When is Heavy Bleeding Considered Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

You may have heard that heavy bleeding is a sign of uterine fibroids. But how can you tell the difference between normal menstrual flow and abnormal uterine bleeding?

If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding due to fibroids, our team at Texas Endovascular is here to help. Seeking professional guidance allows you to be proactive about your reproductive health and overall well-being. 

Continue reading to learn what normal period bleeding should look and feel like, how you can detect heavy bleeding, and for answers to the question, “How long does bleeding last with fibroids?”

What is Considered “Abnormal Uterine Bleeding” (AUB) During Periods?

"Abnormal bleeding" during periods, also known as abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), refers to menstrual bleeding that deviates significantly from your usual cycle in terms of timing, flow, or duration.

Common Signs of Abnormal Bleeding

Here are the six most common signs of abnormal menstrual bleeding: 

1. Frequent or Irregular Menstrual Cycles (Metrorrhagia): Menstrual cycles that occur more frequently than every 21 days or irregular cycles that lack a predictable pattern.
2. Intermenstrual Bleeding: Spotting or bleeding between periods.
3. Passing Large Blood Clots: Passing clots larger in diameter than a quarter, especially when accompanied by severe pain or discomfort.
4. Bleeding After Menopause
5. Bleeding During or After Intercourse
6. Severe Pain: Painful periods are common, but severe menstrual cramps or debilitating pelvic pain during menstruation suggests an underlying issue is contributing to abnormal uterine bleeding.

Uterine fibroids, polyps, or adenomyosis could cause these symptoms, so it’s important to discuss your concerns with a health care professional.

How Much Heavy Bleeding is Too Much?

During menstruation, a volume of blood that’s "too much" can vary from person to person, depending on individual factors. 

We assess heavy bleeding on facts such as:

• Needing to change your pad or tampon every hour or less due to saturation.
• Having your period last for more than seven days.
• Passing large blood clots, especially those larger than a quarter.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to detect changes in your menstrual flow. So, for women who are struggling to determine whether they have AUB, this new app out of the UK could be helpful: called Joii, it’s designed to measure the volume of menstrual blood flow. It can also determine clot size, helping detect AUB sooner and allowing you to seek appropriate intervention.

Addressing AUB is important because:

• Excessive bleeding can lead to anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, paleness, and shortness of breath.
• Heavy bleeding can interfere with your daily activities, such as work, school, or social engagements.
• AUB can lead to embarrassment if you experience leaking or overflowing menstrual blood.

Remember, what constitutes "too much" bleeding for one person may be normal for another. But if you’re concerned about heavy bleeding during your periods, talk about it with your healthcare provider so that you can undergo further evaluation.

How Long Does Bleeding Last with Fibroids?

Fibroids can influence menstrual patterns in various ways. So the length of a period with fibroids can vary significantly from person to person. 

Many women with fibroids experience prolonged periods, going beyond the typical 3 to 7 days. But others will simply live with irregular menstrual cycles and unpredictable bleeding patterns. 

Fibroids can also cause spotting or bleeding between periods. Or you may pass large blood clots during menstruation. 

Fibroid Treatment Reduces Heavy Bleeding and AUB

If you’re worried about heavy bleeding, or changes in your menstrual cycle, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor. While everything may be normal, you’ll never know what’s going on with your body unless you speak up and get the care you need.

Simple procedures such as ultrasounds can often determine the cause of your heavy bleeding, providing an accurate diagnosis and allowing you to receive a personalized treatment plan. Then, if fibroids are the cause of AUB, you can request an appointment with our fibroid experts. When you come into one of our seven Texas locations, we can review minimally-invasive treatment options such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization.