Heavy periods:everything you need to know about menorrhagia

When are periods considered heavy?

The duration of the menstrual cycle is specific to the physiology of each woman. However, it should on average last between 2 to 7 days depending on the case, with normal blood flow. Throughout this period, the blood loss of a menstruating woman, if she is in good physical condition, is estimated at around 50 ml, the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of blood. Beyond this amount, there is heavy menstruation, also called menorrhagia.

Periods are said to be heavy when you lose more than 90 ml of blood per cycle. Controlling the flow of blood flow with your sanitary protection can then be more complicated than during a normal cycle. Menorrhagia can also correspond to an abnormally long period of menstruation, far exceeding 7 days. The diagnosis of menorrhagia will initially depend on the data recorded by the subject concerned. So, if you think you have heavy periods, you can check your doubts by calculating your Higham score. A score above 100 indicates heavy blood flow and therefore heavy periods .

What are the possible causes of heavy periods?

Knowing the causes of a health condition is a crucial step in determining the right treatment. The case of abundant periods is no exception. First of all, it is good to know that menorrhagia is not necessarily serious and follows, in the vast majority of cases, from a benign cause. Among the most common triggers of menorrhagia are:

• Imbalance in hormones, especially excess estrogen in the blood. These hormones are responsible for the cyclical development of the endometrium in the uterus. A high level of estrogen means a thicker endometrium and therefore more abundant blood flow;
• The type of IUD used:the copper IUD is particularly singled out to make menstruation more abundant;
• Anemia or fatigue;
• Pathologies of the endometrium, such as adenomyosis, endometriosis or hyperplasia;
• Uterine polyps and fibroids, benign tumors responsible for heavy periods.

In rarer medical cases, heavy periods may correspond to a blood clotting anomaly, such as Willebrand disease, or even cancer of the cervix. If in doubt, it is best to consult your gynecologist.

Various practical tips for living your heavy periods with peace of mind

Thus, the abundant rules are not necessarily an alarming disorder. They are no less constraining to live with. Indeed, the important flow of blood is not always easy to contain with hygienic protections. Along with possible induced spotting, fatigue and anemia often occur. In this case, how to live your menstrual cycles serenely if your periods are abundant? Try:

• Consume more foods rich in magnesium and iron;
• Use cotton period panties, in addition to your usual pads, to ensure you have a spotless, leak-free day;
• Drink teas of nettle, thyme or raspberry leaves, a natural trick to help reduce heavy blood flow.

Depending on the case and the causes of menorrhagia, your doctor may also prescribe a new contraceptive, an anti-fibrinolytic or other medications to regulate heavy periods .

Also read:

Menstrual cycle:the foods to favor to better live your period

No more taboo rules, live according to your desires

Periods early:9 reasons why they are irregular