Heavy menstrual bleeding is more than just an inconvenient period. Known medically as menorrhagia, it means bleeding that is heavier or lasts longer than what is typical, to the point that it affects your daily life. Many women assume their heavy periods are simply normal for them, but bleeding that soaks through tampons and pads, lasts more than a week, or leaves you drained can point to an underlying issue worth checking. The good news is that heavy periods are common, treatable, and nothing to feel embarrassed about.
What Counts as a Heavy Period?
It can be hard to know whether your flow is truly heavy, since everyone’s period is different. Still, there are some clear signs to watch for.
Bleeding may be considered heavy if you soak through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours, need to double up on protection, or have to change products during the night. Periods that last longer than seven days, or bleeding that comes with large clots, also fall into this category. Feeling tired, weak, or short of breath can be a sign that heavy bleeding is affecting your iron levels.
