ARE HEAVY PERIODS NORMAL?
UNDERSTANDING HEAVY MENSTRUAL BLEEDING
Everyone experiences periods differently. It can be hard to tell what is ‘normal’ or what is ‘too heavy’. If you lose a lot of blood during your period, and this seriously affects how you go about your day, your social life, and your mood, it could be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).
HOW MUCH IS TOO HEAVY?
NORMAL
35-40 mL (2-3 tablespoons) blood loss on average but can be up to 80 mL
TOO HEAVY
80 mL (5-6 tablespoons) blood loss or more
Many experience HMB and, thankfully, it is a medical condition that can be treated.
CAUSES AND WAYS TO IDENTIFY HMB
Heavy periods can be caused by a number of different factors. Some of these are related to diseases of the uterus, such as uterine fibroids. A hormonal imbalance can also cause heavy periods. HMB is treatable, so it is important to contact your doctor if you feel you are experiencing heavy periods.
TREATING HMB
HMB can be treated. If you are diagnosed with HMB, your doctor will guide you through your treatment options depending on what’s causing your heavy period, your general health history, and your own preferences.
There are two ways to treat HMB: medical and surgical. Medical therapies for HMB include hormonal options (e.g. the intrauterine system [IUS] and the combined oral contraceptive pill), or others such as tranexamic acid (TXA) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Surgery (e.g. myomectomy and hysterectomy) may be considered as a last resort.
Your period pattern can be used for diagnosing HMB, so it’s important to track your cycle and share this information with your doctor.
Is HMB different to heavy bleeding?
It’s hard to define what is normal or what is too heavy when it comes to periods, because everyone can have their own ‘normal’. But HMB is a medical condition and is different to just heavy bleeding. If your bleeding feels more than ‘normal’, and your body, mood, and social life are seriously affected on your period, you may be experiencing HMB.
How common is HMB?
HMB can be experienced at different stages in life. Although it can often go undiagnosed, it is quite common and seen in more than a third of women and individuals with periods during their fertile years.
If I don’t have HMB now, does it mean I will never have it?
No, not necessarily. HMB can start at different stages in life, in perimenopause, because of medication, or together with other conditions. Often people notice they might have HMB when their periods start feeling heavier than what they are used to.
How is HMB diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your general health and your period pattern – so it’s important that you track your cycle before your appointment. They may also do a physical exam and perform various tests such as blood tests, Pap smears, or ultrasounds, to look for the cause of your heavy bleeding.
Is leaving HMB untreated dangerous?
People with HMB are often embarrassed of possible bleeding accidents, can’t go about their life as usual, or might feel depressed during their period. The daily strain is hard, to say the least, so treatment can greatly better their quality of life. In cases where HMB happens as a result of other serious conditions, it is crucial to get diagnosed and effectively treated, to avoid health concerns down the line.
How young can you get HMB?
HMB can affect people of different ages from as early as their teenage years. In fact, more than a third of adolescents are affected by HMB and find it a common problem.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.