What should you know about very heavy flow period?

Bleeding may be unusually heavy when you need to change menstrual products very often, pass clots, bleed through clothes or bedding, or find that periods stop you from working, studying, sleeping, or leaving home. The pattern matters as much as one difficult cycle.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can happen when the uterus contracts less effectively, the uterine lining becomes thicker, or ovulation is irregular. Possible contributors include Uterine Fibroids, Adenomyosis, Endometrial Polyps, Endometrial Hyperplasia, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and the hormonal changes of Perimenopause. Medicines, bleeding disorders, pregnancy-related problems, and thyroid conditions can also be relevant, so the cause cannot be identified from flow alone.

Ongoing blood loss may reduce iron stores. Iron Deficiency Anaemia can cause tiredness, breathlessness with activity, dizziness, headaches, paleness, or a racing heartbeat. Some people notice symptoms gradually, while others feel unwell during or soon after a heavy period.

Arrange a routine appointment with a GP or gynaecology clinician if heavy bleeding is recurring, worsening, or affecting your life. Keep a simple record of the first and last day of bleeding, how often you change products, clots, pain, bleeding between periods, and any medicines or contraception. Mention whether pregnancy is possible.

A clinician may ask about your cycle and medical history, check for anaemia, and choose tests based on your symptoms. Evaluation can include a pregnancy test, blood tests, and an examination or scan. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medicine to reduce bleeding, hormone treatment, or treatment directed at a uterine growth or lining problem. Do not start iron treatment without advice if the diagnosis is uncertain.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is so heavy that you feel faint, weak, confused, or short of breath; if you have chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or severe pelvic pain; or if you are soaking through products repeatedly and cannot keep up with the loss. Bleeding during pregnancy needs prompt assessment, especially with pain, dizziness, or shoulder-tip pain.

If you feel at risk of collapsing, lie down, avoid driving yourself, and contact local emergency services. A sudden change from your usual pattern, bleeding after menopause, or bleeding after sex also warrants timely clinical review even when you feel otherwise well.

You could ask: What might be causing this bleeding? Do I need blood tests for anaemia or iron deficiency? Could my contraception or medicines be contributing? What symptoms should make me seek urgent help? Which treatment options fit my plans for pregnancy and my other health conditions?