Heavy period symptoms
Heavy periods can have a big impact on your quality of life. Also called menorrhagia, this problem affects many women. In fact, the NHS states that heavy periods are one of the most common reasons for people who menstruate to visit their doctor, and a third of women describe their periods as heavy.
But how do you know if you have heavy periods? Here, we provide the lowdown on menorrhagia symptoms so that you know what to look out for.
Heavy period symptoms
You might have heavy periods if any of the following apply to you:
- You pass blood clots larger than the size of a 10p coin (about 2.5cm)
- You find you have to change your tampon or pad every hour or couple of hours, or you need to empty your menstrual cup more frequently than the manufacturer recommends
- You use 2 types of sanitary products together, such as a tampon and a pad, to reduce the chances of bleeding through to your clothes
- Your periods last for more than 7 days
- You sometimes bleed through to your bedding or clothing
- You avoid regular activities, such as sports or exercise classes, or you take time off work as a result of your periods
- You often feel tired or feel short of breath.
Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia
The last point in the list above could be a sign that heavy periods have caused iron deficiency anaemia. This is a condition that means your body doesn't have enough iron and it leads to a reduction in the number of red blood cells you produce. These cells can help to store and carry oxygen in the blood. So, if you don't have enough of them, your body's organs and tissues won't receive as much oxygen as they typically would - and this can cause the following symptoms:
- Fatigue and a lack of energy
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations (when you notice your heartbeats)
- A pale complexion.
Less common signs of iron deficiency anaemia can include headaches, a changed sense of taste, hair loss, an abnormally smooth tongue, ulcers on the corners of your mouth, tinnitus (a ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears), and feeling itchy.
Among people who menstruate, heavy periods are one of the most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia.
If you think you might have iron deficiency anaemia, book an appointment with your doctor. They will be able to diagnose the condition by offering you a blood test.
Find out more
Now you know more about heavy period symptoms and what to look out for, you can browse our website for information on the causes of heavy periods and the treatment options available.
Our menstrual health products
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