Heavy periods

Additional information

What are heavy periods?

Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, refer to menstrual bleeding that is excessively heavy or prolonged. While it’s normal for the amount of blood lost during periods to vary from person to person, heavy periods can interfere with your daily life and may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Women experiencing heavy periods often find that they need to change their sanitary protection every hour or two, or they may pass large blood clots. If left untreated, heavy periods can lead to anaemia and other health complications.

What causes heavy periods?

Heavy periods can be caused by a variety of factors, and sometimes a combination of issues is responsible. Common causes include:

• Hormonal imbalance: Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone can cause the uterine lining to thicken excessively, leading to heavier bleeding.
• Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus can contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Polyps: Small, benign growths in the lining of the uterus can also cause heavy or prolonged periods.
• Endometriosis: A condition where the tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus starts to grow outside the uterus, leading to heavy bleeding and pain.
• Adenomyosis: When the tissue that normally lines the uterus begins to grow into the uterine wall, causing heavy bleeding.
• Blood disorders: Conditions such as von Willebrand disease can impair the blood’s ability to clot, leading to heavier periods.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants or hormonal treatments, can cause or exacerbate heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD): Some women experience heavier periods after having a copper IUD inserted.

What are the symptoms of heavy periods?

The primary symptom of menorrhagia is heavy menstrual bleeding. Other symptoms may include:

• Needing to change sanitary protection frequently: If you need to change your tampon, pad, or menstrual cup every hour or two.
• Passing large blood clots: Clots larger than a 10p coin can be a sign of heavy bleeding.
• Bleeding for more than seven days: Prolonged periods are a common sign of menorrhagia.
• Fatigue or shortness of breath: These can be symptoms of anaemia, which may result from significant blood loss.
• Disruption to daily activities: When heavy bleeding affects your ability to work, exercise, or participate in social activities.

How to treat heavy periods

Treatment for heavy periods depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Common treatment options include:

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen can reduce menstrual blood loss and help alleviate pain.
• Hormonal treatments: Birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, or progestin therapy can help regulate or lighten menstrual bleeding.
• Tranexamic acid: This medication helps reduce blood loss by aiding the blood’s ability to clot.
• Iron supplements: If heavy periods have led to anaemia, iron supplements may be necessary to replenish your body’s iron levels.
• Surgical options: In cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical options such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy may be considered.

How to prevent heavy periods

While it may not be possible to completely prevent heavy periods, you can take steps to manage your symptoms:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fat can influence hormone levels and contribute to heavier periods.
• Regular exercise: Physical activity can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce the severity of symptoms.
• Manage stress: Stress can impact hormone balance, so it’s important to incorporate stress management techniques like yoga or meditation into your routine.
• Monitor your cycle: Keeping track of your menstrual cycle can help you identify patterns and triggers for heavy periods, enabling you to seek timely medical advice.

When to seek medical attention

You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Consistently heavy periods: If you need to change your sanitary protection every hour or pass large clots regularly.
• Symptoms of anaemia: Such as fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
• Irregular bleeding: Bleeding between periods or after menopause should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• Severe pain: If menstrual pain is unmanageable with over-the-counter medications, it’s important to consult a doctor.
• Impact on quality of life: If heavy periods affect your ability to go about your daily activities, it’s time to seek help.

Buy online from Medical Mojo

At Medical Mojo, we offer a range of effective treatments for heavy periods, all prescribed by UK-registered prescribers. Whether you need hormonal treatments, NSAIDs, or iron supplements, our online pharmacy provides safe, discreet, and fast delivery right to your door. Our qualified team is available to offer advice and support, ensuring you find the best treatment to manage your heavy periods and improve your quality of life. Shop with confidence and take control of your menstrual health with Medical Mojo.