How to know if your Period is Heavy

A woman’s period is unique to her and can undergo changes with age. At some point, a woman’s period can be lighter or heavier; in the case of a heavy period, how would you know your period is heavy?

The average woman loses about 2-3 tablespoons of blood when menstruating. However, your period may be subject to changes-either lighter or heavier from month to month. 

As you age, particularly during perimenopause, most women experience heavy bleeding during this phase. 

What are the symptoms of heavy bleeding? 

• Passing blood clots bigger than the size of quarters
• Using more than one sanitary material every one or two hours 
• Bleeding more than seven days

What could be the cause of heavy bleeding? 

Many things can be the cause of a heavy bleeding, however, the likely reasons are: 

• Using certain birth control such as an intrauterine device known as IUD. 
• Uterine fibroids  or growth 
• Pregnancy related issues like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy 
• Hormonal issues
• Pelvic inflammatory disease 
• Cancer of the uterus

If you are experiencing any of these, you should see a gynecologist for evaluation.