Nicola Elliott
Heavy periods are one of the most talked-about worries among those who menstruate, and heavy periods can rattle even the most unflappable person when they suddenly change or crank up a gear.
But before anybody jumps to the worst-case scenario, INTIMINA’s healthcare advisor Dr Shree Datta has stepped in to cut through the noise and explain what’s normal, what’s not, and when it’s time to get checked.
In true straight-down-the-middle fashion, she tackles the most common questions head-on — no euphemisms, no fuss, just the facts.
“Is it normal?” — The Question Everyone Starts With
According to Dr Datta, yes — for some people, heavy periods genuinely are their version of normal.
“It can be normal for some women to have heavier periods than others, as periods vary in frequency, length and duration from person to person. Life events can also alter periods, such as weight change or having a baby.”
Bodies don’t follow a script, and menstrual cycles are no exception.
So What Actually Counts As A Heavy Period?
On average, menstrual blood loss sits below 80ml. But once it pushes beyond that, symptoms tend to make themselves known. Dr Datta points to the big red flags that shouldn’t be ignored:
- Bleeding for more than seven days
- Needing two types of sanitary products at the same time
- Changing pads or tampons every 1–2 hours
- Bleeding through clothes or bedding
- Passing clots bigger than a 10p coin
She adds that there’s no single cause behind heavy periods. Polyps, fibroids, PCOS, thyroid issues and blood-clotting disorders can all be culprits: “These are all things your gynaecologist would investigate.”
How To Manage Heavy Periods Without Losing Your Mind
First up: find the reason behind them. That means proper medical checks — blood tests, ultrasounds, and sometimes a physical exam. Once the root cause is clear, treatment follows.
Structural problems like polyps or fibroids might need surgery — anything from a quick day procedure to a more involved hospital stay. Medication is also on the menu.
“Your doctor may also consider medication to stem your periods, for example, the contraceptive pill or the Mirena coil, whilst sometimes your doctor may consider medication such as tranexamic acid, which is taken during your period.”
Iron tablets often come into play too, especially when fatigue creeps in. And if underlying conditions like hypothyroidism are stirring the pot, those need tackling as well.
The Practical Way To Track What’s Going On
Dr Datta wants people to monitor their cycles with the same honesty they’d bring to checking an energy bill.
Track:
- How long your period lasts
- How often you’re changing products
- Whether you’re passing clots
- Whether you’re wiped out afterwards or avoiding exercise
“Generally, losing over 80ml of blood is classed as a heavy period, but it is difficult to measure,” she explains. That’s why the pattern matters more than the exact number.
When should you speak to a doctor? As soon as something changes.
“If you notice that your periods are becoming longer, you are bleeding through your clothes, require two forms of sanitary products, and change your sanitary products frequently, consider consulting your doctor.”
If you’re unsure, she advises keeping a menstrual diary to bring to your appointment.
Can Heavy Periods Cause Anaemia? Yes — And It Happens More Than You Think
This is one area you shouldn’t brush off. Feeling wiped out, breathless on stairs, or just generally drained near the end of your cycle can be a sign your iron levels have taken a hit.
Dr Datta stresses: “It is important not to forget to consider how often you have periods as well as their length and heaviness when monitoring them.
Review any medications you are taking as some can affect bleeding and consider whether you are going through a period of stress.”
INTIMINA Says The Questions Keep Coming — And They’re Listening
Danela Žagar, spokesperson for INTIMINA, says the topic isn’t going away any time soon — and that’s a good thing.
“Questions around heavy periods are so common and we are thrilled to have Dr. Shree Datta on hand to offer advice to help people navigate their way through any potential worries.”
Straight answers, proper guidance and no unnecessary panic — exactly what people need.
