Period still heavy on day 5: what to know

Some periods taper gradually, but bleeding that stays unusually heavy can reflect changes in the womb or hormone pattern. Uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, or thickening of the womb lining may present with heavy periods. Perimenopause and polycystic ovary syndrome can disturb ovulation and alter bleeding. Blood loss may also contribute to iron deficiency anaemia, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, headaches, or breathlessness. Heavy bleeding does not identify its cause on its own.

Arrange a clinician review if this pattern is new, keeps returning, affects daily activities, or leaves you exhausted. Note how often you change pads or tampons, whether you leak through protection, the size of clots, pain, and the first and last days of bleeding. Bring a list of medicines and contraception. Assessment may include a blood test and, depending on your history, imaging or examination.

Get urgent help if you are soaking through protection repeatedly, feel faint, have chest discomfort, severe weakness, shortness of breath, or severe pelvic pain. Ask someone to stay with you if dizziness makes travel unsafe.

Could this bleeding be linked to fibroids, adenomyosis, polyps, hormones, or anaemia? Do I need blood tests or an ultrasound? Which treatments fit my health and contraception needs? What should I do if the bleeding becomes heavier?