Heavy menstrual bleeding — medically known as abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or menorrhagia / menomethrorrhagia — is one of the most common reasons women seek gynecologic care. It describes any bleeding from the uterus that falls outside of what is expected for your age or cycle — whether that means soaking through pads faster than you should, bleeding that lasts far too long, spotting when you least expect it, or periods that have simply stopped making sense.
Because bleeding patterns change at different stages of life, many women assume their symptoms are normal — or simply something to endure. They are not. Heavy, irregular, or unpredictable bleeding almost always has an identifiable cause, and most causes are very treatable once properly diagnosed.
Dr. Andrei takes a thorough, education-first approach to every evaluation. Her goal is not simply to manage symptoms, but to understand what is driving them — and to offer you a clear, personalized treatment plan that fits your life and your goals.
Related to Heavy Periods & Abnormal Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding can appear in several ways. Some women notice a gradual change in their cycle, while others experience a sudden shift. Common concerns that may prompt evaluation include:
- Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours
- Needing to double up on menstrual protection to prevent leaking
- Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days
- Passing large blood clots regularly
- Waking at night to change pads or tampons
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Periods that arrive too frequently (less than 21 days) or too infrequently (more than 35 days)
- Absent periods for 3 or more months when pregnancy has been ruled out
- Any bleeding that occurs 12 or more months after your last period (postmenopausal bleeding)
- Feeling tired, weak, or lightheaded during or after your cycle
- Bleeding that interferes with work, school, or daily activities
Not all heavy bleeding indicates a serious condition, but persistent or worsening symptoms should always be evaluated by a gynecology provider.
While most heavy bleeding is not a medical emergency, certain symptoms require timely evaluation. Contact our office as soon as possible — or go to the nearest emergency room — if you notice:
- Soaking more than one pad or tampon per hour for two or more consecutive hours
- Any bleeding after menopause (12 or more months without a period)
- Bleeding accompanied by severe pelvic pain, fever, or signs of infection
- Sudden, unusually heavy bleeding unlike anything you have experienced before
- Spotting after intercourse that occurs more than once
These symptoms don't always mean the worst — but they do mean you deserve answers quickly.
Lapeer: (810) 969-4670 • Rochester Hills: (248) 923-3522
Several gynecologic and hormonal conditions can cause heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding. Identifying the underlying cause is essential — because the most effective treatment depends entirely on an accurate diagnosis. Common causes may include:
Noncancerous growths of the uterine muscle are among the leading causes of heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. Fibroids range widely in size, and their location within the uterus often determines how significantly they affect bleeding patterns.
Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels affect the buildup and shedding of the uterine lining, sometimes leading to heavier, longer, or more irregular periods. Hormonal imbalances can stem from perimenopause, PCOS, thyroid disorders, or other endocrine conditions.
Small, benign growths on the inner wall of the uterus frequently cause spotting between periods, unusually heavy flow, and postmenopausal bleeding. Polyps are very common and highly treatable through minimally invasive procedures.
This condition occurs when uterine lining tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, sometimes causing heavy, prolonged, or painful periods. Adenomyosis is often underdiagnosed and significantly affects quality of life.
When tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, it can cause irregular and heavy bleeding, severe menstrual pain, and spotting between cycles. Early, accurate diagnosis makes a significant difference in outcomes.
PCOS disrupts ovulation, resulting in infrequent, absent, or unpredictable periods. Because ovulation does not occur regularly, the uterine lining can build up and shed unexpectedly — causing both missed cycles and sudden heavy bleeding.
Hormonal fluctuations in the years leading up to menopause commonly cause cycles to become heavier, longer, or less predictable. Thyroid dysfunction — both overactive and underactive — can also significantly influence menstrual patterns and cycle regularity.
Abnormal thickening of the uterine lining must be evaluated — particularly in women experiencing postmenopausal bleeding or heavy irregular bleeding after age 45. Dr. Andrei prioritizes timely and appropriate diagnostic evaluation for every patient.
Anticoagulants, some hormonal contraceptives, and clotting disorders such as von Willebrand disease can also contribute to abnormal bleeding. A thorough medical and medication history is an essential part of every evaluation.
Because symptoms can overlap between different conditions, an accurate diagnosis begins with a careful clinical evaluation.
for Heavy Periods
If you choose to schedule an appointment, your visit will begin with a careful discussion of your symptoms, menstrual cycle patterns, and medical history. Care at Lapeer Women's Health is led by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD, PhD, FACOG — with a focus on clear communication and education-first care at both the Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices.
We review your symptoms, cycle timing, and medical history to understand what may be contributing to heavy or irregular bleeding — without rushing to conclusions.
When appropriate, Dr. Andrei may recommend a pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasound, lab work, endometrial biopsy, or targeted testing to better understand why your bleeding is heavy or abnormal.
If treatment is needed, you will receive a personalized plan tailored to your diagnosis, your goals, and your stage of life — from conservative management to minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Andrei takes a stepwise, individualized approach — beginning with the least invasive options and advancing only when appropriate for your condition, your symptoms, and your goals.
For many patients, initial management focuses on understanding the underlying cause, monitoring cycle patterns, and addressing contributing factors such as iron deficiency or thyroid imbalance.
Hormonal treatments are highly effective at regulating and reducing heavy menstrual bleeding. Dr. Andrei recommends the approach best suited to your age, reproductive goals, and diagnosis.
When conservative and medical options are not sufficient — or when a structural abnormality is identified — Dr. Andrei offers advanced surgical treatments with a strong emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques.
Many women experience changes in their menstrual cycles at different stages of life. While heavy periods can be frustrating and disruptive, most underlying causes are very treatable once identified.
Understanding the cause of your symptoms is the first step toward finding solutions that improve comfort, health, and quality of life.
Dr. Ramona D. Andrei and the team at Lapeer Women's Health are committed to compassionate gynecology care that helps patients better understand their health and the options available to them — at both the Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices.
Heavy Periods & Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
If heavy periods are affecting your quality of life, our team at Lapeer Women's Health is here to help with compassionate, personalized care at both our Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices.
Schedule a Gynecologic VisitThe information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ramona D. Andrei or Lapeer Women's Health. Individual symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options vary. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.