What are heavy periods?

About one quarter of all women are troubled by heavy periods and seek help from their doctor. Normally women will lose about 40mls (eight teaspoons) of blood during their period. Some women however will lose considerably more and experience problems coping with the flow, clots or pain produced.

A period normally lasts 4 or 5 days and the cycle length of 28 days (from the 1st day of one until the 1st day of the next). The cycle can vary considerably and it is normal to have a cycle between 21 and 35 days.

The actual definition of a heavy period ('menorrhagia') is the loss of more than 80mls of blood during each cycle. In reality doctors and nurses do not measure the blood loss, but accept that if a patient is troubled with the flow then treatment options are discussed.

When you have very heavy flow you would be aware of flooding and having to change your tampon or towels very regularly. You may also notice the passage of clots of blood which women often describe as 'like passing lumps of liver'. Heavy flow is very often associated with crampy period pains ('dysmenorrhoea')

Heavy periods can lead to anaemia due to the amount of blood loss. This may make you feel very tired and sometimes short of breath on exertion. Heavy periods is the commonest cause of anaemia in women.

So, if you are struggling with your period then your period is considered heavy. Seek help!!