Heavy Periods in Your 30s: What’s Normal vs. Concerning

Many women begin noticing changes in their menstrual cycle during their 30s. Hormonal shifts, lifestyle changes, and underlying conditions can all influence how your period looks and feels. But when does a heavy period go from normal to something that needs medical attention?

At Borealis LIFE in Anchorage, Alaska, we specialize in helping women navigate menstrual health, especially those dealing with conditions like fibroids and endometriosis.

Here’s what you should know.

What Counts as a Heavy Period?

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also called menorrhagia, is defined as bleeding that lasts more than 7 days or involves losing more than 80 mL of blood per cycle. Since most people don’t measure their flow, here are some signs your period might be heavier than normal:

• Needing to change pads or tampons every 1–2 hours

• Passing large clots (larger than a grape)

• Soaking through overnight protection

• Needing to wear both a tampon and pad to control flow

• Feeling weak, dizzy, or fatigued during your period

What's Normal in Your 30s?

It’s normal for your cycle to shift slightly in your 30s. Some women experience shorter or more regular periods as hormone levels stabilize. However, cycles should still fall within the range of:

• 21 to 35 days between periods

• 4 to 7 days of bleeding

• Moderate, manageable cramping

When Should You Be Concerned?

If any of the following are true, your heavy periods may signal an underlying condition:

• Periods that interfere with your ability to work, sleep, or exercise

• Sudden changes in flow or cycle length

• Periods accompanied by severe pelvic pain

• Difficulty becoming pregnant

• Bleeding between periods or after sex

Common Causes of Heavy Periods in Your 30s

• Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths that can distort the uterus and increase bleeding

• Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and irregular bleeding

• Adenomyosis: The uterine lining grows into the muscle wall, leading to heavy, painful periods

• Thyroid dysfunction: An overactive or underactive thyroid can affect menstrual regularity

• Hormonal imbalances: Estrogen dominance can contribute to thicker uterine lining and heavier flow

  Get Answers, Not Dismissals
  If you’re living in Alaska and feeling dismissed or frustrated by providers who say your heavy bleeding is "normal," you’re not alone. At Borealis LIFE, we take your symptoms seriously. We specialize in diagnosing and treating the conditions that other clinics often overlook.

Take the First Step

We offer free 30-minute phone consultations to help you determine if our clinic is the right fit. Talk to our lead nurse, Emily Timberlake, who understands chronic pelvic and menstrual health, before committing to an in-person visit.

Your period shouldn’t control your life. If it does, it’s time to investigate why.