Why is My Period So Heavy?

The world of menstruation can be confusing, frustrating, and strange at times, and it’s natural to question what is going on. Every person experiences menstruation differently, so it can be difficult to identify a “normal” period flow, length and associated discomfort or pain.

While we know that our menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days and is typically heaviest on the first day, there are certain things that we may need to keep an eye out for. Menorrhagia or abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding is not entirely uncommon. Here, we’ll unpack what a heavy period looks like, what to look for and when to consult your doctor.

Why is my period heavier than usual this month?

One particularly heavy period among periods of regular intensity is usually nothing to panic about. It can be caused by stress, hormonal changes, a change in medication or birth control, diet, or intensity of exercise.

What does a heavy period look like?

Everyone has different versions of what a “heavy flow” feels and looks like. For some, a heavy first day might mean that they need to change their tampon or sanitary towel every four hours, whereas some may need to do the same twice as much for the first day or two of their period. Essentially, a heavy period is any time you feel you’re seeing significantly more blood over the course of your period than usual.

What do blood clots during a period mean?

It’s common to pass blood clots during your period, although not everyone does. You may pass blood clots up to the size of a quarter, or you may not pass any at all. Menstrual blood clots are a mixture of blood cells, tissue from the uterus’ lining and proteins regulating blood flow.

Blot clots aren’t often anything to worry about, but if you see something that worries you, don’t be afraid to reach out to a medical professional for reassurance.

What causes unusually heavy periods?

When we notice a change in our bodies, for example, weight loss or gain, a change in libido, aches, pains, skin breakouts or heavy periods, our bodies are usually trying to tell us something. Unusually heavy periods can often be caused by:

How heavy is too heavy for a period?

It’s totally normal to worry about the amount of blood we lose each month and whether it’s normal. Many questions may arise: how many pads a day is normal? Is it normal to soak a pad in two or three hours? 

While there’s no definite normal, you should call your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding that soaks at least one tampon or sanitary towel an hour for over two hours consecutively. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms that you don’t normally with your periods, such as lightheadedness or sharp pain, talk to a medical professional.

Does a heavy period mean you are more fertile?

There doesn’t appear to be any link between the heaviness of your periods and your fertility level. However, many underlying causes of heavy bleeding can lead to an inability to get pregnant: issues like a hormone imbalance, uterine polyps or fibroids, endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, so the reverse is actually more likely to be true. If you have any other symptoms besides a heavy period, it may be worth asking for further investigation if you are concerned.

Did I miscarry, or is it my period?

Signs of a miscarriage may include spotting or bleeding, which may look like a menstrual period. In the case of a miscarriage, the bleeding typically includes more clots than a period and may appear as tiny lumps in the vaginal discharge. 

Bleeding is not necessarily a sign of a miscarriage, but you should always call your doctor if you experience heavier bleeding when pregnant, especially if it’s accompanied by back pain or cramping and your morning sickness suddenly disappears. 

When should I be concerned about a heavy period?

Periods can cause a lot of pain every month, and you may feel like your body is turning against you, but the good news is that it is rarely something you should be worried about.  

Don’t worry – you can’t bleed to death from menorrhagia. If you feel weak or light-headed and are experiencing a very heavy period, talk to your doctor. 

You should only be concerned about your period if you’ve noticed it becoming heavier and heavier or more and more painful each month, or if it is suddenly very heavy. If you have a steady level of discomfort and one particularly heavy period, there’s usually nothing to worry about. 

How can I stop a heavy period?

A heavy period will stop on its own, as normal, after 3-7 days. If you’re still bleeding after 10 days, talk to your doctor. Some natural remedies to try are:

If you’re struggling with your heavy periods, talk to your gynecologist or doctor, as there are several things they can do to help:

While it may be impossible to rejig the way your body’s hormones work, there are ways you can make yourself more comfortable during a heavy period. With Proof leak proof underwear, you can rest assured that your period leaks will stay firmly intact. Our Super-Heavy panties can hold up to five regular tampons or ten teaspoons of liquid. With full front-to-back protection, you have one less thing to worry about!

Related Posts