Heavy menstrual bleeding also known as MENORRHAGIA is defined as regular bleeding which is abnormally prolonged or heavy (more than 80 ml) whose symptoms are as follows;

• Heavier periods (more than 80 mls) than normal
• Bleeding more than 1 week
• Passing of clots (larger than 0.5cm)
• Need to change your pad more than once every 1-2 hours
• Flooding which require frequent change of sanitary pads (including getting up at night to change)
• Symptoms of anaemia such as shortness of breath or tiredness

Causes of Heavy Periods

There are many causes but the most common causes are;

• Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (more than 50%)
• Fibroids
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Endometriosis
• Uterine polyp / cancer
• Cervical polyp / cancer
• Blood clotting or kidney disorders (rare)

Management

Do keep a (1) diary of your bleeding and non-bleeding days and take note of (2) how heavy your flow was and (3) how much sanitary pads or tampons you needed to control it on a single day. 

When should you see your Gynaecology Specialist Doctor

If the heavy period has been for a few months, then you must consult a Gynaecologist Specialist to get a thorough physical check up and get some of these tests done to prepare a treatment options plan for you;

• Blood tests (to check for anemia and bleeding issues like low platelets or prolonged clotting time)
• Hysteroscopy
• Cervical Cancer Screening test (PAP smear)
• Tissue biopsy (if necessary for any suspicious lesions)
• Ultrasound scan

See your Gynaecological Doctor to have a physical examination for any unusual PROLONGED duration of heavy periods

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