Back to glossary

Fertility Glossary

Heavy menstrual bleeding

Menstrual bleeding that is heavier or longer than typical, sometimes linked to fibroids, polyps, or hormonal causes.

Female fertility

Heavy menstrual bleeding refers to periods that are heavier in volume, last longer than usual, or both, to an extent that affects daily life. It can result from structural causes such as uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, or adenomyosis, from hormonal causes such as anovulation, or occasionally from bleeding disorders. Evaluation in a fertility context often includes ultrasound and sometimes hysteroscopy, because some causes of heavy bleeding, particularly fibroids and polyps, can also affect fertility or implantation and may need treatment before or alongside fertility treatment.

Also known as: menorrhagia, heavy periods

Sources

  • ICMR Standard Treatment Workflows (icmr.gov.in/standard-treatment-workflows-stws)
  • Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (fogsi.org)

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only โ€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Explore in-depth guides

Learn more with Antega's fertility guides and articles.