Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Causes and When to See a Doctor

Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is common and often treatable. Knowing the causes helps you decide when to seek help.

Common causes

• Uterine fibroids
• Adenomyosis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Polyps and other uterine conditions

Warning signs

See a doctor if you soak through pads or tampons hourly, pass large clots, bleed for more than a week, or feel tired and short of breath — possible signs of anemia.

Treatable underlying conditions

When fibroids or adenomyosis are the cause, treating the source — including with uterus-preserving options like HIFU — can dramatically reduce bleeding.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Suitability for any treatment is determined by individual assessment.