Heart palpitations during a period

Some people notice a pounding, fluttering or racing sensation before or during bleeding. Period pain, poor sleep, anxiety, dehydration and changes in appetite can affect how strongly you feel your heartbeat. Heavy or prolonged bleeding can contribute to Iron Deficiency Anaemia or Anaemia, which may cause tiredness, breathlessness and a fast heartbeat.

A cycle pattern does not prove that menstruation is the cause. Tell a clinician when symptoms begin in relation to bleeding, how heavy the flow is and whether the rhythm feels regular. An ECG and blood tests may be useful; thyroid disease and Atrial Fibrillation are other possibilities to consider.

Keep a cycle and symptom diary, including bleeding pattern, pain, sleep, fluids, caffeine, nicotine and medicines. Rest during an episode and avoid driving if light-headed. If bleeding is unusually heavy, ask for medical advice about the bleeding itself rather than treating palpitations in isolation. Do not start iron supplements without advice about the cause and dose.

Get emergency help for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, confusion or severe dizziness. Seek prompt care for very heavy bleeding with weakness, a sustained fast or irregular heartbeat, or palpitations that occur outside the cycle. New swelling or breathlessness needs assessment, including for Heart Failure.

Ask whether you need a blood count or iron studies, how to assess menstrual blood loss, whether an ECG is appropriate, and which symptoms should prompt urgent care.