Heavy periods (medical term = heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia) are common and may be normal. If they are affecting your quality of life – physically, at work or socially, then treatment may help.
A heavy period can mean:
- Needing to change your sanitary protection every 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Regularly soaking through your clothing or bedding – called flooding.
- Passing blood clots, larger than a 10p size
- Needing to use 2 methods of sanitary protection e.g. sanitary pads and tampons.
- Needing to plan activities e.g. work or social activities because of the amount you bleed.
- Sometimes you can feel tired because of the bleeding. This may be due to anemia (low iron in the blood).
Why Can Periods Be Heavy?
Although in about half of women who have heavy periods there is no cause found, it is recommended that you see your GP. Treatment can be discussed even if no cause is found.
What Should I Do If My Periods Are Heavy, or I Am Concerned?
In some women periods are so heavy that it stops them from doing their normal activities each month. If you are concerned that your periods are affecting your daily life, please complete the symptom checker listed below.