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Heavy Periods: When to Get Checked and What Can Help
Quick answer: Heavy periods (heavy menstrual bleeding) mean bleeding that is heavy enough to interfere with daily life, such as changing a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours or passing large clots. At Eunice Women's Clinic near Seongsu Station, Dr. Eun Mi-na, an English-speaking female OB-GYN, looks for causes like fibroids and adenomyosis with ultrasound and discusses treatment.
What are heavy periods?
Heavy menstrual bleeding is bleeding that is heavy enough to affect your physical, social, or emotional life. Signs include:
- Soaking through a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours for several hours in a row
- Needing to change protection during the night
- Using double protection, such as a pad and tampon together
- Passing blood clots larger than about 2.5 cm (a coin size)
- Periods that last longer than 7 days
- Tiredness, weakness, or shortness of breath
What causes heavy periods?
Doctors often group causes using the PALM-COEIN system. Common causes include:
- Structural: uterine polyps, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, and, less often, precancerous or cancerous changes of the uterine lining
- Hormonal: irregular ovulation, for example in PCOS, thyroid disorders, or perimenopause
- Bleeding disorders: such as von Willebrand disease, especially if heavy periods started with the first period
- Medicines: such as blood thinners
- Other: a copper IUD in some people, or pregnancy-related bleeding
In some people, no specific cause is found.
When should I see a doctor?
See a gynecologist if your periods are heavier than before, if heavy bleeding affects daily life, if you feel tired or short of breath, or if you also have bleeding between periods or after sex. Anyone with bleeding after menopause should be checked.
Seek emergency care (call 119 or go to an emergency room) if you:
- Soak through a pad every hour for 2 hours or more
- Feel faint, very dizzy, or have a racing heartbeat
- Have heavy bleeding with severe pain
- Have heavy bleeding and might be pregnant
How are heavy periods evaluated at the clinic?
Dr. Eun will ask about your bleeding pattern, medicines, and family history of bleeding problems. Evaluation may include:
- A pregnancy test if pregnancy is possible
- A transvaginal ultrasound to look for fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, and the thickness of the uterine lining
- Blood tests for anemia and, if needed, thyroid function or clotting
- A Pap smear if cervical screening is due
If the uterine lining needs to be sampled, the doctor will explain the next step, which may include a referral.
What are the treatment options for heavy periods?
- Hormonal IUD: a levonorgestrel IUD such as the Mirena IUD is one of the most effective medical treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Non-hormonal medicines: tranexamic acid and NSAIDs, taken during the period, reduce blood loss.
- Hormonal pills: combined hormonal contraceptives or progestin pills.
- Iron: iron supplements to treat or prevent anemia.
- Procedures and surgery: removal of polyps or fibroids, endometrial ablation, or hysterectomy may be options when medicines are not enough. These are done at a hospital by referral; Eunice Women's Clinic does not perform surgery.
Individual results vary.
Getting care in English near Seongsu Station
Eunice Women's Clinic is on the 8th floor of Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The building is across the crosswalk from Seoul Subway Line 2 Seongsu Station Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk ( directions). Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, holds consultations about heavy periods in English.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon, Wed, Fri | 10:00–19:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30) |
| Tue, Thu | 10:00–20:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30) |
| Sat | 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break) |
| Sun and public holidays | Closed |
Booking is recommended. You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search "유니스산부인과"), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100 ( how to book). Call or message to check same-day availability.
Book an appointment in English
Eunice Women's Clinic · 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul · Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3
Phone: +82-2-467-3100 · KakaoTalk channel · Naver Booking
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Thu 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–14:00 · Lunch 13:30–14:30 · Closed Sundays & public holidays
Frequently asked questions
How much bleeding is too much?
Bleeding is considered heavy if you soak a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours for several hours, pass clots larger than a coin, bleed for more than 7 days, or need to change protection at night. If it affects your daily life, it is worth getting checked.
Can heavy periods cause anemia?
Yes. Losing a lot of blood each month can lower iron levels and cause iron-deficiency anemia. Symptoms include tiredness, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath. A simple blood test can check for anemia.
Does the Mirena IUD reduce heavy bleeding?
Yes. A levonorgestrel IUD such as Mirena reduces menstrual bleeding significantly for most users, and some stop having periods. The listed out-of-pocket price at the clinic is 350,000 KRW. Prices may change; confirm with the clinic. Individual results vary.
Are large clots during my period normal?
Small clots can be normal on heavy days. Clots larger than about 2.5 cm, or frequent large clots, can be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Why are my periods getting heavier in my 40s?
In the 40s, irregular ovulation in perimenopause, fibroids, adenomyosis, and polyps become more common, and all can cause heavier periods. An ultrasound and, if needed, further tests help find the cause.
Related pages
This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.