Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)
Heavy menstrual bleeding, also called menorrhagia, is bleeding heavy enough to affect daily life: changing pads every hour or two, passing large clots, flooding through clothes, or periods lasting more than seven days. In Nigeria fibroids are a common cause, but polyps, adenomyosis, hormonal imbalance, thyroid disease, clotting problems and, less often, cancer of the womb can also be responsible. Heavy periods often cause iron deficiency anaemia, which many women accept as ordinary tiredness.
Find a Gynaecology SpecialistMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Soaking through a pad every one to two hours
- Needing to change pads at night, or wearing double protection
- Passing clots larger than a coin
- Periods lasting longer than seven days
- Tiredness, breathlessness and dizziness (anaemia)
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
When to See a Doctor
See a gynaecologist if your periods are heavy enough to affect work, school or sleep, or have become heavier than before. See a doctor promptly for bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, or any bleeding after menopause. Go to an emergency department if you are soaking a pad every hour for several hours, feel faint or breathless, or could be pregnant.
Treatment options
- Blood count, iron studies and thyroid tests
- Pelvic ultrasound, and hysteroscopy or endometrial biopsy where needed
- Iron supplements to treat anaemia
- Tranexamic acid or anti-inflammatory tablets taken during periods
- Hormonal treatment: the hormonal coil (levonorgestrel IUS), the pill or progestogens
- Removal of fibroids or polyps (myomectomy, hysteroscopic resection)
- Endometrial ablation or hysterectomy when other options have failed and childbearing is complete
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the operations used to treat this condition. Your own quote follows an examination.
Common Questions
How do I know if my periods are too heavy?
If you need to change protection every hour or two, pass clots bigger than a coin, bleed for more than a week, or feel tired and breathless during your period, your bleeding is heavy enough to see a doctor about.
Can heavy periods be treated without surgery?
In most cases, yes. Tranexamic acid, the hormonal coil and other hormonal treatments reduce bleeding for many women. Surgery is considered when there is a structural cause, such as fibroids, or when medicines have not helped.
Can heavy periods cause anaemia?
Yes. Heavy periods are among the commonest causes of iron deficiency anaemia in women. A blood count shows it, and iron treatment usually restores energy over a few months while the bleeding itself is treated.
Need Help?
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