Heavy periods are common, but they can have a big effect on a woman's everyday life. They don't always have an underlying cause, but they can result from problems such as fibroids or endometriosis, so it's important to get your symptoms checked out. See your GP if: you're worried about your bleeding

your periods have got heavier

you're also having other symptoms, such as period pain or bleeding between your periods Various treatments are available for heavy periods, including: some types of contraception, like an intrauterine system (IUS) or the combined pill

medicines, like tranexamic acid

surgery

How much is heavy bleeding? It's difficult to define exactly what a heavy period is because it varies from woman to woman. Heavy for one woman may be normal for another. Most women will lose less than 16 teaspoons of blood (80ml) during their period, with the average being around 6 to 8 teaspoons. Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as losing 80ml or more in each period, having periods that last longer than 7 days, or both. However, it's not usually necessary to measure blood loss. Most women have a good idea of how much bleeding is normal for them during their period and can tell when this changes. A good indication that your periods are heavy is if you: are having to change your sanitary products every hour or two

are passing blood clots larger than 2.5cm (about the size of a 10p coin)

are bleeding through to your clothes or bedding

need to use two types of sanitary product together – for example, tampons and pads

Seeing a GP and further tests Your GP will start by asking you about your heavy bleeding, any changes to your periods and any other symptoms you have, like bleeding between your periods or period pain. All women who have heavy periods should be offered a blood test to check for iron deficiency anaemia. The GP may also suggest a physical examination or refer you for further tests to try to find out if there's an underlying cause for your heavy periods. Further tests may include: other blood tests

an ultrasound scan

a hysteroscopy – where a narrow telescope with a light and camera at the end is passed into the womb through the vagina to examine the inside of the womb Read more about diagnosing heavy periods.