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Get help for this common but treatable problem

	Heavy periods aren't usually a sign of anything serious. But they can disrupt your life and make you feel miserable. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for heavy periods that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today to find whether surgery or medication rates best for treating your heavy periods.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with heavy periods, you're not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about heavy periods, and expert evidence and advice about treatment options.

Key points for women with heavy periods

• It can be hard to judge whether your periods are heavy. But if you have to change your pad or tampon every hour or two, wear both types of protection, get up at night to change your protection, or have "floods" (sudden flows of blood that soak your pad or clothes), you probably have heavy periods.
• Heavy periods don't mean there's anything seriously wrong.
• But if you have bleeding between your periods, you should see your doctor.
• Heavy periods can be treated with drugs or surgery.
• If your periods don't come regularly, or you bleed between your periods, you could have a health problem or you may be approaching menopause (the time when your periods stop altogether).

Experts think that up to 3 out of 10 women have heavy periods. There are many possible reasons why your periods are heavy, ranging from an imbalance in your hormones to noncancerous growths in your womb. Some women are more likely to get heavy periods than others due to risk factors such as a family history and age.

A heavy period can be more than just an inconvenience. It can disrupt your life and stop you from doing things. There are plenty of treatments to try, including drugs and surgery. We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about heavy periods. As a Consumer Reports Healthsubscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.