Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care if bleeding is very heavy and you feel faint, weak, short of breath, or have chest pain.
One warning pattern is soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for more than two hours, especially when these other symptoms are present.
And for anyone, someone who:
is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Get same-day medical advice if you could be pregnant and have bleeding with severe or one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, marked dizziness, or fainting.
These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy, when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus.
You should also seek prompt care for sudden severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding that is difficult to contain, or bleeding with fever and feeling seriously unwell.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if:
Your periods stop for three months and pregnancy is not the reason
A new irregular pattern continues
Bleeding repeatedly happens between periods or after sex
Period pain or bleeding interferes with school, work, sleep, or daily activities
You have symptoms such as unusual hair growth, nipple discharge, hot flushes, or unexplained weight change
You bleed after menopause, meaning after 12 months without a period
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Irregular menstrual periods. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.