Have you ever had those days where you feel like your period feels like a horror movie? You thought you knew your period and could predict it, but then out of nowhere, your flow feels so heavy. Maybe it feels like you’ve lost so much blood that you’re wondering how you’re even alive. But what is considered heavy for one person may seem like a completely average flow to someone else! So what really is regarded as a heavy period?
Believe it or not, the average amount of blood lost during a period is between 2-3 tablespoons. Of course, menses consists of blood and tissue, so it can look like a lot more than just 2 tablespoons of flow. However, menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, is typically defined as losing 5 or more tablespoons of blood during a period. Menorrhagia affects anywhere from 27-54% of the menstruating population, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean you need to accept uncomfortable and inconvenient periods.
If you struggle with heavy periods, you may have to change pads and tampons frequently. Not only is this inconvenient, but the cost of buying disposable products can really add up! Because of this, you may benefit from switching to menstrual cups, menstrual discs, or period underwear. A Saalt menstrual cup can hold as much as 4 regular tampons and a Saalt menstrual disc can hold as much as 6 regular tampons, so you can go longer between needing to empty them. Additionally, they last up to 10 years, meaning you won’t have to spend money on tampons and pads each month. It sounds like you just saved some money to spend on ice cream, go you! Pairing a period cup or disc with leakproof underwear such as Saalt Wear is also a great way to ensure you are protected from leaks, even if your cup or disc fills up. Heavy periods don’t have to keep you from living your life to the fullest.
Of course, it is always important to check with a doctor if you are concerned about your heavy flow. Menorrhagia, while common, can be a sign of an underlying issue such as PCOS, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease, and treatment options may be available to make your period more comfortable.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17734-menorrhagia-heavy-menstrual-bleeding