Periods are painful, but for some, they can be excruciating if they bleed heavily. According to Dr Pranathi Aravind, senior consultant, department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, heavy menstrual bleeding, also called menorrhagia, refers to blood loss that is significantly more than normal or bleeding that lasts significantly longer than expected.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pranathi stressed that heavy periods are often ignored and considered normal, but they shouldn’t be, especially if they cause serious health repercussions. She also explained the diagnostic and treatment options available and why women should consider them.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a symptom of something bigger. Dr Pranathi cautioned that one must seek medical intervention if they consistently experience heavy menstrual flow, especially if they are soaking through their pads every hour for several hours, passing large clots, or even bleeding for more than one week.
According to her, treatment for severe menstrual bleeding begins with a few key steps:
She explained that blood tests are also performed to check haemoglobin levels, iron stores, thyroid function, etc. Hormone levels and the risk of clotting disorders are also assessed.
A pelvic ultrasound, Dr Pranathi revealed, is often the first imaging test performed. She explained, “It is to identify fibroids, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts or other structural abnormalities.”
Many women often opt for different medicines like hormonal contraceptive pills, progesterone therapy or a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) to reduce excessive menstrual bleeding, according to Dr Pranathi. “Iron supplements are prescribed to those with anaemia as well,” she added.
Meanwhile, in cases where the medication fails or if there is a structural problem like large fibroids or very severe adenomyosis, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be considered, Dr Pranathi advised. She further added that these surgeries may include polypectomy, myomectomy, and a hysterectomy in rare cases.
Dr Pranathi states, “Some signs of too heavy periods are: if someone soaks through a sanitary pad or tampon once every two hours, if they need to use two forms of protection together like a pad and a period cup, if they wake up in the night to change the sanitary products, if they pass large blood clots or if their periods last longer than seven days. Another huge indicator would be bleeding that becomes so heavy it interferes with work, school, social activities, or sleep.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More