What should I do if I have heavy periods?

If you are concerned that you are having heavy periods, talk to your doctor.

Ongoing heavy bleeding causes iron loss and can lead to anemia (a low red blood-cell count). If you are having heavy periods, it should not be ignored.

Use the grid below to keep a record of your period.

	Date	# of Tampons/ Pads Used	(please check one)
	Date	# of Tampons/ Pads Used	Heavy	Medium	Light
Period Start Date:













Period End Date:

Print and give this record to your doctor.

If you have heavy bleeding, your doctor may want to run some tests to find the cause.

These tests may include:

A pelvic exam: Your doctor is likely to use a speculum to visualize the inside of your cervix and two fingers to feel inside of your vagina and check your internal organs. Drops of discharge will also be looked at under a microscope.
Pap Test: Your doctor will remove some cells from the opening of your cervix. These cells will then be looked at under a microscope.
Ultrasound: A picture of the inside of your uterus made by soundwaves.
Endometrial biopsy: Your doctor will take a small piece of tissue from the lining of your uterus.
Hysteroscopy: An interior picture of your uterus taken by camera inserted through your cervix.
Blood work

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The content of this website has been reviewed by an advisory board of physicians that includes: Ted L. Anderson, MD, PhD, FACOG; John D. Bertrand, MD, FACOG; Maria M. Gilpin, MD, FACOG; Christian S. Pope, DO; Thomas F. Purdon, MD, FACOG; Ellen E. Sheets, MD, FACOG, and Dr. Danee S. Young, MD, CEO, FACOG.