Experiencing heavy bleeding during your period can be alarming, but this condition is a common concern in many women. Menorrhagia, as it is known medically, is a condition to describe abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Depending on how healthy your body is, you may or may not feel any negative effect following the amount of blood loss, despite its huge volume. However, menorrhagia may be an indication of an underlying health issue.
If you are unsure if your menstrual flow symptoms point to menorrhagia, then this article can help you. Here, we outline the signs to watch out for to know whether your period is considered heavy as well as when to seek medical advice.
What are the signs you’re losing too much blood during your period?
Here are some common signs of menorrhagia;
- Bleeding for more than eight days
- Experiencing sudden gush of blood during period
- Experiencing symptoms of anemia, such as feeling fatigued, sluggish or are short of breath
- Having persistent menstrual cramps
- Having to limit your daily activities because of heavy menstrual bleeding
- Having the need to use two sanitary protection to manage your menstrual bleeding
- Having the need to change your tampon or menstrual pad every hour
- Having the need to change your tampon or menstrual pad during the night
- Passing large blood clots during your menstrual period
Menorrhagia and Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency
If you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration, weakness, or reduced exercise tolerance — yet your blood tests show “normal” haemoglobin levels — you could be dealing with non-anemic iron deficiency.
This often-overlooked condition occurs when your body’s iron stores are depleted, even though you haven’t developed full-blown anemia. Women who experience significant blood loss during menstruation are particularly at risk, as ongoing iron loss can gradually lead to this hidden deficiency.
When to Seek Medical Attention & Signs of Excessive Blood Loss
Losing excessive amounts of blood can put your health in danger. This is something that you should seriously attend to and not take lightly. You should immediately consult with a doctor if you suspect that you are experiencing signs of excessive blood loss and low iron during your menstrual period, such as:
- Bleeding disrupts your daily activities or causes distress
- Bleeding lasts longer than 8 days or soaking through protection every hour
- Passing blood clots larger than a quarter (10-cent coin)
- Symptoms of anemia during period (fatigue, dizziness, fainting)
Preventive Measures and Regular Health Check-ups
Non-anemic iron deficiency due to heavy menstrual bleeding can be prevented. Your first step to prevention is consulting with a medical professional. By assessing your symptoms and monitoring your menstrual patterns, your doctor can then guide you on what routine gynecological exams you should take to land an accurate diagnosis. You may be asked to undergo some tests or procedures, such as:
- Blood tests – This test determines whether you have iron deficiency anemia or other conditions like blood-clotting or thyroid disorders.
- Endometrial biopsy – This test requires taking a tissue sample from the inner lining of your uterus. This is then subjected to lab tests, where the tissue is examined to see if there are signs of cancer.
- Cervical cancer screening: Pap test and HPV testing – This pap test takes sample cells from your cervix, which are then tested for cancerous cells, while the HPV testing, tests for the presence of the virus commonly related to cervical cancer
- Ultrasound – This is a test that utilises sound waves to take images of your uterus, ovaries and pelvis.
Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is set in place to address your condition. If you have low iron levels, your doctor may recommend to eat foods that are rich in iron, such as:
- Beans, peas and spinach
- Iron-fortified cereals
- Liver, red meat and seafood
To help your body absorb iron, your doctor may suggest taking Vitamin C or drinking a glass of orange juice every meal. Your doctor may also prescribe an iron supplement when necessary.
You should also maintain regular check ups with your doctor, so your health can be properly monitored as excessive blood loss can put your body in danger.
Take Charge of Your Menstrual Health
Heavy menstrual bleeding may be common, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Left unaddressed, menorrhagia and non-anemic iron deficiency can take a toll on your overall wellbeing — affecting everything from your energy levels to your ability to focus and stay active.
If you suspect your period may be heavier than normal or you’ve been feeling unusually tired and run-down, don’t brush it off.
At Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we take a holistic approach to women’s health. Our team offers personalised care to identify the root causes of heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency — beyond just symptom management. From comprehensive health screenings to tailored nutrition advice and treatment plans, we’re here to help you feel like yourself again.
Book a consultation with us today and take the first step toward restoring balance to your cycle — and your life.
