Heavy periods
Check if you have heavy periods
You may have heavy periods if you:
- need to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, or empty your menstrual cup more often than is recommended
- need to use 2 types of period product together, such as a pad and a tampon
- have periods lasting more than 7 days
- pass blood clots larger than about 2.5cm (the size of a 10p coin)
- bleed through to your clothes or bedding
- avoid daily activities, like exercise, or take time off work because of your periods
- feel tired or short of breath a lot
Causes of heavy periods
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 approaching menopause.
Sometimes heavy periods can be caused by:
Rarely, heavy periods can be a sign of womb cancer.
See a GP if:
- heavy periods are affecting your life
- you've had heavy periods for some time
- you have severe pain during your periods
- you bleed between periods or after sex
- you have heavy periods and other symptoms, such as pain when peeing, pooing or having sex
Treatment for heavy periods
Heavy periods do not always need to be treated. But there are treatments that can help if they’re affecting your daily life.
Treatments from a GP include:
If these treatments do not work or a GP thinks a condition may be causing your heavy periods, they’ll usually refer you for tests or to see a specialist.
Specialist treatments
Specialist treatments for heavy periods include:
- removing the lining of the womb (endometrial ablation)
- removing fibroids if it’s thought they’re causing your heavy periods
- total or partial removal of the womb (hysterectomy)
You may have a series of blood tests to check if you have any underlying conditions, such as iron deficiency anaemia.
Last Reviewed
15 January 2025
