Many women handle their periods with modest discomfort. However, for others, heavy periods can have an impact on work, education, relationships, and daily life, particularly if they result in iron deficiency or its more severe form, iron deficiency anemia. 

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a group of symptoms referred to as abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). AUB can also cause interruptions in the frequency, length, and regularity of menstrual flow.

What Constitutes Excessive Menstrual Bleeding?
While periods differ from person to person, identifying whether you have heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is as simple as assessing the impact of your period's bleeding volume on your everyday life. Occasional periods can be heavy and uncomfortable, but if the majority of your periods interfere with your quality of life, you most likely have HMB. 

Dysmenorrhea, or period discomfort, is another aspect of menstruation that can have a negative impact on your quality of life. While not HMB, there are several easy and efficient treatments for dysmenorrhea, many of which also address excessive bleeding.

The following signs may indicate that you are losing more blood than expected:

- Your monthly bleeding lasts more than eight days;
- You soak through your tampons or pads every one or two hours;
- You regulate your menstrual flow by using more than one pad at a time;
- You must use two menstruation items concurrently, such as a pad and a tampon, since you leak through;
- You have to change pads or tampons during the night or regularly wake up to empty your menstrual cup;
- You should empty your menstruation cup more frequently than the package says;
- During your monthly cycle, you pass blood clots larger than a quarter or 10p coin;
- Heavy menstrual flow interferes with your everyday activities, such as exercise, or requires you to take time off from work or school;
- You feel fatigued, lack energy, or experience shortness of breath all month, including during your periods;
- You feel heaviness or ache in your stomach and lower back;
- Your sleep is interrupted by heavier, unexpected spells;
- Your heavy menstruation interrupts work, school, or social activities;
- Your excessive monthly bleeding has an emotional impact - you feel stressed, nervous, or sad owing to the physical discomfort and lifestyle interruptions it produces;
- Due to the physical discomfort and bleeding associated with HMB, you have a lower libido and participate in less sexual activity.

If any of these symptoms seem similar or occur frequently, you may have HMB. It may be beneficial to consult with your healthcare physician. They can assist you in determining what is causing it and discussing possible treatment choices. Keeping note of your period and related experiences will help you better understand HMB. 

If you're concerned about how much you bleed during your period, see a healthcare professional since there might be an underlying problem. Heavy periods may be caused by medical issues affecting your uterus, ovaries, hormones, and other health concerns.

When to Visit Your Healthcare Provider
In general, if your menstrual flow has an impact on your quality of life, you should visit your healthcare professional, since you have HMB by definition. Your symptoms may last beyond the days of your cycle. Most people with HMB will have iron deficiency and may be anemic, which means you may be weary and unable to concentrate during the month. Additionally, if you develop bleeding between your usual periods, after having sex, or after menopause, make an appointment with your doctor.

If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, you should contact your healthcare practitioner if you have an episode of what you believe to be HMB. Bleeding during pregnancy should always be explored because it may suggest complications such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, in which the pregnancy exists outside of the uterus and can be fatal. As a result, if you notice a rapid change in your bleeding pattern or volume, you should consult your healthcare professional.

If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, you should contact your healthcare practitioner if you have an episode of what you believe to be HMB. Bleeding during pregnancy should always be explored since it might signal a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs outside of the uterus and can be fatal. As a result, if you notice a rapid change in your bleeding pattern or volume, you should consult your healthcare professional.