Heavy or light flow? When can this problem become serious during periods, expert alerts

More or less bleeding during periods can be a different experience for every woman, but it is very important to understand it. While light flow can be a sign of normal hormonal changes, excessive bleeding i.e. menorrhagia sometimes indicates an internal problem. Often women consider it normal and ignore it, which can be detrimental to their health in the future.

Read Hindi has talked to Dr. Dev Raj Rai, who has been the General Secretary of IM, on this subject. He told that if the pattern of periods changes suddenly, bleeding is excessive or symptoms like weakness and dizziness are seen, then it is important to be alert. By getting the right information and doctor’s advice in time, not only can the problem be understood, but serious situations can also be avoided.

What is normal period?

• Every woman’s menstrual cycle is slightly different, but there are some general patterns on the basis of which it can be understood whether your periods are normal or not. Normal period usually falls between 21 to 35 days and lasts for 2 to 7 days. During this period, bleeding occurs so much that you have to change pads or tampons every 4 to 6 hours.
• Talking about blood loss, it is approximately 30 to 40 ml, which is equal to approximately 2-3 teaspoons. Along with this, feeling mild stomach pain, mood swings, fatigue or bloating is also considered normal.
• If your period remains almost the same every month and does not affect your daily life much, then it is considered normal.

When does light flow occur and its cause?

• Some women have very light flow during periods, which is called light period. Bleeding is less in this and sometimes only a condition like spotting occurs.
• There can be many reasons behind light flow, such as hormonal changes, stress, excessive exercise, weight loss or the effect of some medicines.
• Sometimes this is normal in the initial or last days, but if every time the period is very light and sudden changes are seen, then it should not be ignored.
• In some cases, it may also be a sign of problems related to thyroid, hormonal imbalance or reproductive health.

Why does heavy flow occur?

• When bleeding during periods is more than normal, it is called Menorrhagia. This not only causes excessive bleeding but also affects your everyday life.
• If you have to change pads every hour, bleeding continues for more than 7 days, or large blood clots are coming out, then it could be a sign of heavy flow.
• Apart from this, if you are feeling constant weakness, dizziness, breathlessness or fatigue, then it can also be a sign of anemia in the body, which occurs due to heavy periods.

Due to heavy periods

• When the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body deteriorates, the lining of the uterus becomes thick, which causes excessive bleeding.
• Formation of fibroids or polyps in the uterus is also a reason. These are non-cancerous lumps, which form in the uterus and can cause excessive bleeding.
• In conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis, cells like the lining of the uterus start growing in the wrong place, causing pain and heavy bleeding.
• Due to bleeding disorders, some women face problems in the process of blood clotting, which leads to excessive bleeding.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease caused by infection causes inflammation in the reproductive organs, which can increase bleeding.
• Some non-hormonal IUDs, such as the Copper T, can make periods more heavy and painful.
• Abnormal bleeding can also occur in conditions like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
• Blood thinners or some other medicines can also increase bleeding.

When is it necessary to see a doctor?

Heavy periods do not always mean a serious illness, but there are some signs which should not be ignored.

• If bleeding is affecting your everyday life
• If you feel very weak or dizzy
• If periods suddenly become too heavy or too short
• If there is bleeding between periods or after menopause
• If there is excessive bleeding with severe pain
• In any such situation, it is important to consult a doctor, so that the exact cause can be found out.

How is testing and treatment done?

If you have problem of heavy periods, the doctor may do some tests, such as blood test, ultrasound or pelvic exam. This helps in reaching the root of the problem. Treatment is decided based on the cause. This may include medicines, hormonal therapy, lifestyle changes or in some cases even surgery.