About the topic
Bleeding that requires very frequent product changes, lasts over a week, or affects everyday activities may be heavy menstrual bleeding.
Practical care & comfort
- Keep a record of bleeding days, product changes and clots.
- Note tiredness or breathlessness and discuss these at your visit.
- Arrange assessment rather than starting prescription or hormonal treatment yourself.
Symptoms & signs
- Bleeding requiring product changes every 1–2 hours or two products together.
- Periods lasting over a week, large clots or bleeding through clothes.
- Tiredness or breathlessness, which may occur with iron deficiency.
When to speak with a clinician: See a gynaecologist if bleeding affects your life, or occurs between periods or after sex. Tests may check for anaemia or an underlying cause.
Food & nutrition
Iron-rich food can support iron stores but will not stop heavy bleeding. A blood test and individual advice may be needed; do not start iron tablets without advice.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- Include iron sources such as lentils, beans, fortified cereals or meat.
- Have fruit or vegetables with iron-rich meals to support absorption.
Foods to limit or avoid
- If iron is low, keep tea and coffee away from iron-rich meals.
- Avoid replacing prescribed treatment with food or unadvised iron supplements.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: