I knew something was wrong in my early twenties when I started bleeding through my pants during my period even though I was wearing a tampon and an overnight pad.

When I asked my doctor why are my periods so heavy all of a sudden, she did some tests and discovered that I had fibroids. 

The non-cancerous tumors on my ovaries were making my periods heavy and, frankly, unbearable.

Although the fibroids were (and still are) a pain to deal with, I felt some relief knowing the cause of my long and heavy periods. 

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why are my periods so heavy all of a sudden?” you’re not alone.

If your period is heavy all of a sudden, it’s important to get to your doctor to find out exactly what’s going on.

There are a number of causes for increased bleeding, and ignoring it could lead to more health issues. 

Why is my period heavy all of a sudden?

These are some of the potential causes of a heavier-than-normal period:

1. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that can develop in our uterus.

They can cause long, heavy periods and even pain, pressure, or bloating.

In addition to the heavy bleeding I experienced with my fibroids, my stomach was extended like I was pregnant!

If you think fibroids might be the cause, your doctor can perform an ultrasound to find out.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an often misunderstood condition that can affect a woman’s fertility, menstrual cycle, and overall health.

It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, usually on other organs in your pelvic region.

This misplaced tissue thickens and breaks down during each menstrual cycle, causing intense pain, heavy periods, and possible reproductive issues.

Treatment options may include hormones or surgical interventions depending on the severity of symptoms.

3. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can be the cause of heavy periods.

An overproduction of estrogen or a lack of progesterone can cause our periods to become heavier than normal.

This can be due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or certain medications.

If you think hormones might be the cause, your doctor can run some tests to find out.

4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, and excessive hormones, which can lead to acne and hair growth on the face or body, as well as cysts on your ovaries.

These symptoms can all contribute to excessive bleeding during your periods.

If you think that PCOS may be the cause of your heavy menstrual flow, it’s important to talk to a medical professional about your concerns and get tested for diagnosis.

Treatment for PCOS may include birth control pills to regulate hormone levels and reduce acne breakouts, or other medications like metformin to reduce androgen levels in the body.

5. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a popular form of birth control, but they can also cause heavy periods in some women.

If you’ve recently had an IUD inserted and are now experiencing heavy bleeding, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor to find out if the IUD is the cause.

Talk to your doctor

If you’re wondering “Why are my periods so heavy all of a sudden?” the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor.

They can perform a physical exam and any necessary tests to find out what’s going on.

Don’t ignore heavy periods or assume they’re just a normal part of life.

Taking control of our menstrual health is important for our overall health and well-being.