When to worry about heavy periods with adenomyosis

Adenomyosis occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows into the muscular wall of the womb. It can make periods heavier or more painful and may cause pressure or pelvic aching. Heavy bleeding can also reduce iron stores over time, leaving you tired or short of breath. The symptom pattern can change, so a new or clearly heavier flow should be discussed even when adenomyosis is already known.

Record when bleeding starts, how long it lasts, whether you pass clots, and how it affects work, sleep, or exercise. Arrange a gynaecology review if you need to change period protection very often, bleed through clothes or bedding, or cannot manage usual activities. A clinician may check for anaemia and review treatment options suited to your symptoms and pregnancy plans.

Get urgent medical help if bleeding is rapidly soaking protection, you feel faint or confused, have severe pelvic pain, or become breathless at rest. Seek prompt assessment for bleeding after pregnancy, after menopause, or with a positive pregnancy test. Do not drive yourself if you feel close to fainting.

Ask whether your bleeding could be causing anaemia, which treatments fit adenomyosis, and whether imaging or another examination is needed. Tell the clinician about medicines, bleeding between periods, and whether you may want a pregnancy.