Every month, many people who menstruate experience a natural bodily process known as 'menstruation' or 'period'. This process involves shedding of uterine lining that has built up in preparation for a potential pregnancy. While it's common to have questions about periods, one important aspect to understand is the amount of blood loss that is considered normal during menstruation. We spoke to Dr Sameena H, Consultant, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, KMC Hospital, Mangalore, who explained menstrual bleeding in detail.
Normal Range of Blood Loss
Dr Sameena said, “On average, a person loses about 30-40 ml of blood during a typical menstrual cycle. This amount is roughly equivalent to 2-3 tablespoons. It's important to note that this is just an average, and individual experiences can vary. Some people might have slightly lighter periods, while others may experience heavier bleeding.”
Identifying Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
According to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), the primary reason for experiencing heavy menstrual periods often relates to the uterus being unable to contract effectively. Uterine contractions play a crucial role in shedding the uterine lining, which is subsequently expelled from the body along with a small amount of blood. These contractions also serve to limit the duration of the bleeding.
Dr Sameena informed, “While some variation is normal, certain signs might indicate heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia.” These signs include:
- Changing menstrual products (such as pads or tampons) every hour or more frequently.
- Experiencing the passage of substantial blood clots larger than a quarter in size
- Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days
- Need to use double protection (both a tampon and a pad) to manage the flow
- Encountering fatigue, weakness, or additional indications of anaemia
You should consult with a healthcare provider if you see any of these symptoms. They can help determine if your menstrual bleeding is within a normal range or if there might be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Also Read: Severe Pain During Menstruation? Expert Explains Dysmenorrhoea, Types, Risk Factors, And Treatment
Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
There can be various reasons for heavy menstrual bleeding. Dr Sameena listed some of the common causes as follows:
- Hormonal Imbalance: Fluctuations in hormones, especially oestrogen and progesterone, can lead to heavier periods.
- Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths within the uterus that can lead to significant bleeding and discomfort.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder can lead to irregular periods and heavy bleeding.
- Adenomyosis: This condition occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus starts to grow within its muscular walls, causing heavy and painful periods.
- Certain Medications: Blood thinners or medications that affect hormone levels can contribute to heavy bleeding.
Managing Menstrual Bleeding
Dr Sameena said, “For many people, managing menstrual bleeding involves using sanitary products like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or period underwear. Choosing the right product depends on personal comfort and preference. It's important to change these products regularly to maintain good hygiene and prevent the risk of infections.”
If your menstrual bleeding is causing significant discomfort or impacting your daily life, there are treatment options available. These might include hormonal birth control methods like pills, patches, or IUDs, which can help regulate and lighten periods. In some cases, your healthcare provider might recommend other treatments or procedures, especially if an underlying medical condition is causing the heavy bleeding.
Also Read: From Menarche To Menopause: Expert Explains How Periods Change With Age
Things Menstruating Women You Must Know
- Change your sanitary napkins every 4 hours
- Wash your vagina properly
- Avoid using water jets and soaps inside the vagina
- Discard the sanitary napkins properly.
Dr Sameena highlighted, “Exercise regularly, 30 minutes at least thrice a week. When you are physically active, it increases your overall energy levels, improves your self-confidence and motivation levels, reduces anxiety and depression.”
Bottomline
Dr Sameena concluded, “Understanding what constitutes normal blood loss during periods is an important aspect of women's health. If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to determine whether further evaluation or treatment is necessary. Remember that open communication about your menstrual health is essential for maintaining overall well-being.”
Disclaimer
The information in this article is shared by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult with your healthcare professional if you face any complications during menstruation.