Menorrhagia or Heavy Period
It is common among women to experience heavy blood flow and muscle cramps during menstruation. However, there are uncommon cases wherein women experience extremely heavy and unusually long periods. This condition is called menorrhagia. Menorrhagia can be a symptom of underlying issues, like thyroid problems, kidney disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, or liver disease. In addition, some instances, such as medications, birth control methods, and female cancers, can trigger heavy bleeding. However, menorrhagia is usually caused by hormone problems, which is very common among patients with PCOS.
Every month, the uterus thickens its walls to prepare for possible childbearing. The lining sheds during a woman’s period if implantation does not occur. However, the body can make thicker linings due to hormonal imbalance, resulting in heavy bleeding. In addition, patients with PCOS don’t ovulate regularly, and this can also disturb the body’s hormones, leading to thicker linings or walls and a longer period.
Patients with PCOS and menorrhagia may have to change their pads, menstrual cups, or tampons every hour because of heavy blood flow. Their period usually lasts more than three days, leading to excessive loss of red blood cells. This can make them feel exhausted, weak, and out of breath.
