What you may notice
Periods may be unusually heavy if bleeding disrupts normal activities, repeatedly soaks protection, lasts longer than usual or causes large clots. Tiredness, breathlessness or dizziness can accompany anaemia. Pelvic fullness, urinary frequency or constipation may occur with a bulky uterus.
Uterus and ovaries
What could cause it?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterine muscle, but are not the only explanation. Hormonal changes, polyps, adenomyosis, bleeding disorders and some medicines can cause heavy bleeding. Pregnancy-related bleeding and, less commonly, cancer need consideration in the right setting. History, examination, blood counts and ultrasound guide further tests.
When to contact a doctor
See a doctor if bleeding affects daily life, persists between periods, follows sex or happens after menopause. Severe bleeding with faintness, chest pain or marked breathlessness needs emergency care: call 108. Bleeding with possible pregnancy and significant pain requires urgent assessment rather than assuming it is an ordinary period.
How interventional radiology may help
Medicines, hormonal treatments and surgery are important options. When fibroids are confirmed to be causing symptoms, IR may offer uterine artery embolisation. Selected thermal ablation is another option, but suitability and pregnancy plans need careful discussion. Microwave fibroid ablation is a planned introduction in this practice with proctor support; it is not presented as an established personal procedure series.
Further reading: detailed assessment and treatment options
Patient information sources
References are in English.
Educational information, not a diagnosis. The causes listed are examples, not a complete list. Tests and treatment depend on your individual assessment.