How is heavy periods treated?

A clinician may ask about cycle timing, clots, flooding, pain, pregnancy possibility and medicines. Tests can look for anaemia and causes such as adenomyosis, fibroids, thyroid problems or endometrial polyps. Treatment may also need to address iron deficiency if blood loss has reduced iron stores. The right option depends on your age, plans for pregnancy, contraception needs and other health conditions.

Medicines may include tranexamic acid during bleeding, anti-inflammatory medicines for pain and flow, or hormonal contraception to make bleeding lighter and more predictable. If a polyp or fibroid is contributing, a targeted procedure may be considered. Endometrial ablation reduces the uterine lining but is not suitable for everyone and is not a pregnancy option. Myomectomy, uterine artery embolisation or hysterectomy may be discussed when structural causes or persistent symptoms require a procedure.

Arrange prompt medical help if bleeding is soaking through protection repeatedly, causing dizziness, breathlessness, faintness or marked weakness, or if pregnancy is possible. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, collapse or bleeding with a positive pregnancy test. Bleeding after menopause needs assessment even when it is light.

Ask which tests are appropriate, whether you may be anaemic, and how each option affects fertility, contraception and future bleeding. Ask what to do if the first treatment does not control the flow and which symptoms should trigger urgent review.