Heavy periods (also called menorrhagia) are common and can significantly affect your daily life. While every woman's menstrual cycle is different, excessively heavy bleeding is not something you simply have to live with.

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What is considered a heavy period?

According to the NHS, heavy menstrual bleeding is bleeding that regularly:

• Soaks through sanitary protection quickly.

• Requires changing protection during the night.

• Lasts longer than around seven days.

• Contains large blood clots.

• Prevents normal daily activities.

If your period affects your work, education, exercise or social life, it is worth discussing with your GP.

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What causes heavy periods?

Heavy bleeding may be caused by:

• Hormonal changes

• Fibroids

• Adenomyosis

• Endometriosis

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs)

• Bleeding disorders

• Certain medications

Sometimes no specific cause is identified.

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When should you seek medical advice?

The NHS recommends seeking medical assessment if:

• Bleeding becomes significantly heavier than usual.

• You experience dizziness or symptoms of anaemia.

• You regularly pass large clots.

• Bleeding continues for more than seven days.

• Heavy periods interfere with your quality of life.

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Managing heavy periods

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medication, hormonal treatment or surgery.

Alongside medical treatment, many women choose reusable period underwear to provide additional protection during work, overnight or while exercising.

Liberty Underwear offers absorbencies from medium flow through to ultra-heavy protection designed to help women feel secure throughout their day.

Learn more

• Choosing the Right Period Underwear
• Period Swimwear Guide
• Menopause & Everyday Confidence

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Trusted medical resources

• NHS: Heavy periods (Menorrhagia)

• NICE Guideline NG88 – Heavy Menstrual Bleeding