Heavy periods are common & can be quite normal for some people, but sometimes they can get in the way of your daily life. Here we discuss the signs & symptoms of menorrhagia as well as treatment options & when to see your GP
Periods are a fact of life for most people with a womb who haven’t yet gone through the menopause, and for a lot of people, their menstrual cycle doesn’t impact their day to day activities too much.
For some people though, heavy periods, or menorrhagia, can have quite a big effect on their daily life.
Here we discuss what menorrhagia is, what can cause heavy bleeding and when it’s a good idea to see a GP, as well as what treatment options are available.
What is menorrhagia?
Menorrhagia is the medical term for heavy periods. But what does ‘heavy periods’ actually mean, and how can you tell if you have them?
Take a look at the common signs and symptoms of menorrhagia below to find out more.
What are the signs & symptoms of menorrhagia?
It’s normal for your cycle to have some heavier and lighter days generally, and these shouldn’t impact your day to day life too much.
If, however, you find your periods are regularly heavy and you’re having to change your daily habits as a result of them, you may have menorrhagia.
The term menorrhagia refers to a consistently heavy flow that may impact other areas of your daily life.
Common symptoms of menorrhagia include:
• Needing to change your pad or tampon a least every two hours, or having to empty your menstrual cup more often than is recommended by the manufacturer
• Needing to double up on sanitary products, for example using two pads together, or a pad and a tampon
• Periods that frequently last more than seven days
• Passing blood clots larger than the size of a 10p coin (about 2.5 cm)
• Bleeding through to your clothes or bedding
• Taking time off work or being unable to enjoy your usual activities because of your period
• Regularly feeling tired or breathless
What causes heavy periods & menorrhagia?
Heavy periods may be normal for you and aren’t necessarily a sign that there’s something wrong. You may also notice heavier periods at certain times, like when you first start your periods, after pregnancy or before the menopause.
However, sometimes heavy menstruation can have an underlying cause that your GP may want to look into. They’ll be able to refer you for tests or to a specialist if they think it’s necessary to investigate further.
Some common causes of menorrhagia include:
• Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, all of which can affect your womb, ovaries or hormones
• Some treatments and medicines
• Stress and depression
On rare occasions, heavy periods can be a sign of womb cancer.
When should I see a doctor about my heavy periods?
If you’re concerned about your heavy periods or you’re suddenly experiencing symptoms of menorrhagia, contact your GP for advice.
It’s also a good idea to speak to your GP if you’re experiencing any of the following:
• Heavy periods that significantly impact your day to day life
• Heavy periods for a few months or more
• Severely painful periods
• Bleeding in between your periods, or after sex
• Other symptoms such as pain when you pee, poo or during sex
What are the treatment options for heavy periods & menorrhagia?
Heavy periods don’t always need to be treated and might be normal for you. Your GP can give you more advice on whether treatment for menorrhagia would be suitable for you.
The good news is there are treatment options available to help with heavy periods if they’re affecting your daily life.
Treatments for menorrhagia include:
• Certain types of contraception, such as an intrauterine system (IUS), also known as the coil, or the combined contraceptive pill
• Prescribed medicine to help reduce the bleeding
• Prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines
Your GP may also want to do a blood test to check your iron levels, in case the blood loss has caused you to become anaemic.
When it comes to the best treatment for menorrhagia, it varies from person to person. The most appropriate treatment for you may depend on what’s causing your heavy periods.
If your GP thinks an underlying condition is causing menorrhagia, they may refer you for tests to find out what’s going on. Once they’ve worked that out, they can decide on the most appropriate course of treatment.
If your heavy periods are causing you discomfort, take a look at our top tips for helping ease period pain and Boots Online Doctor Period Pain Relief.*
*Subject to availability and access to prescription only medicine is subject to a consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Charges apply.
