Is Your Period Too Heavy?

If you’re soaking through pads in no time, dealing with clots the size of a 10p coin, or finding yourself completely wiped out, it’s time to figure out what’s going on. The word “normal” gets thrown around far too much in women’s health, so let’s take a proper look at what science says about periods.

And to save you reading the whole article if your period is stopping you from carrying out your day-to-day life, go to your GP and keep advocating for yourself until you get the answers you deserve.

What Do We Mean by Light, Heavy, or “Normal” Periods?

Remember back in school when we were told we’d lose 2-5 tablespoons of blood during a period? Well, that estimate has changed. A regular period now typically involves losing 30-80 millilitres of fluid a month—about 2 to 5 full menstrual cups. If you’re losing more than 80 ml, you could be dealing with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) or menorrhagia, an actual medical condition.

It’s also worth pointing out here that menstrual fluid isn’t just blood it’s the shedding of your uterine lining and therefor is a mix of blood, uterine lining, and mucus. 

But here is where the light, reguler, heavy period deffinision gets tricky. Are we defuning it agenst ourselfs? the lower end standereds or the higher standerds? and remebering that this is a full cycle, not a day satndered. Your cycle might last 3-7 days and still fit in the “normal” range.

er, if your period feels more like a flood than a stream, you could be dealing with menorrhagia—another name for heavy menstrual bleeding. Research now suggests that some people may lose just under a pint of fluid during a period. No wonder we feel tired and irritable! Time to up those iron and magnesium levels.

How Can You Tell if Your Period Is Too Heavy?

One of the clearest signs is needing to change your pad or tampon every one to two hours because it’s completely soaked. If you’re using a menstrual cup, heavy bleeding might mean needing to empty it every few hours. (By the way, at LU, we love menstrual cups—they let you track exactly how much you’re losing, plus they offer long-lasting comfort and protection!)

Other clues include periods that last more than seven days or clots that are larger than you’d expect. If you’re feeling tired, dizzy, or out of breath, it could mean you’re losing more blood than your body can handle. Don’t ignore these symptoms—they’re your body’s way of asking for help.

What Could Be Causing It?

Heavy periods can happen for lots of reasons. Sometimes, it’s just how your body works. Other times, there’s more to it. Factors like diet, alcohol, or certain medications can play a role. Medical conditions like endometriosis, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), uterine fibroids, or polyps can also lead to heavier bleeding. Endometriosis, for example, causes uterine-like tissue to grow outside the uterus, making periods painful and heavy. PCOS, a hormonal imbalance, might throw your cycle off completely.

Never Suffer in Silence

But as I said at the beginning, If heavy periods are keeping you from school, work, sports, or hanging out with friends, it’s time to speak up. Whether it’s a doctor, a friend, or a teacher you trust, there are people who can help you figure out what’s going on and find solutions that work for you.

Remember, you know your body best. Trust yourself, ask questions, and never be afraid to seek help. You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.