Short answer
Your periods may be heavy if you need to change a pad every 1 to 2 hours, pass clots larger than about 2.5 cm, bleed for more than 7 days, or bleed through to clothes or bedding. Heavy periods can cause anaemia. Common causes include fibroids, PCOS and adenomyosis. Treatment ranges from tablets and hormonal options to minor procedures or surgery.
- Published
- Published by
- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
Signs your periods are heavy
- Changing a pad every 1 to 2 hours, or needing two pads at once
- Periods lasting more than 7 days
- Passing clots larger than about 2.5 cm (one inch) across
- Bleeding through to clothes or bedding
- Missing work, school or daily activities because of periods
- Feeling tired or short of breath a lot, which can mean anaemia
Common causes
- Sometimes no cause is found, and heavy periods are normal for that woman
- Fibroids, adenomyosis or polyps in the womb
- PCOS (PCOD), or the years approaching menopause
- Pelvic infection or endometriosis
- Bleeding disorders, or medicines such as blood thinners
- Rarely, cancer of the womb lining, especially in older women
Tests
- A blood test for haemoglobin, to check for anaemia, and sometimes thyroid tests
- A pelvic ultrasound to look for fibroids, polyps or other changes
- Sometimes a hysteroscopy: a thin camera passed into the womb to look at the lining and take a sample
Treatment options
- Tranexamic acid tablets during the period to reduce bleeding
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as mefenamic acid, which also reduce flow
- Hormonal options, such as the hormonal IUD (IUS) or the combined pill
- Iron tablets if you are anaemic
- Removal of fibroids or polyps, often by hysteroscopy or laparoscopy
- Endometrial ablation or, if other treatments fail and you do not want more children, hysterectomy
See a doctor sooner if
- You bleed between periods or after sex
- You have severe pain with your periods
- You have any bleeding after menopause
- You feel faint or very breathless
If bleeding is very heavy and you feel faint or dizzy, call +91 90368 52311.
At Dhruva Hospitals
Our gynaecologists treat period problems with medicines, hysteroscopy and laparoscopic surgery. Call +91 99599 59694 or WhatsApp us to book with our gynaecology team. OPD hours are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Common questions
Can heavy periods cause anaemia?
Yes. Heavy periods are one of the most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia. A simple blood test can check your haemoglobin.
Do I need a hysterectomy for heavy periods?
Usually not. Most women improve with tablets, a hormonal IUD or a minor procedure. Hysterectomy is considered only when other treatments have not helped and you do not want more children.
Read next
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.