Is my Period Heavy?
Whether it’s a pair of white pants destined for the trash or unbearable cramps holding you hostage at home, heavy periods impact every woman differently. Here’s a helpful guide to help you decide if it’s time to chat with your doctor.
What are the signs of a heavy period?
![img-icon-1drop img-icon-1drop](https://heavyperiodtalk.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img-icon-1drop-90x41.png)
REGULAR PERIOD
- Your usual blood loss for each period is between 20-60 ml (about 4-12 teaspoons)
- Bleeding occurs about every 24-31 days
- Bleeding lasts 4-7 days
![img-icon-3drops img-icon-3drops](https://heavyperiodtalk.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img-icon-3drops-90x41.png)
HEAVY PERIOD
- Your bleeding lasts more than 7 days per cycle
- Bleeding is so severe that a regular sanitary pad or tampon must be changed every 1-2 hours
- Your period causes restriction of activities, or even stops you from working
- You experience severe stomach cramping and loose bowel motions
- You have missed days at work or spending time with friends and family due to heavy bleeding
![img-flowgauge-800px img-flowgauge-800px](https://heavyperiodtalk.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img-flowgauge-800px.jpg)
Heavy period problems you shouldn’t ignore
![img-icon-1drop img-icon-1drop](https://heavyperiodtalk.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img-icon-1drop-90x41.png)
PHYSICAL
- Periods that last more than 7 days and are bothersome
- Heavy bleeding that requires doubling up on sanitary protection or changing protection every 1-2 hours
- Passing blood clots, the size of a quarter or larger
- Stomach cramps
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Anemia
- Nausea
![img-icon-1drop img-icon-1drop](https://heavyperiodtalk.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img-icon-1drop-90x41.png)
EMOTIONAL
- Depression
- Moodiness
- Anxiety
- Reduced confidence or self-esteem
![img-icon-1drop img-icon-1drop](https://heavyperiodtalk.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img-icon-1drop-90x41.png)
SOCIAL
- Missing out on sports, hobbies and activities
- Feeling unable to carry out your daily routines
- Needing to take days off work
- Having your sex life impacted
*Online survey of 1,004 Canadian women who experience high menstrual bleeding during February 18. Funded by Hologic Inc.