The 7 warning signs to know on your period – and when to see a doctor
HEAVY periods are a thing – and they affect more women than you might think. One in five British women are plagued each month and that number increases to one in three as the menopause approaches. You might think you’re the only one, and that it’s just your bad luck, but heavy periods can be […]
HEAVY periods are a thing – and they affect more women than you might think.
One in five British women are plagued each month and that number increases to one in three as the menopause approaches.
You might think you’re the only one, and that it’s just your bad luck, but heavy periods can be a sign of a genuine medical condition, menorrhagia.
It’s defined as a severe period where you experience an excessive loss of blood during menstruation.
In most cases, it does not pose a major health risk.
But in some cases, it can be a sign of another underlying health condition, like endometriosis, fibroids or womb cancer in extreme cases, doctors warn.
And if it’s not addressed, it can interfere with comfortable daily living, and can cause anaemia – or iron deficiency.
Here are the seven signs that indicate your period could be a cause for concern and worth seeing your doctor about…
1. Your period lasts longer than seven days
Dr Vanessa MacKay, consultant gynaecologist and spokeswoman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, urges anyone who has a heavier period to what is normal for her to speak to a doctor.
She said: “If a woman has had a longer or heavier period that is significantly different to what is normal for her and/or if her period lasts longer than seven days, she should speak to her healthcare professional.”
2. You have to change your pad every hour
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical director of Patient.info, says people should see their GP if they notice they have to change their pad regularly because it’s soaking wet.
She said: “The average woman loses about 30-40ml (6-8 teaspoons) of blood during a period, and ‘menorrhagia’ – the medical term for significantly heavy periods – means losing more than 80ml, or 16 teaspoons.”
3. You feel breathless or fatigued
Dr Jarvis has warned that heavy periods can potentially cause anaemia, a condition of iron deficiency.
She said: “If you’re losing more iron during your periods than you take in from your diet over several months, heavy periods can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
“This can make you look pale and feel tired and breathless.
“In severe cases it can lead to swollen ankles, dizziness and fainting.”
4. You can spot blood clots in your flow
The NHS has urged women to see their GP if they are passing blood clots in their flow.
In particular, they say to look out for blood clots that are larger than 2.5cm – about the size of a 10p coin.
This is because heavy bleeding can be a a result of blood clotting disorders.
5. You struggle to go about your day normally
Many women find themselves unable to go about their usual day normally without physical limitations when they have a heavy period.
Dr Jarvis said: “It’s about feeling generally unwell, really weary and sick and not being able to concentrate.
“It affects your mood, leaving you feeling irritable.
“We see women who throw up and who are just unable to leave their homes.”
6. You have crippling menstrual cramps
Your period can be a cause for concern if you are suffering from agonising menstrual cramps.
In particular, research has shown that some women suffer from period pains that are as agonising as having a heart attack.
7. You have a shorter period than usual
It’s not just heavy periods that can be concerning, shorter periods can also be a sign that something is wrong.
Dr Mackay said: “Periods can change over the course of a woman’s lifetime.
Heavy periods are common and can have a big impact on a woman’s life
Dr Vanessa MacKay, consultant gynaecologist and spokeswoman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
“For example, a woman will have irregular and shorter periods as she approaches the menopause.
“In general, periods usually last between 3 and 8 days, with the average being about 5 days.
“If a woman has had a shorter period that is significantly different to what is normal for her, she should speak to her healthcare professional.”
Warning signs of underlying conditions
Dr MacKay says there are several conditions that can lead to menorrhagia, including endometriosis.
She told The Sun Online: “In about half of women with heavy menstrual bleeding, no underlying reason is found.
“These include conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, polyps, womb cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome.
“Heavy bleeding can also be as a result of blood clotting disorders, an underactive thyroid gland and diabetes and use of the IUD (the coil).”
More on women's health
Dr MacKay urges anyone who has a heavier period to what is normal for her to speak to a doctor.
She says: “Heavy periods are common and can have a big impact on a woman’s life.
“There are various treatments for heavy periods, including contraception, medicines, and in some cases, surgery.”