Heavy periods: what you need to know

17th June, 2025    |    By  Jean Hailes    |     2

Heavy periods can be an issue for around a quarter of women in Australia.

How much bleeding is too much?
Everyone’s periods are different, and yours may change from month to month. Is your period having a negative impact on your life?
If getting your period makes you feel upset, stressed, anxious, is painful, or makes it hard to leave the house because you’re concerned about bleeding through your clothes — it’s time to speak to your doctor.

What are some of the signs of heavy bleeding?
• Needing to change your pad or tampon every hour or less
• Needing to change your pad or tampon in the middle of the night
• Blood clots bigger than a 50-cent piece
• Bleeding for more than seven to eight days

There are lots of reasons for heavy periods. About half of women don’t have an obvious problem in their uterus. It might be related to unknown issues in the uterus. There are simple tests your doctor or a specialist can do to find out the cause.

What are the treatment options?
Sometimes with heavy periods, iron stores (called ferritin) and iron levels can get low. Your doctor might recommend a blood test and iron therapy if your levels are low. This usually involves taking a daily iron supplement, or if ferritin levels are very low, receiving an iron infusion — sometimes available in your doctor’s clinic.

Important: Women who have gone through menopause should not experience any vaginal bleeding or spotting. If this occurs, see your doctor.

If you do have issues with heavy bleeding, you’re not alone. Find a health professional you feel comfortable talking to. They can help — you don’t need to put up with heavy periods.

👉 To learn more, visit: https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/heavy-periods


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 Heavy periods: what you need to know

Periods can be as varied as the weather.

For some women, they come and go with little concern, but for other women, their period can sometimes make it tricky to leave the house without worrying.

If you find your bleeding lasts longer than seven to eight days, need to change your pad or tampon every hour or less, have blood clots that are larger than a 50 cent coin, have period pain that won’t go away after taking painkillers, or feel excessively tired or dizzy, you could be experiencing what’s known as heavy menstrual bleeding.

You’re not alone. A quarter of all women in Australia experience the same symptoms. It’s particularly common in teenagers and women over 30.

There are many reasons why heavy menstrual bleeding occurs. About half of women don’t have an obvious cause for their heavy periods.

If you suffer some of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your health professional for help. Heavy menstrual bleeding can affect your iron levels. Treatments could include an iron supplement or infusion, or medication to reduce the bleeding.

Periods shouldn’t interfere with your life. By speaking to a trusted health professional, you’ll be able to understand your symptoms and how you can manage them a little more easily.

👉 For more on periods, visit: jeanhailes.org.au