There are several possible causes of menorrhagia, including the following:
*hormonal (particularly estrogen and progesterone) imbalance (especially seen in adolescents who are experiencing their menstrual period for the first time and in women approaching menopause)
*pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
*uterine fibroids
*abnormal pregnancy (i.e., miscarriage, ectopic)
*infection, tumors, or polyps in the pelvic cavity
*certain birth control devices (i.e., intrauterine devices, or IUDs)
*bleeding or platelet disorders
*high levels of prostaglandins (chemical substances which help to control the muscle contractions of the uterus)
*high levels of endothelins (chemical substances which help the blood vessels in the body dilate)
*liver, kidney, or thyroid disease
