What Triggers Heavy Periods?
What triggers heavy periods is important question, however, many women experience heavy menstrual bleeding, and in most cases, there isn’t a specific underlying cause. Again, sometimes heavy periods can be linked to medical conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or other health issues.
The good news is that there are several ways to manage and reduce heavy bleeding. Treatment options include:
What is Considered a Heavy Period?
On this article regarding “What Triggers Heavy Periods”, many women describe their periods as “heavy,” but it can be hard to tell whether your flow is actually heavier than average. Some women with normal bleeding may feel their periods are heavy, while others with significant blood loss might think their periods are normal.
A typical period lasts four to five days, and most of the blood loss happens in the first three days. If you find yourself soaking through a pad or tampon every hour, passing large blood clots, or experiencing periods that last longer than seven days, you may have menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding).
If you’re concerned about your periods, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help determine if your bleeding is within a normal range and suggest the best treatment options for you.
For more information, check out these helpful resources: ?? Mayo Clinic - Heavy Menstrual Bleeding ?? NHS - Heavy Periods ?? Planned Parenthood - Understanding Your Period
How Much Blood Loss is Considered Normal or Heavy During a Period?
Measuring blood loss during a period isn’t easy, but medical experts have set some general guidelines:
?? Normal Period: Women typically lose 30 to 40 ml of blood per menstrual cycle, which is about six to eight teaspoons. A period usually lasts five days on average, but some women may bleed for up to eight days and still be within the normal range.
?? Heavy Period (Menorrhagia): If blood loss reaches 80 ml or more (about half a teacup or more), it is considered a heavy period. However, since it’s difficult to measure blood loss precisely, doctors rely on symptoms instead.
How to Tell If You're Losing Too Much Blood
You may have heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) if you experience one or more of the following:
? Soaking through pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours. ? Bleeding that leaks onto clothes or bedding, even with regular pad/tampon changes. ? Needing to wear double protection (both a tampon and a pad). ? Passing large blood clots, particularly those larger than a 10 Naira coin (or a quarter in the U.S.). ? Feeling too exhausted or weak due to heavy bleeding (a sign of anemia). ? Limiting daily activities (such as work, school, or social outings) because of period flow.
If your period interferes with your daily life and happens every month, it may be time to see a doctor.
Why Do Some Women Experience Heavy Periods?
In about half of the cases, doctors cannot find a specific cause for heavy periods. This is called dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) or idiopathic menorrhagia. In these cases:
When Are Heavy Periods More Common?