Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a significant health issue that impacts numerous women who have not yet reached menopause. It is characterised by heavy, prolonged periods that occur at regular intervals. In medical terms, this equates to an average loss of more than 80 mL of blood per cycle.1 One-third of women experience heavy menstruation. Every year, at least 1 in 20 women consult a doctor about this issue.2 It can be annoying, and uncomfortable, and the bleeding can make it difficult to do everyday activities normally.1

HMB can be caused by disruption of hormone functioning, abnormal blood clotting, or problems in the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or adenomyosis. To determine the best treatment option, it is important to find out the underlying cause.1

You may have heavy menstrual bleeding if you experience below signs and symptoms:

• Menstrual flow that absorbs one or more napkins or tampons per hour for several consecutive hours3
• To better manage your menstrual flow, you may need to use two pads at once3
• Change pads or tampons several times throughout the night3
• Periods lasting for more than 7 days3
• Menstrual flow that contains blood clots that are at least the size of a quarter3

Pain in the lower part of your stomach all the time during periods3

If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

If your bleeding is heavy or continues for a long time without treatment, it may prevent you from living your life to the fullest. It is possible that having a problem with bleeding can lead to other health complications.3

• Anaemia: Menorrhagia can cause anaemia by lowering the quantity of circulating red blood cells.4
• Severe pain: In addition to excessive menstrual flow, you may experience painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Sometimes the menorrhagia-related pain is severe enough to require medical evaluation.4

It is advisable to consult your doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment options. Your doctor will investigate the root cause of your heavy periods by evaluating signs and symptoms and performing necessary tests.2

References:

1. Herman MC, Mol BW, Bongers MY. Diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding. Womens Health. 2016;12(1):15-20.
2. NHS inform. Heavy periods. [Internet]2023 Mar 14 [cited 2023 June 30]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/heavy-periods.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heavy menstrual bleeding. [Internet] 2023 Jun 23 [cited 2023 Jun 30]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html.
4. Mayo Clinic. Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). [Internet] 2022 Jun 25 [cited 2023 June 30]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352829.