What should you know about heavy periods and heart palpitations?

Heavy menstrual bleeding can gradually reduce iron stores and red blood cells. Iron Deficiency Anaemia may then cause tiredness, reduced exercise tolerance, breathlessness or a pounding heartbeat as the body works harder to deliver oxygen. Dehydration during a difficult period can add dizziness or a faster pulse.

Palpitations can also have unrelated triggers, including stress, caffeine, medicines, Hyperthyroidism, low blood sugar or an irregular rhythm such as Atrial Fibrillation. Heart Failure is less common and usually brings other symptoms such as breathlessness or swelling. A symptom pattern cannot confirm the cause by itself.

Keep a record of bleeding days, how often you change menstrual products, clots, flooding, fatigue, breathlessness and the timing of palpitations. Arrange a medical appointment if bleeding is affecting daily life, palpitations recur, or you feel unusually tired or short of breath. An assessment may include a pulse check and blood tests for anaemia and iron status.

Drink regularly and eat iron-containing foods as part of a balanced diet. Do not start iron tablets or alter hormonal treatment without advice, because the right treatment depends on the cause of bleeding and your health history.

Seek emergency care for palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or collapse. Get prompt help for bleeding that is rapidly soaking products, persistent dizziness, marked weakness, or a racing heartbeat that does not settle with rest. Pregnancy or possible pregnancy changes the urgency and should be mentioned immediately.

Ask whether blood loss may have caused iron deficiency or anaemia, what is driving the heavy periods, which treatment options fit your plans, and whether the palpitations require an electrocardiogram or further tests.