FAQs
What are the main signs that indicate I'm losing too much blood during my period?
If you need to change your pad or tampon every 30 to 60 minutes for several hours, require double protection, wake up drenched at night, feel dizzy or fatigued, or notice large blood clots, these are key signs of excessive blood loss during your period.
How much blood loss during a period is considered too much?
Medical professionals define heavy menstrual bleeding as losing more than 80 milliliters (mL) of blood per cycle, which roughly equates to soaking two or more regular pads per hour over several hours.
When should I seek emergency medical help for heavy menstrual bleeding?
You should seek emergency care if you soak through a pad or tampon in under one hour and feel dizzy, if bleeding lasts more than seven days, or if you pass large clots bigger than a quarter combined with symptoms like faintness or severe fatigue.
What causes heavy bleeding during periods?
Heavy bleeding can be caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine conditions like fibroids or polyps, blood clotting disorders or medications, and lifestyle factors such as thyroid issues, stress, or drastic weight changes.
What can I do at home to assess if my bleeding is too heavy?
You can perform a pad test by weighing used pads against their dry weight to estimate blood loss, keep track of symptoms such as dizziness or clot presence, and use period tracking apps to log flow intensity and patterns for discussion with your healthcare provider.
