What were the U.S. poverty level guidelines in 2014? In 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., ranged from $11,670 annual income for a household of one person to $40,090 for a household of eight. The guideline increased by $4,060 for each household member after the eighth.
Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, or menorrhagia, are the most common type of abnormal bleeding from the uterus. Periods are considered heavy if there is enough blood to soak a pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours.
Determining the cause of long periods begins with a visit to the doctor. During a typical monthly menstrual cycle, a woman ovulates and her uterine lining thickens to prepare for conception. If pregnancy does not occur, the built-up tissue of the uterine lining is shed with the menstrual flow and a new cycle begins. Periods typically occur approximately every 4 weeks and last no more than 7 days. Sometimes, periods become especially heavy and last an unusually long time. Several things can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Possibilities include reproductive system problems and some nonreproductive disorders.