HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologyheavy bleeding

What is heavy menstrual bleeding?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Recently, I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. My primary doctor thinks this is due to heavy menstrual bleeding. Therefore, he advised me to see the gynecologist. I never thought I had heavy periods. What is the actual definition of heavy menstrual bleeding? My period always lasts for seven 7 days, and the first 2 or 3 days will be heavier with some clots. I have to get up during the night once to change the pad, only in the first two nights. I usually use about 25 to 30 pads during my period. Can this be considered as heavy bleeding? For me, this is normal. I have always been this way. My laboratory report showed hemoglobin 8.5, hematocrit 29.7, MCV 66, MCH 19, MCHC 28.6, RDW 18.9, UIBC 430, serum iron 15, and iron saturation and ferritin 3. In addition, I am not sexually active, and I am still a virgin. I have never been to the gynecologist and really do not know what to expect. What kind of examination will the doctor perform? How should I prepare for the visit?

Please guide.

Answered by Dr. Sonal Prasad

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sonal Prasad is a well-experienced Obstetrics and Gynecologist with 14 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS from The West Bengal University of Health Sciences in 2010. She then did her DNB from the National Board of Examinations in 2015. She is also a Childbirth Educator and Lactation Counselor. She is currently working at NuLyf Clinic, in Delhi.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, your menstruation will be considered heavy. More than 2.6 fl oz of blood loss, bleeding for more than six days, and passage of clots indicate heavy flow. Do not be scared about visiting a gynecologist. Since you are a virgin, you will not undergo internal or per speculum examination. You need to undergo an ultrasound of the pelvis along with blood tests that include serum TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and PRL (prolactin levels). I suggest tablet Tranexamic acid 500 mg three times a day during periods of heavy bleeding and Iron supplements 200 mg daily. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicine with consent.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At September 17, 2016
Reviewed At November 27, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sonal Prasad is a well-experienced Obstetrics and Gynecologist with 14 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS from The West Bengal University of Health Sciences in 2010. She then did her DNB from the National Board of Examinations in 2015. She is also a Childbirth Educator and Lactation Counselor. She is currently working at NuLyf Clinic, in Delhi.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

2,879Visits prepared today
4.8/5User rating
~60 secAverage completion time
Prep / Recovery Guide

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Prep and Recovery Guide

How it works

Heavy menstrual bleeding can impact your daily life and lead to other health issues like anemia. Understanding what constitutes heavy bleeding and how to prepare for a doctor's visit is key to managing your health.

1

Define
Bleeding

2

Assess
Symptoms

3

Expect
Visit

4

Diagnostic
Tests

5

Initial
Treatment

6

Important
Disclaimer

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sonal Prasad is a well-experienced Obstetrics and Gynecologist with 14 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS from The West Bengal University of Health Sciences in 2010. She then did her DNB from the National Board of Examinations in 2015. She is also a Childbirth Educator and Lactation Counselor. She is currently working at NuLyf Clinic, in Delhi.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

menstrual bleedingheavy bleedingtranexamic acidthyroid-stimulating hormone (tsh) leveliron defeciency anemia

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.