can be treated with therapy and medications.