More than 10 million American women are affected every year by heavy bleeding. That means that 1 in 5 women are battling with the same concern you may be experiencing right now. The average monthly cycle is around 28 days, with a period between four to five days. A period that lasts longer than seven days is considered long. Consider seeing your doctor if your heavy flow is affecting your daily life.
How much blood do you lose while on your period?
Every woman is unique, and our menstrual cycles are no exception to that rule. The amount of blood you lose depends on many factors. However, the average blood loss is between 2 to 3 tablespoons during your period. In reality, it seems like you are losing a lot more blood than you are.
Average blood loss during your period a month
Light period: Less than 30 milliliters
Normal period: 30-60 milliliters
Heavy period: More than 80 milliliters
Is there a way to determine how much you’re actually bleeding?
Many pads and tampons will state right on the packaging how much volume their products hold. This, of course, could be measurable if you filled them to their maximum capacity each use. Menstrual cups are an easy and effective way to measure your blood loss. Most menstrual cups have measurements on them. Cups will show you the amount of blood collected in between emptying and cleaning.
Causes of heavy menstrual bleeding
IUDs
IUDs are tricky because, depending on the type of IUD, they can either lessen your period or they can make your monthly flow heavier. Research has shown copper IUDs may make your periods more serious and more painful.
Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that form on the muscle tissue of the uterus. You may experience periods longer than 8 or 9 days if you have fibroids. Some women may also notice that their periods are more frequent than once a month.
Hormonal imbalance
When women have an imbalance of hormone levels, it can cause heavy periods. High levels of estrogen and low progesterone are typically the cause of heavier flows. If estrogen levels are low, it will cause lighter bleeding and shorter length periods.
Tips to relieve symptoms of bleeding
Track your period
Keeping track of your period helps you get a better understanding of your menstrual cycle. It also helps you to see the patterns in your mood changes. But, most importantly, it helps you notice when things are out of balance and your cycle changes. If you notice a change in your cycle, doctors often find it helpful to see your history to better understand what might cause the change in your hormones or cycle.
Try period underwear for heavy flow
Proof® period underwear is the perfect choice for those with a heavy flow. Our period underwear is available in various absorbencies, including super heavy and overnight. Shop a variety of styles and choose the ones you love. Say hello to the new MVP in your underwear drawer.
Heating patches
Heating patches may not decrease your flow, but they help with pain associated with heavy bleeding.
Eat iron-rich foods
When women have heavy periods, it is not uncommon for them to have anemia. Eating foods rich in iron, such as green vegetables, raisins, and apricots, are a natural way to boost your iron levels.
Exercise Even on your heaviest days, exercising can be good during your heavy flow. It helps increase blood flow and release endorphins. Both of these help reduce cramping. However, Be careful with how hard you push yourself. Listen to your body if you are feeling fatigued.
Hydrate
When you bleed, your blood volume can get too low. It is suggested to drink 8 cups of water a day. However, you should drink 4 to 6 more cups of water a day during your heavy period. Consider drinking electrolyte-enriched drinks.
Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia is the medical term for heavy menstrual bleeding. It is classified as a period that lasts more than 7 days or requires frequent tampon or pad changes more than every 2 hours. Menorrhagia is not as common in younger women as in older women.
Heavy bleeding is one of the most common reasons why women go to the gynecologist every year. Heavy periods often leave women feeling helpless and alone. However, there is help out there for you. Talk to your doctor and see which treatment is right for you. While waiting to talk to your doctor, consider using period underwear that is designed specifically for heavy flows.
Sources:
CDC. Bleeding Disorders in Women,
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html#:~:text=Heavy%20bleeding%20(menorrhagia)%20is%20one,every%20five%20women%20has%20it
Greatist. Menstrual Math: How Much Blood Do You Lose During Your Period?
https://greatist.com/health/how-much-blood-do-you-lose-on-your-period#average-blood-loss
Geisinger. The pros and cons of menstrual cups,
https://www.geisinger.org/health-and-wellness/wellness-articles/2021/11/30/21/17/pros-cons-menstrual-cups#:~:text=Most%20cups%20are%20made%20from,traditional%20period%20products%20more%20comfortable
Health Partners. What causes heavy periods and how you can stop them,
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/what-causes-heavy-periods-and-how-to-stop-them/#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20using%20a%20copper,and%20progesterone%20can%20cause%20menorrhagia
Mayo Clinic. Menstrual cycle: What's normal, what's not,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186
Houston Methodist. Menstrual Cramps: 5 Tips for Getting Relief From Period Pain,
https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2021/sep/menstrual-cramps-5-tips-for-getting-relief-from-period-pain/
Healthline. How to Stop Heavy Periods: 22 Options for Treatment,
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-heavy-periods#home-and-natural-remedies
