OBJECTIVES: Heavy menstrual bleeding is experienced by a large number (approx. 13%) of women and precipitates considerable use of health care. We estimate the use of resources for women with increased bleeding, using a population health survey. METHODS: The database used is the 1999 United States National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The study population is all women age 18 and above. The dependent variables are categorical, indicating whether or not women used a series of health care services. The independent variables comprise the study variable (indicating increased menstrual flow) and demographic and socioeconomic variables. Logistic regressions were run for each type of service. RESULTS: In the sample of 2,805 women, 373 (13.3 per cent) women had increased menstrual flow. The odds ratio, indicating the net impact of increased flow was estimated for the following services (* indicates significant at .05 level): general practitioners, 1.48*; emergency room, 1.78*; home care, 2.02*; surgery, 1.56*; specialist visits, 1,23; prescription drugs, 1.27. CONCLUSION: Heavy menstrual flow occurs in 13% of women over age 18, and is associated with increased use of emergency room visits and surgery, but not OBGYN or other specialist visits or prescription drugs. The results may be interpreted to mean that many women seek temporary solutions (ER visits) and may avoid certain types of care, including drugs.