How to prevent heavy periods?

Heavy menstrual bleeding can involve soaking through protection quickly, passing large clots, bleeding for longer than expected, or planning daily life around the flow. It may arise from changes in the womb lining, hormone patterns, or conditions such as uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, or endometrial hyperplasia. Irregular ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome and the transition toward menopause can also change bleeding. Heavy bleeding may contribute to iron deficiency anaemia, which can cause tiredness, breathlessness, headaches, or dizziness.

Track bleeding days, clots, pain, medicines, and how often you change protection. Arrange a medical review if the pattern is new, worsening, or affecting work, sleep, or exercise. A clinician may discuss tablets that reduce bleeding, hormonal contraception, or treatment directed at a polyp, fibroid, or other cause. Do not start hormones or iron supplements without checking that they suit you, especially if pregnancy is possible or you take other medicines. Regular meals containing iron can support your health while the cause is assessed.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is so heavy that you feel faint, weak, confused, or short of breath, or if you are soaking protection repeatedly and cannot keep up with the loss. Contact a clinician promptly for bleeding between periods, after sex, after menopause, or during a possible pregnancy. New severe pelvic pain, fever, or unusual discharge also needs assessment.

Ask what might be driving the change, whether you need a blood count or iron assessment, and which treatment fits your plans for pregnancy. Ask how quickly a treatment should help, what side effects to watch for, and what to do if the bleeding returns.