Heavy periods (menorrhagia)

Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia): Understanding Causes and Treatment Options

Many women are told that heavy periods are simply part of life. But when monthly bleeding becomes excessive, disruptive, or physically draining, it’s time to seek help. You don’t have to live with heavy bleeding, missed work, constant fatigue, or anxiety about leaks.

At Happiher, we help women find the cause of their heavy periods — and more importantly, find solutions that restore comfort and confidence. If you’re looking for a private gynaecologist in London, expert support is available.

What Are Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)?

Menorrhagia is the medical term for periods that are heavier or longer than normal, characterized by unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual flow. It’s not just about how much you bleed — it’s about the impact bleeding has on your health, energy, and quality of life.

Signs you might have heavy periods include:

• Bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours

• Passing large blood clots

• Bleeding for more than 7 days

• Needing to double up on protection (tampon and pad together)

• Waking at night to change protection

• Anaemia symptoms (fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath)

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to explore why it’s happening.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of menorrhagia include heavy menstrual bleeding, passing large blood clots, and prolonged menstrual periods. Women with menorrhagia may experience bleeding that lasts more than 7-10 days, soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour, and needing to change pads or tampons more than once a day. Other symptoms include feeling weak or dizzy due to blood loss, experiencing fatigue or shortness of breath, and having a low red blood cell count (anemia). It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as menorrhagia can lead to complications such as iron deficiency anemia and decreased quality of life.

What Causes Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Heavy periods can happen for many reasons, including:

• Fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the womb)

• Adenomyosis (where womb lining grows into the muscle wall)

• Hormone imbalances (particularly oestrogen and progesterone)

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Bleeding disorders (like Von Willebrand disease or other bleeding disorders)

• Endometrial polyps

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Thyroid disorders (such as hypothyroidism)

• Certain medications (e.g., anticoagulants)

• Perimenopause hormonal fluctuations

Sometimes, no clear cause is found — but treatment is still possible.

How Are Heavy Periods Diagnosed? (Blood Tests)

At Happiher, we take a thorough, compassionate approach to understanding your bleeding pattern and overall health.

Diagnosis may include:

• Detailed review of your medical history and symptoms

• Pelvic exam to assess the internal reproductive organs

• Transvaginal ultrasound scan to assess the uterus and ovaries

• Saline sonohysterography to detect polyps or submucosal fibroids

• Blood test to check for anaemia, thyroid function, and clotting issues

• MRI if adenomyosis or deep fibroids are suspected

A clear diagnosis allows us to recommend the most effective treatment, tailored to your situation and preferences.

How Are Heavy Periods Treated?

The best way to treat heavy periods depends on what’s causing them, your age, fertility goals, and personal preferences.

• Hormonal treatments like the combined pill, progestogen-only pill, or hormonal intrauterine device (Mirena coil)

At Happiher, we create individualised treatment plans to treat heavy period bleeding that fit your life.

Medical Management

• Hormonal treatments like the combined pill, progestogen-only pill, or hormonal IUS (Mirena coil) that slowly releases levonorgestrel to reduce bleeding

• Non-hormonal medications like tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding

• Iron supplements or iron tablets if anaemia is present

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Hysteroscopic surgery to remove polyps or small fibroids inside the womb

• Endometrial ablation to thin or remove the lining of the uterus (suitable if future pregnancy isn’t desired)

• Endometrial sampling using a thin tube to obtain tissue samples from the uterus for diagnosis

Surgical Options

• Myomectomy (removal of fibroids) via laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques

• Hysterectomy (removal of the womb) — considered a major operation for severe cases when childbearing is complete

As a private gynaecologist in London, Dr Kaur specialises in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, ensuring faster recovery, less pain, and outstanding care.

How Do Heavy Periods Affect Everyday Life? (Iron Deficiency Anaemia)

Heavy periods, or very heavy menstrual bleeding, can disrupt everything from work to social activities to emotional wellbeing. Many women experience:

• Chronic fatigue and feeling tired

• Anxiety about bleeding through clothing

• Needing double sanitary protection (tampon and pad together)

• Social withdrawal

• Relationship impacts

• Iron-deficiency anaemia

• Missed days at work or school

It’s important to know this is not something you have to just “cope with.” Your health and quality of life matter.

Health Complications

Menorrhagia can lead to various health complications, including anemia, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Heavy menstrual bleeding can also increase the risk of infections, such as endometritis or pelvic inflammatory disease. In some cases, menorrhagia can be a symptom of underlying conditions, such as cancer, which require early medical intervention. Additionally, menorrhagia can affect daily life and relationships, causing social and emotional distress. It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience heavy menstrual bleeding, as treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Pregnancy and Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia can affect pregnancy, as heavy menstrual bleeding can increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Women with menorrhagia may experience difficulty getting pregnant, and heavy menstrual bleeding can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience heavy menstrual bleeding and are trying to conceive, as treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and improve fertility.

Understanding Menstrual Bleeding

Menstrual bleeding is a natural part of the menstrual cycle, but excessive bleeding can be a sign of menorrhagia. The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, and any imbalance can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding. Uterine fibroids, polyps, and other growths can also cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Understanding the causes of menorrhagia is essential for effective treatment and management.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Heavy Periods

Lifestyle changes can help manage heavy periods and alleviate symptoms of menorrhagia. These changes include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing stress-reducing techniques. Women with menorrhagia can also use sanitary products, such as pads or tampons, to manage bleeding. Additionally, birth control pills and other hormonal treatments can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider before making any lifestyle changes or starting new treatments, as they can help determine the best course of treatment for individual cases of menorrhagia.

Why Choose Happiher for Heavy Period Treatment?

If you’re looking for treatment for heavy periods in London, Happiher offers:

• Fast access to private consultations

• Specialist imaging, diagnosis, and other tests

• Full range of treatment options — from simple medical therapy to advanced surgical care

• Expertise in fertility-preserving solutions

• Compassionate, supportive guidance at every stage

We tailor everything around your goals — whether that’s lighter periods, preserving fertility, or simply getting back to feeling your best.

Final Thoughts

Heavy periods aren’t just a nuisance — they’re a valid medical concern that deserves expert attention. Whether your symptoms have just started or have been dismissed for years, it’s never too late to find a solution.

At Happiher, we’re here to listen, diagnose accurately, and provide the right treatment plan for you — with empathy, expertise, and the highest standard of care.