How to Manage Heavy Periods

Last Updated: 29 October 2024

Heavy periods make it hard to function normally over your menstrual cycle. If you're someone who experiences heavy period flow, you know how difficult and uncomfortable it can be. Making sure you have supplies, worrying about leaking in public, and managing your schedule to make sure toilets are nearby. It can be exhausting at an already hormonal and tiring time of the month. 

Helping your tween or teen with heavy periods can be difficult too, especially if you are at the perimenopausal stage and have unpredictable cycles, clots and flooding.

But don't worry, there are ways to manage heavy menstrual bleeding and make them more comfortable.

What is a Heavy Period?

A heavy period, also known as menorrhagia, is where you lose a large amount of blood (typically over 80ml per cycle), or have periods that last longer than 7 days. Symptoms can include blood soaking through a pad or tampon every hour, having to use double protection, and passing large blood clots - bigger than a 50-cent piece.

In some cases, heavy bleeding may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as endometriosis or fibroids, so it's important to chat to a doctor if you are concerned.

Causes of Heavy Periods

Heavy periods can stem from various causes, including:

1. Hormonal Imbalances: Estrogen and progesterone imbalances affect the thickening of the uterine lining, often resulting in a heavier flow.
2. Uterine Fibroids or Polyps: Benign growths in the uterus can contribute to intense bleeding, sometimes causing irregular or prolonged periods as well.
3. Endometriosis: This condition, where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, can lead to pain and heavier bleeding.
4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS can cause irregular ovulation, leading to prolonged and heavy periods.
5. Blood Clotting Disorders: Some individuals may have underlying bleeding disorders that cause excessive menstrual bleeding.
6. Medicine: Some medicines and treatments, including some anticoagulant medicines and chemotherapy medicines, can make bleeding heavier. 

Understanding the underlying cause of a heavy period can be empowering and help you explore treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Impacts of a Heavy Period

Heavy menstrual bleeding doesn’t just affect you physically; it has social, emotional, and mental impacts as well.

• Physical Effects: Heavy blood loss can lead to anemia, which causes symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. When iron stores deplete, you may feel constantly tired or lightheaded.
• Discomfort and Pain: Heavier periods can intensify cramps and abdominal pain, making it challenging to relax, work, or even get restful sleep.
• Emotional and Social Impact: Anxiety around potential leaks, unpredictable schedules, and the constant need for restrooms can make you feel less confident and affect your social life. You might find yourself avoiding certain activities or worrying about accidents in public.

These impacts often go unrecognized, but addressing heavy bleeding can bring significant relief and improve your quality of life.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If heavy periods interfere with your daily life, it’s worth discussing with your GP. Treatment depends on the cause but can include the following:

• Hormonal Treatments: Contraceptive pills or hormonal IUDs can help regulate periods and reduce the amount of bleeding.
• Non-Hormonal Medications: Medications like tranexamic acid help reduce bleeding for people who prefer non-hormonal options.
• Prescription Painkillers: Prescription-only anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as mefenamic acid or naproxen. 

Talking with a GP can help clarify the best approach for you and ensure any underlying issues are addressed. If these treatments do not work or a GP thinks a condition may be causing your heavy periods, they’ll usually refer you for tests or to see a specialist.

However, there are several other practical strategies to make heavy periods easier to manage. 

How to Manage Heavy Periods

Here are some tips on how to naturally manage heavy periods:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water during your period can help keep you hydrated and reduce bloating. When your body is dehydrated, it can make your period symptoms worse. Caffeine can act as a diuretic, dehydrating you further. Opt for sparkling water, squash, or herbal teas instead of coffee and carbonated drinks.

2. Eat Iron-Rich Foods

Heavy periods can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, making you feel tired and weak. Eat foods that are rich in iron like spinach, red meat, and lentils.

They can help replenish your iron stores and make you feel more energised. Iron supplements might help so chat this through with your GP.

3. Increase Vitamin C

According to Healthline, Vitamin C may help reduce bleeding. It might also help your body absorb iron, which can help prevent anemia. Examples of vitamin C-rich foods include green chilli peppers, guava, yellow peppers, blackcurrents, fresh parsley, kale and mustard spinach. 

4. Wear Period Undies

Period undies are designed to be worn on their own or as backup protection with a pad or tampon. They are an affordable, eco friendly alternative to single use period products. They are made from absorbent materials that can hold a lot of liquid. You will feel more confident and comfortable during your period.

Mix and match styles and absorbencies to cover your changing needs.They are made with layers of cotton that keep you protected throughout the day and dry.

Go for seam free Feeling sleek under figure hugging dresses, or soft, stretchy Feeling cosy bamboo for overnight. Reusable period undies are kinder to sensitive skin than disposable pads. Check out our guide to the best period underwear available in Australia. 

4. Gentle Exercise

 Regular exercise can lighten your period flow, help improve circulation and reduce cramping. Try yoga, gentle stretching, or a brisk walk to boost endorphins and improve mood, even on your period.

A good pair of period undies can also help you sleep. Check out our guide to the best period underwear for sleep. 

5. Get As Much Sleep as Possible

The Journal of Sleep Research found that those who get less sleep tend to bleed more heavily. To maximise your chances of a good night sleep around your period, aim for a calm sleep environment - limit screen time and caffeine and sugar intake before bed, and stay cool and comfortable;

Reusable period pants are a breathable, absorbent, comfortable option to ensure you are not disturbed by irritation or sweating.

6. Use Heat 

Heat can relieve cramps, so consider a warm bath, a hot water bottle, or a microwavable wheat bag for comfort.

These are just a few tips to help you manage your heavy periods. Other options include taking over the counter pain relievers and and talking to your doctor about medications like tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding.

Remember, you don't have to suffer in silence. It's important to take care of yourself and find ways to manage your heavy periods, so you can feel comfortable and confident. We hope these tips help you feel more empowered and in control during your period. Stay healthy and happy!

Resources & Additional Reading

If you found this blog helpful you may like to read our blog posts on: 

• Period leaks: Why they happen and how to stop them

• 10 tips to reduce period pain and discomfort
• Best period underwear in Australia
• Understanding vaginal discharge
• Do period stains come out of bedsheets?
• Tips for dealing with your period in the summer
• How to feel more confident on your period
• The complete guide to period bloating

As always, if you're unsure of what you need to make the switch, please do drop the team a line or use the online chat function. The team all use the products themselves and just LOVE to chat pee poo and periods, all day long, nothing is TMI and we all love to overshare based on our own experiences...

About the Author: Kirstin Scriven is part of the Customer Experience team at Cheeky Wipes, which since 2008 has been selling the original reusable wipes kit. She is mum to three kids and loves the forest, the sea and the hills!

Along with the rest of our crack team, she spends most days talking about poo, pee and periods and loves a chance to overshare. Cheeky wipes were recognised with a Queens Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2021, celebrating their hard work over the last 13 years.