Complete Guide to Heavy Periods and Iron Deficiency

1 in 4 people with a uterus experience heavy periods. Heavy periods (or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding) refers to abnormally heavy or longer than normal periods. Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to Iron Deficiency Anemia in some people. Both of these conditions can negatively affect a person’s physical, emotional and social well-being.

We are pleased to provide resources below that were created by medical experts. Our aim is to give you with trusted information on the treatments for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Do any of these symptoms apply to you?

If so, you may suffer from Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

heavy bleeding

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) refers to abnormally heavy or longer than normal periods. It can lead to significant disruptions in people’s daily activities and lifestyle, impacting their physical, emotional and social well-being.

People with heavy periods may also suffer from Iron Deficiency Anemia, with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or shortness of breath.

Learn more about Iron Deficiency here.

Investigations for Heavy Periods

Your doctor may suggest some of these tests to identify the reason for the heavy bleeding, and to detect anemia. Clicking on the icons below will give you more information.

Initial investigations:

Possible additional investigations and procedures:

Treatment for Heavy Periods

Video Resources

Medical Treatments for Heavy periods (Access handout here)

Progestin Intrauterine Device (Access handouts here and here)

GnRH Agonists (Access handout here)

Do any of these symptoms apply to you?

iron deficiencies icons

If so, you may suffer from Iron Deficiency or Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Iron Deficiency

2 in 3

Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body.

 When your body does not have enough iron, your hemoglobin levels can drop below normal, and your organs are unable to get the right amount of oxygen they require. This condition is known as Iron Deficiency Anemia.

It is the most common form of anemia. Iron Deficiency can lead to many symptoms and impair your ability to do normal daily activities.

Treatment of Iron Deficiency

Video Resources

Basics of Iron Supplementation (Access handout here)

Intravenous Iron (Access handout here)

Are you preparing for surgery?

It is ideal for people to go into surgery with a hemoglobin level greater than 120 g/L.

If You Are Preparing for Surgery

Importance of Treating Anemia

Explore Treatment for Iron Deficiency

Explore Treatment for Heavy Periods

cbc
ultrasound
sonohysterogram
biopsy
hysteroscopy
pap test
non-steroidal drugs
tranexamic acid
lng ius
combined contra
oral progestins
injected progestins
gnrh
danazol