What is heavy menstrual bleeding?

Hello doctor,

Recently, I was diagnosed to have iron deficiency anemia. My primary doctor thinks this is due to heavy menstrual bleeding. Therefore, he advised me to see the gynecologist. I never thought I had heavy periods. What is the actual definition of heavy menstrual bleeding? My period always last for seven 7 days and the first 2 or 3 days will be heavier with some clots. I have to get up during the night once to change the pad only in the first two nights. I usually use about 25 to 30 pads during my periods. Can this be considered as heavy bleeding? For me, this is normal. I have always been this way. My laboratory report showed hemoglobin 8.5, hematocrit 29.7, MCV 66, MCH 19, MCHC 28.6, RDW 18.9, UIBC 430, serum iron 15 and iron saturation and ferritin 3. In addition, I am not sexually active and I am still a virgin. I have never been to the gynecologist and really do not know what to expect. What kind of examination the doctor will perform? How should I prepare for the visit? Please visit.