Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB): Recognizing Symptoms and Finding Relief for Excessive Period Blood Loss

If you're dealing with heavy blood loss during your period, you're not alone. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) affects around 20% of women aged 35-55, along with other menstrual issues. To empower women like you, the Bloody Serious campaign launches in November, offering support and solutions.

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What Exactly is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB)?

With a typical period, you might change your pad or tampon every 4-5 hours. With HMB, changes are needed more frequently—sometimes every hour. Some women lose more than a teacup's worth of blood daily, leading to significant physical and emotional strain.

Key Facts About HMB

• 1 in 5 women experiences heavy menstrual bleeding during perimenopause
• This impacts 500,000 women aged 35-55 in the Netherlands
• 54% consult their GP
• 27% are unaware of how a GP can help

Heavy monthly blood loss can make you feel unclean, anxious about odors, or worried about leaks, leading some to skip social events. Fatigue and low mood are common too. If these resonate, consult your GP promptly.

Common Symptoms of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

• Loss of confidence during menstruation
• Depressed feelings around your period
• Extreme fatigue from blood loss
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Headaches during periods
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Unable to exercise due to heavy flow
• Cancelling social activities or planning around your cycle
• Using multiple products at once (e.g., tampon + pad)
• Frequent changes throughout the day
• Missing work due to physical or mental symptoms

Menorrhagia

Also known as menorrhagia, HMB is one of the most common gynecological issues, marked by:

• Excessive blood loss
• Prolonged or irregular periods
• Spotting between cycles

Consequences of HMB

• Fatigue from iron deficiency
• Anemia
• Lowered immunity
• Severe pain
• Time off work
• Low mood
• Avoiding social contacts

Possible Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Several factors can contribute:

• Hormonal imbalances in estrogen and progesterone
• Uterine fibroids (myomas): Benign growths in the uterus
• Polyps: Benign growths in the uterus or cervix
• Fibroids: Benign uterine growths causing pain, pressure, and heavy flow
• Thicker endometrium
• Rare blood clotting disorders
• Endometriosis: Affects 1 in 10 women with heavy, painful periods
• PCOS: Irregular, heavier periods alongside fertility challenges
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: Causes pain and heavy bleeding
• Adenomyosis: Endometrial cells in uterine muscle, affecting 1 in 10 women

What to Do If You Suspect HMB

Heavy bleeding isn't something to suffer silently—effective treatments exist. Start by seeing your GP.

Track your symptoms in a menstrual diary beforehand: note flow volume, duration, pain, and impacts. Your doctor may ask questions, perform an exam, or refer you to a gynecologist.

Treatment Options for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Consult a specialist for personalized advice, but common approaches include:

• Hormonal therapies like the pill or hormonal IUD
• Endometrial ablation using radiofrequency
• Dilation and curettage (scraping)
• Hysterectomy in severe cases

Prioritize your health—don't endure unnecessary discomfort. For more info, visit Hevigbloedloss.nl.

What is the Bloody Serious Campaign?

The campaign features extra GP consultation hours and online events across the Netherlands to raise awareness. HMB is a recognized medical condition affecting many—too many delay seeking help. Share your story and consult your doctor today.