Heavy Periods: Could It Be Endometriosis?

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be puzzling. Sometimes it’s just a bad month, but other times it may point to an underlying condition like endometriosis. That’s when you need to seek answers beyond basic pain relief. 

At North Atlanta OB/GYN, our expert team partners with patients to delve into the reasons behind heavy cycles and find effective treatment. 

If your periods are heavier or more painful than usual, this guide will help you spot the warning signs, explore possible causes, and learn how we at North Atlanta OB/GYN can support you in restoring balance and well-being.

What counts as a heavy period?

It’s not unusual for menstrual flow to shift slightly from month to month. But there are signs that indicate your bleeding has crossed into abnormal territory:

• Passing clots larger than a quarter
• Bleeding through pads or tampons at night
• Periods lasting over seven days
• Flow so heavy it limits your daily activities
• Soaking pads or tampons every hour for several hours

Excessive bleeding can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause shortness of breath and low energy. It can force you to rethink social plans and make changes to your regular schedule. 

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to talk to a specialist who can evaluate you.

Reasons behind heavy bleeding

Several factors can make your flow heavy. Common issues include:

• Hormonal imbalances 
• Uterine fibroids 
• Uterine polyps
• Certain types of IUDs
• Medications like blood thinners
• Liver or kidney disease
• Pregnancy complications
• Rarely, uterine or cervical cancer

Endometriosis is one of the most common causes, and fortunately, it’s treatable. It occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This leads to inflammation and pain.

Endometriosis explained

Endometriosis impacts approximately 11% of women during their reproductive years. This condition causes endometrial-like tissue to implant beyond the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. In addition to heavy bleeding, you may experience:

• Debilitating menstrual cramps
• Pain during intercourse
• Prolonged periods
• Pelvic pressure or bloating
• Digestive issues
• Occasional nausea or fatigue

The exact cause remains unknown, but theories include retrograde menstruation (when menstrual material flows backward into the pelvic cavity) or cellular changes influenced by hormones. Though it can affect fertility, endometriosis is treatable with tailored care.

How we diagnose and manage endometriosis

If symptoms and imaging suggest endometriosis, we may recommend minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to confirm the diagnosis and remove problematic tissue.

Treatment plans often begin with conservative methods like anti-inflammatory medications, NSAIDs, or short-term hormonal birth control to regulate your cycle. 

If symptoms persist or fertility is a concern, we may recommend advanced treatments like hormone therapy, targeted ovarian suppression, or minimally invasive excision surgery.

Empowering your path forward

You deserve long-term relief and the confidence that comes with knowing your body is supported. At North Atlanta OB/GYN, our team is dedicated to developing compassionate, individualized care plans that prioritize your comfort, health, and life goals.

If you’ve been dealing with heavy, painful periods, don’t wait for things to get worse. To learn more or to request an appointment, contact us at one of our three locations in Atlanta, Alpharetta, or Marietta, Georgia.