- bleeding lasting more than 8 days
- flooding of your period products or through your clothing
- being unable to leave the house on the heaviest days
- having to change pads or tampons every 2 hours or less
- passing blood clots larger than a 50-cent piece
- decline social gatherings during your period
- don’t go to the beach or swim
- have to bring a lot of supplies with you wherever you go
- set your alarm to wake up to change your pad or tampon at night
- wear a tampon and a pad as back up
- sleep on a towel during your period
Many women think that having heavy periods is normal. Some also find it uncomfortable to speak to a healthcare professional about periods, due to taboos or stigma, or just feeling embarrassed.
If you have heavy periods, it's important to talk to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. This is not only because heavy periods can have a negative impact on your quality of life, but there are underlying health conditions that may cause heavy bleeding. Losing too much blood on a regular basis can also cause you to have low iron, which can lead to anaemia.
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Questions about your bleeding and how it affects your life, as well as your medical history, sexual health, previous pregnancies and births, and whether you wish to become pregnant in the future. |
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A physical examination (with your consent). This may involve an internal examination using a tool called a speculum to help look at your vagina and cervix. Your doctor may also place one or two gloved fingers inside your vagina while pressing gently on the outside of your abdomen to feel your pelvic organs. If you do not feel comfortable about having an internal examination, let your doctor know. |
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Blood tests for iron deficiency (low iron) and anaemia (low red blood cells), and a pregnancy test if there is any chance you are pregnant. |
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Other tests may include further blood tests, a cervical screening test, internal swab tests for infection or an ultrasound. |
There are options to help manage heavy periods and any pain you might be experiencing. Your doctor can help recommend the best treatment options for you. This might depend on factors such as the cause of your bleeding, how serious it is, your overall health, medical history and future plans to have children.
Your doctor might recommend you first try oral treatments (tablets or capsules) that can help reduce bleeding and any pain you might be experiencing.
In some cases, you may be offered a surgical procedure. Surgery is generally only used if medicines haven't worked or aren't suitable, or you have underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
 | What tests do I need? |
| How long will it take to have the tests and to get the results? |
| How does the treatment work? |
| What are the pros and cons of having this treatment? |
| How might the treatment help me? |
| What effect should it have on my symptoms and everyday life? |
| How long should it take before I notice a difference? |
| What are the most common side effects associated with this treatment? |
| What are my other options? |
What tests do I need? How long will it take to have the tests and to get the results? How does the treatment work? What are the pros and cons of having this treatment? How might the treatment help me? What effect should it have on my symptoms and everyday life? How long should it take before I notice a difference? What are the most common side effects associated with this treatment? What are my other options?