How Does Weight Loss Help Heavy Periods? (PODCAST)
Our very own Dr Talat Uppal joins Dr Lucy Burns on the Real Health & Weight Loss Podcast (Episode 214) to talk about a topic that affects far more women than most people realise — heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Below, we've summarised the key takeaways.
You can listen to the full episode here:
🎙️ Listen to the episode (Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify)
Key Takeaways
1. Prevalence and Impact
Heavy menstrual bleeding affects around 25% of women of reproductive age — some studies suggest up to one in three. The condition can severely impact physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, yet it often goes unaddressed due to stigma and normalisation.
2. The Bleed Better Initiative
Dr Talat shares how repeatedly seeing women depleted and exhausted from heavy bleeding led her to found Bleed Better — a not-for-profit focused on improving quality of life and addressing HMB with compassion and comprehensive care.
3. Understanding Normal vs. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
The episode outlines practical criteria for identifying abnormal bleeding: duration, flow intensity, and symptoms like fatigue and iron deficiency. Dr Talat emphasises the importance of recognising these signs and seeking medical advice rather than simply pushing through.
4. Associated Pain and Conditions
Around half of women with HMB also experience pelvic pain. Conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis are frequently associated with heavy bleeding, highlighting the need for thorough diagnosis rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
5. Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Causes fall into two categories — structural (including polyps, fibroids, adenomyosis, and cancer) and non-structural (such as clotting disorders, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications). Identifying the underlying cause is key to improving outcomes.
6. Impact on Daily Life
HMB disrupts work productivity, social interactions, and mental health. Women frequently normalise or trivialise their symptoms — which only delays the care they deserve.
7. Treatment Options
Treatment includes medical management (both hormonal and non-hormonal), lifestyle changes, and surgical options where necessary. Dr Talat advocates for starting with the least invasive approach, tailored to each individual's needs and preferences.
8. A Holistic Approach
Both Dr Burns and Dr Talat highlight the importance of addressing lifestyle factors — particularly insulin resistance and excess body weight — which can exacerbate HMB through their effect on oestrogen levels. Weight loss can meaningfully improve symptoms alongside medical treatment.
9. Don't Suffer in Silence
The episode closes with a clear message: effective treatments exist, help is available, and improving quality of life is always the goal.
For a full breakdown of everything discussed, including the complete transcript, visit the episode page on the Real Health & Weight Loss website.
To book an assessment at our Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Hub — in clinic at Frenchs Forest or via telehealth — contact the WHR team today.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
