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What is the impact of heavy menstrual bleeding on female health and well-being?

Reproductive Medicine & Genetics

Many of us have no idea whether or not our period is “normal”. It’s no wonder, since not only is everyone different, but the stigma still keeps many of us from asking questions or discussing what we go through every month with friends and family. Principal Investigator Prof Suzannah Williams and DPhil student Tomi Adeniran explore what heavy periods can mean in their article published in The Conversation.

People with heavy menstrual bleeding may loose close to a pint of liquid during their period. Tony Thiethoaly/ Shutterstock

What counts as a heavy period?

Typically, during a “normal” period, you lose between 70ml and 80ml of fluid (the equivalent of around two double espressos). Around 50% of the fluid lost is blood. But people with heavy menstrual bleeding may lose around 160ml-400ml of fluid (a little less than a pint of liquid).

The most common symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding are:

  • Bleeding through pads or tampons every one to two hours,
  • A period that lasts more than seven days,
  • Passing blood clots larger than 1 inch (around the size of a 10p coin).

You can read the full article in The Conversation :"Heavy periods can lead to big health problems for young women — but many don’t get the help they need" here 

 

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