My period is extremely heavy

Heavy bleeding may involve soaking protection repeatedly, passing large clots, bleeding through clothes or bedding, or being unable to manage normal activities. Causes include fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, thyroid or ovulation changes, medicines, and pregnancy-related problems. Blood loss can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, with tiredness, breathlessness, paleness, headaches, or a racing heartbeat.

Write down when bleeding starts, how often protection needs changing, clots, pain, and any bleeding between periods. Arrange a medical appointment soon for repeated or newly extreme flow. A clinician may check pregnancy status, blood count and iron, review medicines, and examine the pelvis or arrange imaging. Do not increase or combine medicines without advice, particularly if pregnancy is possible or you take blood thinners.

Seek urgent help if bleeding is rapidly soaking protection, or if you feel faint, weak, short of breath, confused, or have chest discomfort. Urgent assessment is also needed for severe pelvic pain, fever, or heavy bleeding during a possible pregnancy. Sit or lie down if dizzy and do not drive yourself when symptoms are severe.

Ask what may be driving the bleeding, whether iron or blood tests are needed, and which treatments fit your health, contraception, and pregnancy plans. Mention pain, pressure, clots, bleeding after sex, and all medicines.