What are the symptoms of heavy periods?
Common symptoms of heavy periods can include:
- Bleeding that lasts longer than a week
- Soaking through one or more sanitary products every hour for several hours
- Needing to use double sanitary protection
- Passing blood clots larger than a 50 pence coin
- Having menstrual flow that interferes with daily activities or causes fatigue
What causes heavy periods?
Heavy periods can have various causes, including:
- Hormonal imbalances that affect the menstrual cycle
- Uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus)
- Polyps (small growths on the lining of the uterus)
- Medical conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease
- Certain medications, such as blood thinners
How common are heavy periods?
Heavy periods are quite common, affecting 1 in 5 women at some stage in their lives. They can occur at any time during a woman’s reproductive years.
Who is more likely to get heavy periods?
Some factors that may increase the risk of heavy periods include:
- Being in your teens or early twenties
- Having a family history of heavy periods
- Having a medical condition like thyroid issues
How can I treat heavy periods?
There are several options to treat heavy periods, which may include:
- Medications, like tranexamic acid or birth control pills to regulate periods
- Iron supplements if there is a risk of anaemia due to blood loss
- Procedures to remove fibroids or polyps
- More severe cases may require surgery, such as a hysterectomy
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How to live with heavy periods?
Coping with heavy periods can be challenging, but there are ways to manage them:
- Keep track of your menstrual cycle and note any changes
- Use comfortable clothing and plan your activities around your cycle
- Discuss with a healthcare provider about your symptoms and possible treatments
Final thoughts
Heavy periods can be difficult to manage, but understanding the symptoms and treatment options can help. If you are concerned about heavy periods, speaking to your GP or healthcare provider is a good step to take.
