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    Flow & bleeding

    Is my period too heavy? When to see a doctor

    Heavy menstrual bleeding (sometimes called menorrhagia) is common and often treatable — but it's under-reported because it's hard to know what 'too heavy' really is. Here's how clinicians think about it, and the signs that mean it's worth getting checked.

    Emmenia editorial3 min readReviewed 22 August 2026

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    Heavy bleeding is measurable — and worth measuring.

    Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, feeling faint or breathless, or severe pain means seek urgent medical care now.

    Signs your period may be heavier than it should be

    1. You soak through protection quickly

      Needing to change a pad or tampon every hour or two for several hours in a row, or having to double up on protection, points to heavy flow.

    2. You pass large clots

      Clots larger than about a 10p coin / a quarter, especially repeatedly, are worth noting and mentioning to a clinician.

    3. It disrupts your life

      Changing protection at night, planning your day around the bathroom, or missing work, school or activities because of bleeding are all meaningful signals — regardless of the exact volume.

    4. You have signs of low iron

      Ongoing tiredness, breathlessness, pale skin or dizziness can point to iron deficiency from blood loss. It's checkable with a simple blood test and treatable.

    5. Periods last longer than a week

      Bleeding routinely lasting more than seven days, or bleeding between periods or after sex, is worth raising rather than waiting out.

    Common questions

    How do I measure how heavy my period is?
    Clinicians often use a pictorial blood-loss assessment (PBAC): you log how soaked each pad/tampon is and how many clots you pass, and the score estimates whether flow is heavy. Emmenia includes PBAC-style tracking.
    What causes heavy periods?
    Many things — fibroids, polyps, hormonal changes (including perimenopause), thyroid issues, bleeding disorders, or some contraceptives. That's why a clinician's assessment matters; it's rarely something to just endure.
    When should I seek urgent help?
    Seek urgent care for bleeding so heavy you soak through protection every hour for several hours, feel faint or short of breath, or have severe pain. Don't wait for your next routine appointment.

    Keep reading

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    Am I in perimenopause? 8 early signs

    Mood & PMDD

    PMDD vs PMS: how to tell the difference

    Cycle timing

    Why is my period late? 8 common reasons

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    This guide is general educational information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Speak to a clinician about severe, worsening or unusual symptoms.