How to make my period less heavy?

Heavy bleeding may happen because the womb lining is built up, the uterus contains fibroids or polyps, or the uterine muscle is affected by adenomyosis. Hormone changes around perimenopause and irregular ovulation linked with polycystic ovary syndrome can also alter the pattern. Blood loss may leave you tired, short of breath or dizzy because of iron-deficiency anaemia. A heavy period is a symptom, not a diagnosis, so the same treatment does not suit everyone.

Keep a brief record of bleeding days, flooding, clots, pain, medicines and whether bleeding affects sleep or daily activities. A clinician may review your history, check for anaemia and decide whether an examination, pregnancy test or scan is useful. Options can include anti-inflammatory medicine, tranexamic acid, hormonal treatment or treatment for a structural cause. Do not start someone else’s prescription or take iron without discussing the dose and cause of deficiency. Read about Heavy Periods and possible causes such as Uterine Fibroids, Adenomyosis, Endometrial Polyps, Perimenopause or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is soaking through protection repeatedly, you feel faint, have severe weakness, chest discomfort, trouble breathing or severe pelvic pain. Arrange prompt care for bleeding between periods, after sex, during pregnancy or after menopause. A clinician should also assess bleeding that is worsening, lasting longer than expected or causing symptoms of anaemia.

Ask what may be causing the pattern, whether you need an anaemia check, which treatment fits your other medicines and whether fertility or pregnancy plans change the choices. Ask when improvement should be expected and what signs mean you should return sooner.