How heavy is too heavy?

If your periods interfere with daily activities, cause flooding or large clots, or leave you tired, that's worth reviewing, regardless of a specific measurement.

Are heavy periods dangerous?

They're often not dangerous but can cause low iron and affect quality of life, and occasionally point to a treatable cause. A review helps clarify.

Heavy Periods: Causes & When to Review

What counts as heavy

Signs that bleeding may be heavy include flooding, passing large clots, changing protection very frequently, or symptoms of low iron such as tiredness.

Needing to change pads or tampons very often
Bleeding through to clothing or bedding
Passing clots larger than a 50-cent coin
Feeling tired or breathless (possible low iron)

Common causes

Several things can contribute to heavy bleeding, and sometimes no specific cause is found.

Hormonal changes affecting the cycle
Fibroids or endometrial polyps
Conditions such as adenomyosis
Less commonly, clotting or thyroid factors

Diagnosis: what to expect

A specialist may take a history, examine you, arrange blood tests (including iron), and suggest a pelvic ultrasound. These help identify anything treatable.

Options

A range of options exist, from medication to hormonal treatments and procedures, depending on the cause and your preferences. These are discussed and decided with a clinician.

When to see a specialist

If bleeding is affecting your daily life, or you feel tired or breathless, it's worth seeking review to check for causes such as low iron and to talk through options.