You can have heavy periods whether your periods are a normal length (one day to seven days) or longer than normal (more than seven days). You might be unsure what counts as 'normal' and what counts as 'heavy' bleeding. But if your periods affect your ability to get on with daily life, you can talk to your doctor about whether to have treatment.

• Do you need to change super absorbency tampons or pads at least once an hour?
• Do your periods last more than seven days?
• Do you have to get up at night to change your tampon or pad?
• Do you bleed onto your sheets while you're asleep, even though you're wearing a tampon or pad?
• Do you have "floods"? (This is when you suddenly pass a lot of blood that soaks your underwear and maybe your clothes.)
• Do you pass blood clots?
• Do you stay home during your periods because you're afraid you won't get to a bathroom in time to change your tampon or pad when you're out?
• Does the heaviness of your periods affect your work, social life or family life?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, your periods may be heavier than normal.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.