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Heavy periods self-assessment

Is it time you got some help?

Heavy periods are not necessarily a sign there is anything wrong, but they can affect you physically and emotionally and can cause disruption to everyday life.

Some women will put off getting help because they're not sure what is considered to be heavy. Others will avoid seeking treatment because they mistakenly worry a hysterectomy is the only option.

Take this short test to understand how heavy your periods are and to learn more about treatment options.

QUESTIONS

Advice in italics will form a checklist, provided at the end of the self-assessment, to take to your GP for discussion.

1. Do you need to use double protection, such as a pad and a tampon or two pads, to prevent leaks?

Yes (2 point)

You need to use double protection to prevent leaks

No (0 point)

2. Do you often have to get up in the night to change your tampon or pad?

Yes (2 points)

You often have to get up at night to change your tampon or pad

No (0 points)

3. Does your clothing or bedding often become stained during your period?

Yes (2 point)

Your clothing and bedding often become stained

No (0 points)

4. Do you have to change the way you dress or avoid wearing light clothes during your period?

Yes (1 point)

You often change the way you dress

No (0 points)

5. Do you have to change your pad or tampon at least every two hours, in order to prevent any leakage?

Yes (3 points)

You have to change your tampon or pad at least every two hours

No (0 points)

6. Do you usually pass large blood clots?

Yes (3 points)

You usually pass large blood clots

No (0 points)

What is a large blood clot?

A blood clot is described as large if it is bigger than a 50p coin.

7. Do you regularly take time off work or studying because of your heavy periods?

Yes (2 point)

You regularly take time off work or studying

No (0 point)

8. Do you frequently stop exercising during your period because you’re worried about potential leaking?

Yes (1 point)

You frequently stop exercising to avoid leaking

No (0 points)

9. Do you often feel more tired or run down than normal during your period?

Yes (1 point)

You often feel more tired or run down than normal

No (0 points)

Why is this being asked?

Feeling run down and tired could be a sign of iron-deficiency anaemia. This occurs when there is a reduced number of red blood cells because the body does not have enough iron to produce them.

Iron deficiency anaemia can occur in women who experience heavy periods.

10. Do you plan holidays or special occasions to fit around your period?

Yes (1 point)

You plan holidays or special events to fit around your period

No (0 points)

RESULTS

You might want to take the list of the symptoms you are experiencing with you when you go to your GP.

0 points

Based on your results today you do not have any symptoms that need further investigation or treatment. However if this changes you might want to consider seeking advice from your GP.

1-3 points

Based on your results today you are experiencing a couple of symptoms but probably not enough to require further investigation or treatment. However if you feel your periods are disrupting your everyday life, then you might want to consider talking to your GP about them. Also seek further advice from your GP if your symptoms worsen.

4-12 points

Based on your results today your periods are heavy and you may want to seek further advice. Tranexamic acid is available over the counter and can help to lessen the effects. You could also ask your GP about intrauterine systems (IUSs) or endometrial ablation. See Useful links for more information on these treatments.

13-18 points

Based on your results today your periods are heavy and are probably affecting your general health. Tiredness, caused by iron deficiency anaemia, is a common symptom. You really should seek advice soon to check whether there is an obvious cause for the problem. This could include fibroids (non-cancerous tumours that grow in or around the womb) or endometriosis, a common condition in which small pieces of the womb lining are found outside the womb.

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