Do Heavy Periods Affect My Fertility?
Heavy periods can be a difficult and frustrating experience for many women. Not only can they cause physical discomfort and disrupt daily life, but they may also raise concerns about fertility. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the relationship between heavy periods and fertility and answer some common questions.
What are heavy periods?
Firstly, let’s define what we mean by “heavy periods.” Generally, a “normal” period lasts between three and seven days and involves a total blood loss of around 30-40 millilitres (or two to three tablespoons). Sometimes this volume can be more, if it is more than 80 mL it is considered a heavy period, also known as menorrhagia. This may include:
- Bleeding that lasts for more than seven days
- Soaking through one or more tampons or pads every 2-4 hours for several hours in a row
- Needing to double up on pads or tampons to manage the bleeding
- Passing blood clots larger than a quarter
- Restricting daily activities due to bleeding or having to wake up in the middle of the night to change the pad
What causes heavy periods?
There are several potential causes of heavy periods, including hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and blood clotting disorders. Heavy periods may sometimes be a side effect of certain medications or contraceptive methods, such as the copper IUD.
How do heavy periods affect fertility?
While heavy periods can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, they typically do not affect fertility directly. In other words, having heavy periods does not mean that you are less likely to get pregnant. However, some underlying conditions that cause heavy bleeding may impact fertility in other ways.
For example, endometriosis (a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it) can cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or affecting the quality of the eggs. Similarly, uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus) can interfere with implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage. In these cases, treating the underlying condition may improve fertility outcomes.
In some rare cases, heavy bleeding may be a sign of an underlying health issue that can affect fertility, such as thyroid dysfunction or a bleeding disorder. If you are concerned about your heavy periods or have been trying to conceive for some time without success, it’s important to speak with your GP.
How can heavy periods be treated?
The treatment for heavy periods depends on the underlying cause. For some women, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may help to regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce heavy bleeding. In other cases, medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal contraceptives, or tranexamic acid may be prescribed. More invasive options include endometrial ablation (a procedure to remove the lining of the uterus) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
While heavy periods can be a nuisance, they typically do not have a direct impact on fertility. However, underlying conditions that cause heavy bleeding may affect fertility in other ways. If you are concerned about your heavy periods or have been experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options for you. Book a consultation here!