What should you know about having a heavy period?

Heavy menstrual bleeding may involve needing to change pads or tampons very often, bleeding through clothes or bedding, passing large clots, or having periods that interfere with work, sleep, exercise, or usual activities. The pattern may begin after years of regular cycles or occur alongside irregular periods.

Possible contributors include uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, changes in the uterine lining, hormone-related ovulation changes such as polycystic ovary syndrome, or the transition toward perimenopause. Ongoing blood loss can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which may cause tiredness, headaches, paleness, a racing heartbeat, or reduced stamina.

Arrange an appointment if heavy bleeding is new, persistent, worsening, or disrupting your routine. Before the visit, note when bleeding starts and stops, how often products need changing, clot size, pain, bleeding between periods or after sex, and any medicines or contraception you use.

A clinician may ask about pregnancy possibility, examine you, check blood for anaemia, and decide whether imaging or further assessment is needed. Treatment depends on the cause and your pregnancy plans; options may include medicines that reduce bleeding, hormone-based treatment, or treatment directed at a uterine condition.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is very heavy and you feel faint, confused, unusually weak, short of breath, or have chest discomfort. Get prompt advice for severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain, bleeding during pregnancy, or bleeding after menopause. Do not drive yourself if you feel close to fainting.

Ask what might be causing the change, whether you need an anaemia check, which investigations fit your symptoms, and how each treatment could affect fertility, contraception, pain, or future pregnancy. Ask how to monitor bleeding and when to return if the plan does not help.