Heavy Menstrual Periods

In most cases, a single heavy period is caused by a temporary hormone imbalance. If the natural process of forming an egg and releasing it from the ovary ("ovulation") does not happen normally, a period may be delayed, unusually heavy, or unusually long. A cyst on the ovary can also change the bleeding pattern in a single cycle. The medical term for heavy bleeding from a temporary hormone imbalance is "dysfunctional uterine bleeding."

Sometimes treatment from your doctor is needed to help a very heavy period to stop. Contact your doctor if your bleeding continues to be heavy for longer than a week, or if you develop symptoms of dizziness or feeling faint.

Continue with this guide to learn about another possible cause of heavy periods.

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