Menorrhagia (Heavy menstrual bleeding)

Heavy menstrual bleeding, known as menorrhagia, is the most common type of abnormal bleeding from the uterus (womb). A heavy period is defined as enough blood to soak a pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours. It also may involve passing large blood clots during periods or needing to get up at night to change pads or tampons.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can interfere with daily activities and sleep, and the blood loss can lead to tiredness and shortness of breath. It may be caused by a hormone imbalance, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, a miscarriage, or other medical conditions involving the kidney, liver, or thyroid.

Why choose UAB Medicine

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers complete health care for women, provided by physicians and nurses who are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. Our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available.

As part of the UAB Division of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare, our program provides services ranging from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complex gynecological problems. UAB Medicine is an academic medical center that conducts clinical research trials, so patients may have access to promising new treatments not available elsewhere. Our physicians are always here for you, from your first routine gynecologic exam and delivering your baby to helping guide you through menopause.

Care Providers

Janeen Arbuckle, MD, PhD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Margaret Boozer, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Stefanie Fieno, CRNP Obstetrics and Gynecology Brian Gleason, MD Gynecology Kim Hoover, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Shweta Patel, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Chere' Stewart, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Audra Williams, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Ashley Wright, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology

Videos

Resources

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine Referral Form
• National Institutes of Health

Related Specialties

• Adenomyosis
• Dysmenorrhea
• Hysterectomy
• OBGYN Services
• Uterine Fibroids