Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia) – Causes, Relief, and Treatment Options
For so many women, monthly periods are no big deal. Yet for others, periods can turn unbearably heavy—interfering with everyday life, overall health, and well-being. This condition is called menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding. This can include soaking through sanitary products in a very short period of time, passing large blood clots, and feeling very unwell as a result of losing a lot of blood or being low on iron (anaemia).
Very heavy periods are more than a mere inconvenience. If you are experiencing symptoms so severe that you’re incapable of working, cancelling plans, or have a constant feeling of exhaustion—it’s worth investigating the root cause and searching for an appropriate treatment. This blog covers what heavy periods are, what causes them, and how they can be managed—both at home and with medical assistance.
What Are Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)?
From a medical point of view, heavy periods are those which last longer than 7 days or involve losing more than 80ml of blood per cycle. However, as the average woman is not measuring amounts of blood in millilitres, it’s more useful to be on the lookout for these signals:
- Having to replace pads or tampons every one or two hours.
- Using double protection (tampon and pad) to prevent leaks.
- Passing blood clots bigger than a 10p coin.
- Fatigue or anaemia from loss of excess blood.
- Being unable to concentrate at work or school while on periods.
These symptoms may have a profound effect on a woman’s physical and emotional health, which can interfere with social activities, sleep, and daily activities.
Reasons for Heavy Periods: Common Causes
The first step in the treatment of heavy periods is understanding what may be causing them. The reasons are many and varied, but a few of the top reasons are:
Hormonal Imbalances
Changes in oestrogen and progesterone can interfere with the growth and shedding of the womb lining. Imbalances commonly occur in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and perimenopause. Thyroid diseases, too, especially hypothyroidism, may lead to heavier flow.
Uterine Conditions
- Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can lead to heavy bleeding and pressure symptoms.
- Adenomyosis: This occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscle wall, and it can cause long, painful periods.
- Polyps: Small growths on the inside of the uterus that may lead to spotting or heavy periods.
Medical and Medication History
- In some cases, such as with von Willebrand disease, there may be excessive bleeding.
- Copper IUDs can lead to heavier, longer periods, particularly during the first several months.
- Blood-thinning drugs or some hormonal treatments can also play a part.
How to Relieve Heavy Periods: At-Home Management
Though medical attention is necessary for long-term treatment, certain lifestyle changes and home remedies can provide relief.
Dietary Adjustments
Consumption of iron-rich foods such as spinach, red meat, and lentils can restore lost iron and help avoid anaemia. In addition to water, minimising caffeine and alcohol can also help balance hormones.
Pain & Blood Flow Management
A heating pad may help to relieve some cramping and discomfort. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, not only work to relieve pain but also may reduce blood flow by decreasing prostaglandins in the body.
Supplements & Herbal Remedies
- Iron supplements are required if anaemia is present.
- Vitamin C increases absorption of iron when ingested with iron-rich foods.
- Some herbs, like ginger and turmeric, may also offer anti-inflammatory benefits, though evidence is still sparse.
How to Stop Heavy Bleeding During Periods: Medical Treatments
If the symptoms do not go away after home treatment, medical treatment may be necessary.
Medications
- Hormonal Treatments: Patients can stabilise or decrease bleeding by taking combined oral contraceptives, patches, or hormonal IUDs. In some women, progestogen-only therapy may be an option to decrease the thickness of the lining of the uterus.
- Non-Hormonal Options:
- Tranexamic acid (TXA) decreases HMB (heavy menstrual bleeding) and is usually administered while the woman is menstruating.
- NSAID mefenamic acid can be helpful for pain and lessening blood loss.
Surgical & Procedural Options
- Endometrial ablation removes or destroys the uterine lining (endometrium) to reduce or stop menstrual flow.
- Uterine artery embolisation involves shrinking fibroids by cutting off their blood flow.
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is an option for women whose symptoms have not improved with other treatments and are severe.
When to See a Doctor
You should see your doctor if you have:
- For a few hours, soak a pad or tampon once per hour.
- Symptoms of severe anaemia, such as severe fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
- Bleeding between periods or after menopause, which can indicate other conditions.
Blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, or endometrial biopsy may be needed for diagnosis, depending on the symptoms and history.
Conclusion
Heavy periods are not only physically draining, they can be emotionally frustrating as well—but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Knowing the reasons—from hormone imbalances to fibroids—can help you choose the right treatment. From modest lifestyle modifications to revolutionary medical procedures, there are several ways to manage menorrhagia effectively and take back your health.
If you’re experiencing heavy periods, stop waiting—schedule an appointment with a specialist for a personalised and professional treatment plan.
Chase Lodge Hospital
