Heavy periods are not uncommon, but it can be difficult to know whether your flow is normal or heavy and what you may think of as a ‘typical’ period may actually be symptomatic of a separate health condition, so it’s important to go and see your GP if you are worried or unsure. A health check is always a good idea.
If you’re worried about your bleeding or if you believe your periods have started to become heavier, or if you’re experiencing anything like bleeding between your periods or period pain, it would also be advisable to make a doctor’s appointment.
A good indication that you do have heavy periods is if you’re finding that you have to change sanitary products every hour or so, are bleeding through to your clothes or if you have to use tampons and pads together at the same time.
Heavy menstrual bleeding can be caused by conditions like fibroids (which are non-cancerous growths) or endometriosis, which is where the tissue lining of the womb is found outside the womb, in the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Tests can be carried out for heavy periods, including a full blood count, pelvic assessment, internal swabs, ultrasounds, endometrial biopsy and, potentially based on the results of these tests, a hysteroscopy to look inside the womb using a camera.
If you are worried, start keeping a diary of your periods, both before and after any treatment you have, making note of frequency, heaviness and any other associated symptoms.
Are you looking for the best endometriosis specialist in London? Get in touch with Chelsea Well Women today.
