Menstrual cycles and their frequency can be different for every woman who menstruates. While the average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, it can vary from 21 to 45 days. On the other hand, the length of menstruation can also vary and can last from two to seven days, with menstruation ranging from light to heavy.
In general, a normal menstrual flow is less than 80 ml, or about 1/3 cup, of blood during an entire period. Therefore, a complete absence of menstruation, a condition called amenorrhea, or experiencing excessively heavy bleeding, menorrhagia, may be cause for concern. This article focuses on the latter and will help you differentiate it from a normal heavy flow.
Read also: Heavy menstrual bleeding? Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment of menorrhagia from an expert.
Is heavy menstruation normal?
Dr. Amodita Ahuja, gynecologist, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi , says that heavy periods are normal , adding that they can be heavy at different times, such as when you first start menstruating, after pregnancy or after menopause.
According to the doctor, heavy menstruation can be caused by hormonal changes that cause the uterine lining to grow faster than normal.
But how do you know if your period is heavy? Here are some signs to look out for:
- You should change your pad or tampon every hour or two.
- Using more than one pad at a time
- Changing pads or tampons during the night
- Passage of large blood clots
- Bleeding through your clothes
- Feeling weak, tired, or lethargic
When should you be concerned about heavy menstruation?
While heavy menstruation is usually normal, in certain cases it can be a sign of menorrhagia. Menorrhagia, also known as abnormal uterine bleeding or heavy menstrual bleeding, is a condition in which menstrual bleeding is very heavy or lasts longer than normal.
“Typical symptoms of menorrhagia include menstruation that lasts longer than a week and soaking through a tampon or sanitary napkin for many hours at a time,” says Dr. Ahuja.
Other symptoms may include passing blood clots larger than a quarter, needing to use double sanitary protection (such as two pads), waking up to change sanitary protection during the night, and showing signs of anemia (feeling tired or short of breath).
Additionally, it is important to consult a doctor if heavy periods are caused by underlying conditions such as endometriosis, endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, adenomyosis, fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Also read: Supreme Court rejects plea for menstrual leave: Here are some of the adverse health issues faced by some women during menstruation.
How can you confirm whether heavy menstruation is normal or a cause for concern?
One or more of the following tests can help determine if you have a problem with menstrual bleeding:
- Blood tests are used to screen for anemia, thyroid abnormalities, or blood clotting problems.
- A Pap test is used to determine if you have infection, inflammation, or changes in cells that may be cancerous or cause cancer.
- Endometrial biopsy to determine if you have cancer or other abnormal cells.
- Ultrasound to visualize the appearance of your blood vessels, tissues, and organs.
Conclusion
Heavy periods are usually not a cause for concern unless they last more than a week or require changing pads or tampons every hour. Doctors recommend appropriate tests and screenings to assess your overall health and rule out underlying reproductive conditions, such as endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids. If symptoms become more pronounced and worse over time, consult a healthcare provider.
