Signs your teen has a heavy menstrual period

And how can you help?

Quick summary

• Heavy periods are common in teens – around 37% of 16-year-olds report them, but sometimes periods can be heavy to the point of needing input from a doctor 
• Signs of a heavy periods include needing to change period products every 1-2 hours, frequent leakage despite well fitting period products designed for heavier flow, large clots or possibly symptoms like extreme tiredness and/or dizziness
• If periods affect your teen’s daily life, a doctor can help with treatment options – tracking their symptoms using luna’s period tracker can also be useful so they can spot patterns

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Understanding what a heavy menstrual period looks like and when to seek help can make a big difference for your teen’s health and confidence.

Research shows that heavy periods are common in teens. 

A study found that around 37% of 16-year-olds report having heavy periods, with about 13% needing medical treatment. 

While some variation in flow is normal, knowing when bleeding is too heavy can help your teen get the right support.

What is a heavy menstrual period?

It’s important to know there isn’t an exact definition of heavy flow – a  heavy menstrual period means bleeding that the menstruator finds hard to manage and affects daily life. 

Some teens naturally have a heavier flow, but if periods cause distress, exhaustion, or make it difficult to take part in normal activities, they may need extra support. 

It’s a good idea to help your teen understand what’s normal for them so they can recognise and flag to you when their period might be heavier than usual.

Signs your teen may have a heavier menstrual period

• Changing pads or tampons more often than every 1–2 hours
• Bleeding for longer than seven days
• Passing large blood clots (bigger than a 10p coin)
• Frequent leakage through clothes or bedding
• Feeling dizzy, weak, or unusually tired due to blood loss
• Needing to double up on protection all the way through their period (e.g., wearing a pad and tampon together)

If your teen regularly experiences one or more of these signs, their period may be heavier than normal, and it could be worth speaking to a doctor if they are finding this difficult to manage.

Why do some teens have heavy periods?

There are several reasons why a teen might have a heavy menstrual period, including:

• Hormonal change during puberty: periods can be heavier in the first few years as the body adjusts to a regular cycle
• Conditions that affect hormones such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a common condition that can cause heavy and unpredictable periods
• Infections can lead to heavier bleeding
• Fibroids or polyps: growths in the uterus that can contribute to heavy bleeding (though these are less common in teens)
• Bleeding disorders: some people have conditions that make it harder for blood to clot, leading to heavier periods
• Thyroid issues: an overactive or underactive thyroid can affect period flow
• Certain medications: some blood thinners or hormonal treatments can cause heavier bleeding

How can a heavy menstrual period affect your teen?

Heavy periods aren’t just inconvenient – they can also impact a teen’s wellbeing, as we know from the many worried questions we get asked in the luna app. 

If not managed properly, heavy menstrual periods can lead to:

• Iron deficiency anaemia, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath
• Missed school or activities due to excessive bleeding or period pain
• Anxiety about periods, especially worrying about leaking or managing symptoms in public

As you can imagine, this can be incredibly tough and a big part of daily life, as periods happen about once a month.

When to see a doctor about a heavy menstrual period

If your teen’s period is affecting their daily life or they have any of the symptoms above, it’s a good idea to see a doctor or sexual health clinic. 

A healthcare professional can assess their symptoms and offer treatment options like:

• Medications like tranexamic acid or NSAIDs to help control blood flow
• Hormonal birth control to regulate periods and reduce bleeding
• Iron supplements to prevent or treat anaemia

Tracking their cycle – including how often they change period products and whether they experience clots – can be helpful when discussing symptoms with a doctor. 

luna’s period tracker is a good option to recommend to them, as it’s super easy to use and tailored to young people.

Managing a heavy menstrual period 

If your teen has a heavy menstrual period but feels well and can go about their daily activities, or they are waiting for their appointment and a diagnosis, there are still ways to make periods easier to manage:

• Doubling up on period products: for example, using a pad or period pants with a tampon or menstrual cup can help prevent leaks
• Wearing period pants: these can provide extra security, especially overnight, and are a firm favourite in the teen community
• Planning ahead: keeping extra supplies in school bags, lockers, or sports kits can help them feel more prepared – setting alarms or reminders for themselves on their phones (or using the luna app’s reminders feature) can help them remember to change it on time
• Choosing the right period products: some brands offer high-absorbency pads and tampons designed for heavy flow days
• Drinking plenty of water and eating iron-rich foods: this can help maintain energy levels and support the body during menstruation

How to support your teen with their heavy menstrual periods

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If your teen has a heavy menstrual period, offering both practical and emotional support can make a big difference. 

You could:

• Help them find the right period products, like high-absorbency pads, period pants, or a menstrual cup, depending on their comfort levels
• Reassure them that they’re not alone – many teens experience heavy periods, and support is available
• Encourage open conversations so they feel comfortable discussing their period without embarrassment

Hopefully this has helped you!

Know that every teen’s cycle is different, and it may even be different to yours if you are/have been a menstruator, so try to hear them out if they have concerns.

And if a heavy menstrual period is affecting their wellbeing, knowing when to seek support can make a real difference to their health and confidence.