Heavy Periods

Heavy periods, also called menorrhagia, are common. In fact, it's thought that this issue affects up to 30% of women of reproductive age. While some women just see heavy periods as normal, others find they can have a significant impact on their quality of life. It can affect confidence, cause anxiety and lead to people avoiding certain social activities and events. It can also take its toll on intimate relationships.

If heavy periods are getting in the way of your everyday life, there's no need to suffer in silence. Treatment is available that can help.

What are heavy periods/ what is menorrhagia?

So, what is considered a heavy period? On average, women lose 30-40ml of menstrual blood each cycle. For women with menorrhagia however, this rises to 80ml or more.

It's important to be aware that heavy periods can be subjective though. What one person might experience as normal, another might perceive as heavy bleeding. Because of this, a diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding is usually based on a person's perception of blood loss and the impact this has on their daily life.

You might have heavy periods if you:

• Find you have to change your tampon or pad every 1 to 2 hours, or empty your menstrual cup more frequently than recommended
• Pass blood closts larger than the size of a 10p coin
• Have to use 2 types of sanitary product together, for example, tampons and pads
• Bleed through to your bedding or clothes
• Take time off work or avoid daily activites such as exercise because of your period.

Iron deficiency anaemia 

In some cases, heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. Symptoms of this can include tiredness and a lack of energy, pale skin, shortness of breath and noticeable heartbeats (known as palpitations). If you think you have symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, you should speak to your doctor.

Relief from heavy periods

Heavy periods don't always need to be treated, but if menorrhagia is getting in the way of your everyday life, there are treatment options available that can help.

Evana, which contains the active ingredient tranexamic acid, is designed to be taken while you are bleeding. It can help to reduce menstrual bleeding by up to 60%. In a usage study most women reported a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding within the first cycle of use. You are able to buy Evana right here on our website and in participating pharmacies - without the need for a prescription soon.

Other possible treatment options include certain types of contraception, such as the combined pill or intrauterine system (IUS).

Browse our website to discover more about the causes and symptoms of heavy periods, as well as the treatment options available.