Heavy menstrual bleeding

Overview

Causes include fibroids, polyps, hormone changes, and bleeding disorders.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Heavy periods or bleeding through pads
• Periods lasting more than a week

Less common

• Clots
• Tiredness

Look up a symptom: Dizziness · Fatigue · Heavy periods · Periods lasting more than a week

When to get medical care

Causes

Fibroids, polyps, hormone changes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Teens
• Before menopause

Possible complications

• Iron deficiency anemia

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional asks about your periods.

Questions you may be asked

• Pads per day, clots

The exam

A pelvic exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood tests: Iron and blood count.
• Ultrasound:

Treatment

Track your bleeding.

Self-care

• Keep a period log
• Eat iron-rich foods

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

A hormonal IUD or procedures.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Heavy menstrual bleeding