Why Heavy Periods Can Happen During Menopause—and How to Stop Them

Dear MHI reader, 

Today, we’re going to explain why heavy periods occur during menopause and, more importantly, how you can take practical steps to stop them and regain control over your body and well-being.

Why Should You Learn About This?

Heavy periods during menopause, also known as menorrhagia, can disrupt your daily life and cause physical discomfort, fatigue, and anxiety. By understanding what causes them and learning how to manage them, you can reduce their impact and improve your quality of life. 

Unfortunately…

Many women suffer in silence, either assuming heavy periods are inevitable during menopause or not knowing where to turn for help. This leads to unnecessary discomfort and a lack of effective solutions.

Why Is This So Common?

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

During the perimenopausal phase, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate dramatically. This hormonal imbalance can cause the uterine lining to thicken excessively, leading to heavier and prolonged bleeding.

2. Uterine Fibroids or Polyps

Many women develop benign growths like fibroids or polyps during menopause, which can contribute to unusually heavy bleeding.

3. Bleeding Disorders

For some women, undiagnosed bleeding disorders may only become noticeable when menopause amplifies the symptoms.

4. Thyroid Problems

An underactive or overactive thyroid can impact menstrual cycles, causing heavier-than-normal bleeding during this phase of life.

5. Misconceptions About Menopause

Many believe heavy periods are a normal part of menopause, delaying them from seeking medical advice or exploring solutions.

You’re Not Alone—And There’s Hope

If you’re experiencing heavy periods during menopause, know this: relief is possible.  With the right knowledge and tools, you can address the root causes and find effective ways to stop the excessive bleeding.

Here are some steps you can take: 

1. Track Your Symptoms

Understanding your menstrual patterns is the first step to identifying the cause of heavy periods. Keep a detailed record of when they occur, how long they last, and the intensity of the bleeding.

Why this is important:

This is because your healthcare provider will rely on this information to pinpoint the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Examples:

• Record how many pads or tampons you use daily.
• Note any accompanying symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, or dizziness.
• Track other changes, like spotting between periods or irregular cycles.

2.  Consult a Specialist

The next step is to see a gynaecologist or menopause specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and provide tailored solutions.

Where Many Go Wrong:

Some women delay seeking medical advice due to embarrassment or the belief that heavy periods are unavoidable. This can lead to prolonged suffering and complications.

What to Do Instead:

• Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider experienced in menopause care.
• Ask for tests like blood work, ultrasounds, or biopsies if needed to rule out conditions like fibroids or endometrial hyperplasia.

Extra Tip:

Come prepared with your symptom tracker. This will help your provider make quicker and more accurate assessments.

3.  Explore Treatment Options

Once the cause is identified, work with your doctor to choose the best treatment. 

Options may include:

• Medications: Hormonal therapies (like birth control pills or IUDs) or non-hormonal treatments (such as tranexamic acid) can regulate bleeding.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Endometrial ablation or hysteroscopy can address issues like fibroids or an overgrown uterine lining.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and incorporating iron-rich foods can support overall health and minimize symptoms.

By following these steps, you can drastically reduce or even eliminate heavy bleeding. Imagine the freedom of living without the stress of unpredictable or debilitating periods—it’s within your reach.

Take Control Today

Heavy periods during menopause can feel overwhelming, but they’re not something you have to endure indefinitely. With careful tracking, expert guidance, and the right treatments, you can restore balance and comfort to your life. Take the first step today—you deserve relief.

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