Heavy Periods Are Far More Common Than We Thought. Let's Talk About It.

It is hard to explain just how debilitating heavy periods are to people that haven’t experienced them.

Even in healthcare settings, it’s often not a comfortable topic – the ‘Just A Period’ survey conducted by Wellbeing of Women earlier this year found over half (52%) of women and girls felt their healthcare professional didn’t take them seriously when discussing their period.

The truth is, heavy, painful periods can impact all areas of our lives and can make even the simplest tasks that others take for granted, like commuting, feel near impossible.

Heavy periods disrupt everyday life

A new Bodyform survey of just over 1,000 UK women+ who menstruate found nine in 10 respondents experience symptoms of heavy flow.

The research also found that 75% are less likely to leave the house and 48% find socialising difficult during their period.

As somebody with stage four endometriosis, I know full well how heavy periods can ruin plans: from concerts to weddings, the excruciating pain and seemingly endless bleeding has made leaving my bed impossible, never mind making it out of the house to an event.

Despite how common this is, and that it happens to us and not because of anything we have done, those of us with heavy periods often can’t advocate for ourselves. 

Only 16% of women+ feel able to talk openly with their manager about their symptoms. Even when it comes to family, only 25% feel comfortable being open about their experiences. 

Dr Shireen Emadossadaty, GP and Bodyform medical partner, said “heavy periods aren’t just a little extra blood” and noted they affect us physically, emotionally and mentally.

“Yet too often, women+ feel their experiences are minimised or misunderstood. We urgently need to normalise these conversations and provide solutions that genuinely support those affected,” she added.

How to deal with heavy periods

If you’re struggling with heavy periods, the GP advises tracking your bleeding through a period tracking app (or simply with a pen and paper) – bring this information to your GP to help guide investigations and tailor your care.

You should be noting:

• how often you change pads or tampons
• if you pass clots and how large they are
• how many days you bleed for
• how it affects your energy, mood, or other symptoms such as pain or bowel changes.

She added: “During your period, try to optimise your self care – prioritise rest, include iron rich foods such as leafy greens, lentils, and red meat, and find simple ways to manage stress.

“It’s important to seek medical advice so that potential underlying causes such as fibroids, endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, or thyroid issues can be properly assessed and managed.”