How to control heavy period bleeding

Heavy periods may result from changes in the womb lining or muscle. Uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and endometrial polyps can increase or prolong bleeding. Endometrial hyperplasia is an overgrowth of the womb lining that also needs evaluation. Hormone changes during perimenopause and irregular ovulation with polycystic ovary syndrome can affect the pattern. Ongoing blood loss may lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which can cause tiredness, weakness, headaches, or breathlessness. The treatment that helps depends on the cause, pregnancy plans, other health conditions, and medicines.

Keep a record of bleeding days, flooding, clots, pain, and missed activities, and bring it to an appointment. A clinician may check for anaemia, review medicines and contraception, examine you, and arrange imaging or a sample of the womb lining when appropriate. Options can include medicines that reduce flow, hormone-based treatment, or treatment directed at a fibroid, polyp, or other cause. Procedures may be considered when medicine is unsuitable or does not control symptoms. Do not start iron or hormone treatment without advice, because the right dose and diagnosis matter.

Seek urgent care if bleeding is soaking pads rapidly, you feel faint or severely weak, or you have chest discomfort or breathlessness. Arrange prompt review when heavy bleeding repeatedly disrupts sleep, work, or daily activities, or when it occurs with severe pain. Emergency priority is set by the speed of blood loss and your symptoms, not by comparing your flow with someone else’s.

Ask what may be causing the bleeding, whether you need an anaemia check or imaging, which treatment fits your pregnancy plans, and how soon to seek help if flow increases.