Heavy periods are exhausting and disruptive to everyday life. If you’re constantly worried about leaks, changing tampons or pads every hour, or feeling wiped out during your cycle, it’s more common than you might think.
47% of UK women aged 18-55 reported symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in the UK.
The good news is that there are effective ways to manage heavy bleeding, from home remedies to over-the-counter treatments, that make a real difference.
Heavy menstrual bleeding (medically called menorrhagia) is when your period is significantly heavier or lasts longer than usual. But what does “heavy” actually mean?
You might have heavy periods if you:
Heavy bleeding can have several causes. Sometimes it’s due to hormonal imbalances, particularly when oestrogen and progesterone levels are out of sync. This is common during perimenopause or after coming off hormonal contraception.
Other causes include:
Sometimes there’s no obvious cause – doctors call this “dysfunctional uterine bleeding.” Your periods might just be naturally heavier than average, which can be frustrating but isn’t necessarily dangerous.
While severe heavy bleeding needs medical attention, some natural approaches can help reduce flow and ease symptoms.
Heavy periods can quickly deplete your iron levels, leaving you tired and weak. Eating iron-rich foods helps replace what you’re losing and may reduce bleeding over time. Good options include red meat, spinach, lentils, dark chocolate, and fortified cereals. Pair these with vitamin C foods like oranges or peppers to boost absorption.
Applying a cold pack to your lower abdomen for 15-20 minutes can help constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding. Use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel or a proper ice pack. Many women find this gives quick relief during particularly heavy days.
It might seem counterintuitive when you’re already losing fluid, but drinking plenty of water helps your body cope with blood loss and can prevent dizziness and fatigue. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, more if you’re bleeding heavily.
Stress can worsen heavy bleeding by affecting your hormone levels. Getting enough sleep, gentle exercise like walking or yoga, and relaxation techniques can all help regulate your cycle.
When home remedies aren’t enough, over-the-counter medications can effectively reduce and treat heavy bleeding. Here are the most reliable options:
Ibuprofen is your best first choice. It doesn’t just relieve pain – it actually reduces menstrual flow by up to 50%. Take 400mg three times daily with food, starting when your period begins. Continue for the first 2-3 days when bleeding is heaviest.
Naproxen works similarly and lasts longer, so you only need to take it twice daily. The usual dose is 250mg twice daily with food.
Both work by reducing prostaglandins – hormone-like substances that cause heavy bleeding and cramping.
Mefenamic acid is another NSAID that’s particularly effective for heavy periods. It reduces both bleeding and pain. The usual dose is 500mg three times daily with food for up to seven days. Like other NSAIDs, start taking it when your period begins.
Tranexamic acid tablets can reduce bleeding by up to 26%-60% by helping your blood clot more effectively, reducing the amount you lose.
You take one 500mg tablet three times daily for up to four days, starting when bleeding begins.
The combined contraceptive pill regulates your cycle and often makes periods lighter and shorter. Many women find their heavy bleeding improves within 2-3 cycles of starting the pill.
The contraceptive implant can reduce bleeding, though some women experience irregular patterns in the first few months.
The coil (hormonal intrauterine device) is particularly effective for heavy periods. It releases progesterone directly into the womb, reducing bleeding by up to 90% and sometimes stopping periods completely. Many women see improvement within 3-6 months of insertion.
You’ll need to speak to a GP, nurse, or visit a contraceptive clinic to discuss which option might work best for you. They’ll consider your medical history, other symptoms, and whether you want contraception too.
While heavy periods are common, some situations need medical attention.
Seek urgent help if:
Book a routine appointment if:
Your doctor will ask about your menstrual cycle and how it affects your life. They might suggest blood tests to check for anaemia or thyroid problems, an internal examination, or an ultrasound scan to look for fibroids.
Try keeping a period diary for 2-3 months before your appointment, noting when periods start and stop, how heavy the flow is, and any symptoms. This helps your doctor understand your pattern and choose the best treatment options.
Heavy periods don’t just affect you for a few days each month – they can impact your overall health, particularly through iron deficiency anaemia. When you regularly lose a lot of blood, your iron stores become depleted, leaving you feeling exhausted and unwell.
Anaemia from heavy periods develops gradually, so you might not notice it at first. You may just feel more tired than usual, struggle to concentrate, or find yourself getting breathless climbing stairs. Your skin may look pale, your nails could become brittle, and you might crave ice or starch.
The key to managing anaemia is replacing the iron you’re losing faster than your periods deplete it. Iron-rich foods help, but diet alone often isn’t enough when bleeding is very heavy.
Iron supplements are usually necessary – ferrous sulphate or fumarate are the most prescribed. Take them with vitamin C (orange juice works well) and avoid tea or coffee for an hour either side, as these can block absorption.
Regular blood tests can help monitor your iron levels if you have ongoing heavy periods. Your GP might check your full blood count every 6-12 months to catch anaemia before it becomes severe. Don’t ignore symptoms of severe anaemia like chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or fainting – these need immediate medical attention.
Heavy periods shouldn’t control your life. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, or you’re concerned about your symptoms, Click2Pharmacy’s online heavy periods clinic can help you get the support you need without the wait for a GP appointment.
The online consultation is straightforward and completely confidential – you’ll answer questions about your periods, medical history, and current symptoms. Our qualified pharmacists will review your responses and may ask follow-up questions to make sure they recommend the most appropriate treatment, which can be delivered discreetly to your door. If needed, they can also advise when you should see your GP for further investigation.
Don’t let heavy periods disrupt your work, relationships, or well-being any longer. Our online clinic offers expert advice and effective treatments to help you regain control of your cycle.
