What counts as heavy?
Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) means losing more than 80ml of blood per period, or having periods that last more than 7 days. In practice, if your periods affect your daily life — needing to change pads or tampons very frequently, flooding, or passing large clots — they're worth investigating.
Heavy periods are common but under-treated. Many women assume their bleeding is normal because it's always been that way, or because their mother had heavy periods too. But treatment is available and can be life-changing.
Common causes
Causes of heavy periods include fibroids (benign growths in the uterus), adenomyosis, endometriosis, polyps, thyroid disorders, bleeding disorders, and perimenopause. Sometimes no specific cause is found.
Heavy periods can also lead to iron deficiency anaemia — another reason to have them investigated. If you're feeling exhausted, pale, or short of breath alongside heavy periods, a blood test for iron levels is important.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause but may include the oral contraceptive pill, a hormonal IUD (Mirena), tranexamic acid (a medication that reduces bleeding), or anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, surgery may be recommended.
Your GP will take a thorough history, arrange appropriate tests (which may include blood tests, an ultrasound, or a referral for further investigation), and discuss the treatment options that suit your situation and goals.
Related condition
Periods & menstrual health →References & sources
- 1.Periods — Jean Hailes for Women's Health
- 2.Heavy periods — healthdirect
- 3.Menstruation — healthdirect
- 4.Heavy periods — Better Health Channel
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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