Periods and Heavy Bleeding

“A heavy period is when you lose lots of blood each period.
The amount of bleeding can change
at different life stages”.1

Umbrella
What may the Periods and Heavy Bleeding Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
  • Heavy Bleeding
  • Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
  • Heavy Periods
  • Heavy Uterine Bleeding
  • Menorrhagia

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

What is heavy menstrual bleeding?

DotS the definition of heavy menstrual bleeding may vary. The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“A heavy period is when you lose lots of blood each period. The amount of bleeding can change at different life stages. For example, in teenage years or before menopause (your last period). Heavy periods are common in women aged 30 to 50”.2

Menorrhagia

What is menorrhagia?

DotS the definition of menorrhagia may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) definition is:

“Menorrhagia is menstrual bleeding that lasts more than 7 days. It can also be bleeding that is very heavy”.3

The (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Some women have menstrual bleeding that is heavy or lasts for more than a few days. This condition used to be called menorrhagia. Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common concern. But most women don’t have enough blood loss for it to be called heavy menstrual bleeding”.4

Heavy or Not

How heavy is heavy menstrual bleeding?

In Bleeding Disorders In Women: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding the CDC explain:

“How do you know if you have heavy bleeding? If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor”.5

In Heavy Periods: How Do You Know If You Have Heavy Periods? the JH note:

“It can be hard to know if your period is too heavy, but there are some common signs. For example:

  • Your bleeding can’t be contained with a pad or tampon
  • You need to change your pad or tampon every two hours or less
  • You need to change your pad overnight
  • You notice blood clots that are bigger than a 50-cent coin
  • Your period lasts more than seven to eight days
  • Your periods stop you from doing things you normally do”.6

Cause

What causes heavy menstrual bleeding?

In Heavy Periods: Causes of Heavy Periods the (United Kingdom) NHS elaborate on:

“It can be normal to have heavy periods.

They can sometimes be heavy at different times, like when you first start your periods, after pregnancy or during menopause.

Sometimes, they can be caused by:

  • Conditions affecting your womb, ovaries or hormones, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Some medicines and treatments, including some anticoagulant medicines and chemotherapy medicines
  • Stress and depression

Rarely, heavy periods can be a sign of womb cancer”.7

In Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding): Symptoms & Causes – Causes the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“In some cases, the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding is unknown, but a number of conditions may cause menorrhagia. Common causes include:

  • Hormone imbalance…
  • Dysfunction of the ovaries…
  • Uterine fibroids…
  • Polyps…
  • Adenomyosis…
  • Intrauterine device (IUD)…
  • Pregnancy complications…
  • Cancer…
  • Inherited bleeding disorders…
  • Medications…
  • Other medical conditions…”.8

Common or Not

How common is heavy menstrual bleeding?

According to the JH:


Periods and Heavy Bleeding“About one in four women have heavy periods (heavy menstrual bleeding)”.9

Treatment

What are treatment options for heavy menstrual bleeding?

On page two in Heavy Periods: Treatment the (British) Women’s Health Concern elaborate on:

“Treatment options depend on the type and duration of abnormal bleeding, the presence of specific disease or condition, your age, and desire for further pregnancies. Treatment can be medical or surgical”.10

In Bleeding Disorders In Women: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Treatment the CDC elaborate on different types of treatment and note:

“The type of treatment you get will depend on the cause of your bleeding and how serious it is. Your doctor also will look at things such as your age, general health, and medical history; how well you respond to certain medicines, procedures, or therapies; and your wants and needs”.11

Look for A PatternPeriods and Menopause

Can it be helpful to record period dates and symptoms?

In Heavy Periods the (Scottish) NHS Inform explain:

“It can be helpful to keep a note of your period dates and symptoms using a calendar, a diary or an app. You can then discuss this with your doctor who can decide if any tests or treatments might be needed.

If you’re seeing your doctor, there are some useful pieces of information to think about beforehand:

  • The first day of your last period (when it started)
  • How many days your period usually lasts
  • What was the shortest time between your periods (from the first day of one period to the first day of the next)
  • What was the longest time between your periods (from the first day of one period to the first day of the next)
  • How often you need to change your period products on a heavy day
  • If you are over 25, when you had your last smear test”.12

Health Care Provider

What if I have heavy menstrual bleeding?

If you have heavy menstrual bleeding, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia): Living With – When Do You Call Your Healthcare Provider If You Suspect Heavy Period Bleeding? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic explain:

“You should call your provider if you’re experiencing the symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding or anemia, or if your period bleeding has become abnormal. Tracking your periods using a calendar or app can help you identify if your periods are heavier and longer-lasting than usual. Share these notes with your provider.

You should also schedule an appointment if you notice that you’re having to double-up on menstrual products or if you’re skipping activities you enjoy because of heavy bleeding”.13

The Mayo Clinic also note:

“Seek medical help before your next scheduled exam if you experience:

  • Vaginal bleeding so heavy it soaks at least one pad or tampon an hour for more than two hours in a row
  • Bleeding between periods or irregular vaginal bleeding
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Periods and Heavy Bleeding?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Periods and Heavy Bleeding?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Periods and Heavy Bleeding

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  2. About the Menstrual Cycle [+ Video]
  3. About the Menstrual Cycle: When To See Your Doctor
  4. Adenomyosis
  5. Adenomyosis and Heavy Bleeding
  6. BMS TV: HRT and Bleeding
  7. Bleeding Disorders
  8. Bleeding Disorders A-Z
  9. Bleeding Disorders In Women
  10. Bleeding Disorders In Women: Better You Know
    Periods and Heavy Bleeding
  11. Bleeding Disorders In Women: Bleeding Disorders In Women
  12. Bleeding Disorders In Women: Do You Have Heavy Periods?
    Periods and Heavy Bleeding
  13. Bleeding Disorders In Women: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
  14. Bleeding Disorders In Women: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding – Signs: Chart
  15. Bleeding Disorders In Women: Signs and Symptoms of Bleeding Disorders In Women
  16. Bleeding Disorders In Women: What Are Bleeding Disorders In Women?
  17. Blood Clots During Menstruation: A Concern?
  18. Dilation and Curettage
  19. Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
  20. Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods
  21. Endometrial Ablation
  22. Endometrial Ablation
  23. Endometrial Ablation
  24. Endometriosis
  25. Endometriosis
  26. Everything You Should Know About Menometrorrhagia
  27. FAQs: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  28. FAQs: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
  29. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
  30. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
  31. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)
  32. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia): Diagnosis and Tests
  33. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia): Management and Treatment
  34. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Diagnosis & Treatment
  35. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Symptoms & Causes
  36. Heavy Periods
  37. Heavy Periods
  38. Heavy Periods
  39. Heavy Periods
  40. Heavy Periods: Can Folic Acid Help?
  41. Heavy Periods: How Much Is Heavy Bleeding? Heavy Periods Self-Assessment
  42. Heavy Periods: What You Need To Know [Video]
  43. Home Remedies: Managing Menstrual Cramps
  44. How Does the Mirena Coil Affect Menopause?
  45. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  46. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Menstrual Cups — Why the Recent Increase In Popularity?
  47. Menopause
  48. Menopause
  49. Menopause
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Periods and Heavy Bleeding
  51. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  52. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Understanding Menstrual Health and Menopause
  53. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  54. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  55. Menstrual Calendar
  56. Menstrual Calendar: Calendario Menstrual [Spanish]
  57. Menstrual Calendar: Calendrier Menstruel [French]
  58. Menstrual Cycle
  59. Menstrual Cycle: What’s Normal, What’s Not
  60. Menstrual Cycle: What’s Normal, What’s Not – How Can I Track My Menstrual Cycle?
  61. Menstrual Diary
  62. Menstrual Hygiene Day [28 May]
  63. My Periods Have Changed. Is Menopause Around the Corner?
  64. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  65. PMS, PMDD and You
  66. Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Bleeding
  67. Perimenopause
  68. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Perimenopause Symptom Checklist
  69. Perimenopause: How do I know if changes in my periods are normal perimenopausal symptoms or something to be concerned about?
  70. Period Pain & Symptom Diary
    Periods and Heavy Bleeding
  71. Period Problems: Heavy Bleeding
  72. Periods
  73. Periods
  74. Periods – Menstrual Cycle: Animation [Video]
  75. Periods: Period Problems
  76. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  77. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  78. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  79. Tricky Periods: What’s ‘Normal’ and What’s Not
  80. Uterine Cancer Awareness
  81. Uterine/Endometrial Cancer/GTD
  82. Vaginal Bleeding
  83. Vaginal Bleeding
  84. Victoryforwomen.org [Victory For Women, National Bleeding Disorders Foundation]
  85. Video Series-2022: Irregular Menstrual Cycles What’s Normal and What’s Abnormal?
  86. Video Series-2023
  87. Videos About Bleeding Disorders In Women [+ Video: Bleeds Don’t Define Me]
  88. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  89. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Menopause and Abnormal Bleeding
  90. Von Willebrand Disease
  91. Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)
  92. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  93. What Causes Bleeding Between Periods?
  94. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  95. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  96. You Need To Know [+ Video: Bleeding After the Menopause – An Important Message You Need To Know]
  97. Your Menstrual Cycle and Your Health

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Heavy Periods. Updated: May 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/heavy-periods Accessed: 03 December 2023
  2. Heavy Periods. Updated: May 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/heavy-periods Accessed: 03 December 2023
  3. Bleeding Disorders In Women: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. Last Reviewed: 23 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html Accessed: 03 December 2023
  4. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 30 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352829 Accessed: 03 December 2023
  5. Bleeding Disorders In Women: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. Last Reviewed: 23 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html Accessed: 03 December 2023
  6. Heavy Periods: How Do You Know If You Have Heavy Periods? Updated: May 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/heavy-periods Accessed: 03 December 2023
  7. Heavy Periods: Causes of Heavy Periods. Page Last Reviewed: 03 November 2021. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heavy-periods/#what-causes-heavy-periods Accessed: 03 December 2023
  8. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Symptoms & Causes – Causes. 30 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352829 Accessed: 03 December 2023
  9. Heavy Periods. Updated: May 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/heavy-periods Accessed: 03 December 2023
  10. Heavy Bleeding: Treatment. Publication Date: November 2022:2. British Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/heavy-periods/ Accessed: 03 December 2023
  11. Bleeding Disorders In Women: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Treatment. Last Reviewed: 23 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html Accessed: 03 December 2023
  12. Heavy Periods. Last Updated: 14 March 2023. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/heavy-periods/ Accessed: 03 December 2023
  13. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia): Living With – When Do You Call Your Healthcare Provider If You Suspect Heavy Period Bleeding? Last Reviewed: 11 November 2021. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17734-menorrhagia-heavy-menstrual-bleeding Accessed: 03 December 2023
  14. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor. 25 June 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352829 Accessed: 03 December 2023
Topic Last Updated: 06 December 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 December 2023

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by