Heavy Periods: When It's More Than "Just a Bad Cycle"

Heavy periods are common, but they can disrupt daily life and sometimes signal an underlying problem. Many women in Pakistan silently tolerate heavy bleeding, thinking it's "normal" — but you deserve better.

What counts as a heavy period?

• Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days
• Passing large clots
• Needing to change pads every 1–2 hours
• Feeling dizzy or tired
• Missing work or school due to bleeding

Common causes:

• Fibroids
• Hormonal imbalance
• Thyroid issues
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Adenomyosis
• Perimenopause

Red flags — seek urgent medical advice if:

• You feel faint
• You have severe pelvic pain
• You are soaking through pads rapidly
• You have bleeding after sex
• You have bleeding between periods
• You are over 40 with new heavy bleeding

Related reading:

• Read about post-coital bleeding here
• Learn about post-menopausal bleeding
• See our ovarian cancer symptoms page

Safety-netting: If heavy bleeding continues for more than 2–3 cycles, or affects your daily life, see a doctor.

Key message: Heavy periods are treatable. You don't need to suffer in silence — get checked and take control of your health.