What are the treatment options?

“Always seek medical advice if you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is within the realms of normal period blood loss,” cautions Watson, “and definitely if you’ve noticed things like being short of breath or tired, which could indicate anaemia. If you notice a change to your usual pattern – if they suddenly become heavier than previously – then that’s worth looking into.”

Treatments can range from medicines to reduce the bleeding, which are taken only during your period, to contraceptive pills that need to be taken daily. Many women will opt for an intra-uterine device, such as the coil, which can have great results, but unfortunately doesn’t work for everyone.

Given how many women report heavy periods, it’s perhaps surprising that there are relatively few options to help – but Watson is adamant that women shouldn’t have to put up with heavy periods as normal. “Many women either don’t seek help for fear of being patronised or indeed they do seek help and get told it’s normal – this has to change.”

How to know if your periods are too heavy: signs and symptoms to watch out for and how to cope