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Managing Heavy Periods

Managing heavy periods

Many women have heavy periods (also called menorrhagia) and they may be normal for you. They can affect anyone who has periods. Treatment can help if they're affecting your daily life.

What are 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

Find out more about causes and treatments of heavy periods on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heavy-periods

The NHS has developed a decision-making tool to help people manage heavy periods.

The weblinks below will take you to the NHS leaflet that will help you decide how to manage heavy periods.

You could read it to prepare for your appointment with your healthcare professional.