Information about uterine fibroids
Minimally Invasive Therapy Unit & Endoscopy Training Centre
University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Royal Free Hospital
Pond Street
Hampstead
London NW3 2QG, UK

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LATEST NEWS

A new website for gynaecologists interested in the surgical management of fibroids is now on line.

www.fibroidsurgery.org

Heavy periods

Clinical Evidence Information provided by the publishes of the British Medical Journal including leaflets, guidelines and references.

BBC Health Unbiased information from the BBC.

Patient UK Provides information you would expect your GP to give you.

NHS Choices with information about menorrhagia (heavy periods).

The Merck Manual A textbook style website with information about gynaecological disorders including abnormal uterine bleeding.

Disclaimer These web sites provide general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. We are not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of these websites. We are not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor do we endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.

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Heavy periods

The correct medical definition of heavy periods is the passage of more than 80ml of blood each period. It is seldom realistic or practical, however, to actually measure the blood loss and so doctors rely on the woman's description of her period.

Periods are considered heavy when:
- the period lasts for more than 8 to 10 days, especially if this is repeated month after month.
- it affects everyday activities (e.g. work, holidays, hobbies).
- the bleeding is continuously so heavy that the woman becomes anaemic.
- there are clots and flooding.

Common causes for heavy periods include hormonal reasons, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and in particular, uterine fibroids.