Women with heavy periods should be diagnosed for underlining condition

According to recent research up to a quarter of women of reproductive age suffer heavy periods, which can have a profound impact on their quality of life.

According to researchers, sometimes the bleeding is caused by an underlying health condition which may also result in fertility problems.

These include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis which both affect a woman's fertility.

According to Professor Mark Baker, of the centre for guidelines at Nice, Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common condition that can have a major impact on a woman's quality of life.

He added that in many circumstances ultrasound has been replaced with hysteroscopy as a first-line investigative test as it provides a more accurate diagnosis.

Many women with common gynaecological conditions have complained that they were initially dismissed by GPs as being normal. One of the most widespread disorders is polycystic ovary syndrome, whereby the ovaries become enlarged and produce abnormal hormones.

Polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to irregular and heavy periods and infertility, because a woman doesn't always release an egg. Endometriosis occurs when womb tissue grows in the ovaries and fallopian tubes.