My period is very heavy

Very heavy bleeding can involve frequent changes of pads or tampons, leaking through clothing, clots, or bleeding that prevents normal activities. Associated tiredness, dizziness, headaches, pale skin, or breathlessness can point to iron deficiency anaemia. Uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, and endometrial hyperplasia can affect the womb lining or muscle. Hormonal shifts in perimenopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, some medicines, and problems with clotting can also alter flow.

A heavy period is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Record the start and end dates, the pattern of flow, clots, pain, bleeding between periods, and any chance of pregnancy.

Make a routine appointment if the pattern repeats, is getting worse, or limits work, sleep, exercise, or intimacy. Bring your bleeding record and mention hormonal contraception, blood thinners, and other medicines. A clinician may consider a blood count, iron testing, pelvic examination, or imaging depending on your symptoms. Ask about options that fit your health, pregnancy plans, and preferences.

Get urgent medical help for bleeding that rapidly soaks through protection, fainting, severe weakness, confusion, chest pain, severe breathlessness, or intense pelvic pain. Heavy bleeding with a possible pregnancy also needs urgent assessment. Sit or lie down if dizzy and ask someone to help you reach care.

Ask whether you should be checked for iron deficiency anaemia, what causes fit your symptoms, and whether an ultrasound or other examination is needed. Discuss ways to reduce bleeding, possible side effects, and the signs that mean you should seek emergency care.