Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding
The average woman has a menstrual cycle lasting anywhere from 21 to 45 days, with menstrual flow lasting three to five days. An orchestra of hormones, causing everything from egg production to ovulation to bleeding, directly controls the menstrual cycle. If the levels of any of these hormones increase or decrease prematurely, menstrual bleeding can become lighter or heavier or last for a longer or shorter period of time. There are several medical conditions that cause hormonal disturbances in this case; here are a few of the most common conditions that cause prolonged bleeding.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that causes endometrial tissue to grow outside of the uterus, usually on the ovaries, bowel, colon, rectum, bladder and pelvic lining. This condition is extremely painful and can cause anemia through excessive blood loss. During a normal menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus builds up in anticipation of conception; when this doesn't happen, the lining sheds along with its blood supply through the cervix as a period. With endometriosis, the lining---no matter where it is---will behave in the same way, causing bleeding and shedding. Symptoms of this condition are painful periods, premenstrual spotting, irregular menstrual cycle and pain with bowel movements.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects 5 percent to 10 percent of the female population in the U.S., according to The InterNational Council on Infertility Information Dissemination. It causes the ovaries to produce many small cysts, which may hinder egg production and ovulation. PCOS affects the hormones that control the menstrual cycle, especially estrogen. Because hormones fluctuate outside of the normal range with this condition, irregular bleeding is the most common sign of the disease.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid located within the ovary. Functional cysts are the most common of these. One type of functional cyst is a follicle cyst. Follicle cysts form when the sac doesn't open to release the egg inside of it; it continues to grow for one to three months and then goes away. Another type, corpus luteum cyst, forms when the sac doesn't dissolve normally. After the egg is released, the sac seals up and the fluid inside increases. These cysts usually go away within weeks, but they may bleed and cause pain. Symptoms of ovarian cysts are painful period, abnormal bleeding, weight gain, pelvic pain and pressure or pain in your abdomen.
Uterine Polyps
Uterine polyps grow on the inner uterine walls. Polyps are caused by the overgrowth of cells in the uterine lining. The most common signs of uterine polyps are prolonged menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, excessively heavy periods and infertility. During menopause, polyps can form and cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. After menopause, if polyps are present, they may cause light bleeding and spotting.
Considerations
If your cycles last less than 21 days or more than 45 days, or if they are heavier or lighter than usual, you should see your physician. If detected early, most conditions can be corrected with little cause for concern about long-term complications. With heavy menstrual flow, there is an increased risk of iron-deficiency anemia, so getting your blood levels checked is a good idea.
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