Heavy periods: when is the bleeding more than “normal”?

English version

How do you know if a period is unusually heavy?

Periods vary from person to person. Bleeding may be unusually heavy if you need to change a pad or tampon every one to two hours, use two products together, wake at night to change protection, pass clots larger than a ₹10 coin, or bleed for more than seven days.

Another important clue is how the bleeding affects you. Missing work, avoiding travel, repeatedly staining clothes or feeling exhausted during every period should not simply become something you learn to tolerate.

Why should heavy bleeding not be ignored?

Ongoing blood loss can cause iron-deficiency anaemia. Common signs include unusual tiredness, weakness, headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, paleness or difficulty concentrating.

Heavy periods may be associated with fibroids, hormonal changes, thyroid concerns, adenomyosis, a bleeding disorder, certain medicines or—less commonly—changes in the uterus that need investigation. Only a medical assessment can identify the cause.

What should you do?

Keep a simple record of bleeding days, how often you change protection, clots, pain, dizziness and medicines taken. A gynaecologist may recommend blood tests, an ultrasound or an in-person examination depending on your history.