You’re Far From Alone

Heavy periods — what doctors call abnormal uterine bleeding, or AUB — are pretty common. In fact, 1 in 3 women seeks treatment for AUB.1 So, your normal may not be normal at all.
Ask yourself:

  • Do I plan my life around my period?
  • Am I too tired to get up in the morning during my period?
  • Does my period keep me from doing the things I love, like going to my kid’s games or going on vacation?
  • Does my period affect my ability to do my job or even go to work?
  • Do I feel isolated and alone when I’m on my period?
  • When I’m on my period, do I pack extra clothes and underwear, just in case?
  • Am I constantly changing my pad, tampon, or other protection because my flow is so heavy?

Take the symptom quiz to get a better grasp on what might be causing your heavy periods.

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What women say when their period is at its heaviest3:

Infographic: When their period is at its heaviest. 81% of women say it disrupts their sex life. 66% feel exhausted. 54% feel overwhelmed. 42% feel depressed.
Infographic: When their period is at its heaviest. 81% of women say it disrupts their sex life. 66% feel exhausted. 54% feel overwhelmed. 42% feel depressed.

What’s Behind Your Heavy Periods

There are a lot of reasons for having heavy periods, or AUB. Some of them include2:

  • Fibroids

    in the uterus, which are noncancerous tissue growths in the muscle walls of the uterus.

  • Polyps

    in the uterus, which are small, protruding bits of tissue that grow on the lining of the uterus.

  • An imbalance of the hormones,

    estrogen or progesterone. These hormones can build up the endometrium (the lining in your uterus), which is shed during your period. That thicker lining can result in heavier blood flow.3

  • Other diseases or disorders

    like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), thyroid disease, liver or kidney disease, or bleeding disorders like von Willebrand disease (characterized by an impaired ability of the blood to clot).²

  • Rarely,

    heavy bleeding could be related to cancer of the uterus or cervix.2 The risk is greater for women who are overweight, as this can lead to hormone imbalances.3

We Need to Talk

You don’t have to be uncomfortable talking about your period. Instead, use what you’ve learned here to feel empowered talking about it. Have an open and honest conversation with your doctor so you can take steps toward a life without heavy periods. Learn about your treatment options:

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We Want to Hear From You! Share Your Fibroid Story.

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1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Heavy menstrual bleeding”. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/heavy-menstrual-bleeding. Accessed May 3, 2022.  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Heavy menstrual bleeding”. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html. Accessed March 9, 2021. 3. Hologic, Inc. Data on File; AUB Patient Journey Research, conducted January 2017. Survey of 1,003 women who self-identified as currently or recently experiencing heavy bleeding with need to change feminine hygiene product every hour or more.