What causes prolonged and excessive menstrual bleeding?

Generally, prolonged and persistent menstrual bleeding may be caused by poor eating habits, high mental stress, exposure to cold during menstruation, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Eating Habits

Irregular eating habits, such as binge eating, excessive dieting, or picky eating, may lead to malnutrition or over-nutrition, thereby prolonging the menstrual cycle and causing prolonged, continuous menstrual bleeding. A balanced diet should be maintained, avoiding binge eating or excessive dieting, with adequate intake of iron, protein, and vitamin-rich foods.

2. High Mental Stress

Long-term mental stress or physical fatigue may affect hormone secretion and disrupt the menstrual cycle, resulting in prolonged menstrual bleeding. Lifestyle adjustments are recommended, ensuring sufficient rest, and stress can be relieved through activities such as walking, traveling, or reading.

3. Exposure to Cold During Menstruation

Inadequate warmth protection during menstruation or daily life—such as wearing belly-exposing clothing, taking cold showers, or consuming cold foods and drinks—may cause the body to become chilled, impairing blood circulation and contraction function of the uterus, leading to prolonged periods and abnormal menstrual flow. Attention should be paid to staying warm and getting adequate rest.

4. Endometriosis

Endometriosis may result from long-term alcohol consumption, high psychological stress, sexual intercourse during menstruation, and other factors. The displaced endometrial tissue undergoes cyclical bleeding under hormonal influence, but the blood cannot be discharged normally, triggering inflammatory responses and causing abnormal, prolonged menstrual bleeding. This condition may be accompanied by symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and painful intercourse. Treatment may include medications such as progesterone injection, ibuprofen tablets, or dydrogesterone tablets, as directed by a physician.

5. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are usually caused by genetic factors, poor eating habits, and hormonal imbalances. As fibroids increase the size of the uterus, they interfere with the normal shedding of the endometrium, causing the aforementioned symptoms, often accompanied by abdominal bloating and pressure. Medications such as mifepristone capsules, guizhi fuling capsules, or tamoxifen citrate tablets may be used under a doctor’s guidance for treatment.

Regular moderate exercise can help improve physical fitness and immunity, promoting blood circulation and metabolism. Frequent changing of sanitary pads and maintaining external genital cleanliness and dryness are also important to prevent infection.