Menstruation is a normal part of women’s reproductive health. But it is important to be aware of the potential signs of excessive blood loss during this time. While most individuals lose around 2-3 tablespoons of blood during their period, heavy bleeding can lead to anaemia and associated symptoms such as tiredness and shortness of breath. By recognising these signs as they happen, women like you can seek appropriate medical attention and address any underlying health issues contributing to heavy bleeding.
Average blood loss during a period
Understanding what is considered normal is one of the first steps in identifying whether you are losing too much blood during your period. Women lose around 2–3 tablespoons (tbsps) of blood during their menstrual cycle. However, this can vary from person to person. If you have heavy periods, you may experience twice as much blood loss. Pay attention to your body and any potential symptoms that may indicate excessive blood loss.
How much is too much?
Using a menstrual cup can help measure blood loss so you can provide your doctor with precise information. An alternative approach to quantifying blood loss involves observing the frequency of changing pads or tampons. Excessive blood loss during menstruation can be indicated by the following:
Requiring a pad or tampon change every hour for multiple consecutive hours, resulting in complete saturation
Passing substantial blood clots equal to or larger than the size of a quarter
Requiring two pads simultaneously to prevent leakage
Having to change pads or tampons during sleeping hours
Signs of excessive blood loss
Some people may have heavy periods without noticing any other problems. But sometimes, losing much blood during menstruation can lead to anaemia. When someone has this, they may experience the following:
Feeling out of breath easily
Having less energy than usual
Feeling weak or tired
Even if you do not have these specific symptoms, it is still important to seek medical help if you have heavy bleeding during your period. Heavy bleeding by itself could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs attention.
What are the potential causes of heavy bleeding?
There are several possible reasons why someone might experience heavy periods. Some of these causes include:
Irregular ovulation, which can happen during puberty, perimenopause (the transition to menopause), and in individuals with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome
Using intrauterine devices (IUDs) for birth control
Hormonal imbalances in the body
Being overweight, as it can increase the amount of oestrogen in the body
Conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or the presence of growths in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps
Infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Kidney, liver, or thyroid diseases
Cancers affecting the uterus, cervix, or reproductive tract
Certain medications like blood thinners
Bleeding disorders
It is best to consult your doctor immediately if you experience heavy bleeding to get assessed to determine its cause.
Top Tips for Managing Your Period and Easing Discomfort - Infographic
When to seek medical help
Heavy periods themselves are usually not emergencies, but some conditions can be mistaken for heavy periods and require urgent treatment.
For example, postpartum haemorrhage can happen within 12 weeks after giving birth. Injuries to the uterus or bleeding disorders can also lead to dangerous bleeding that needs immediate medical attention.
An ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage can resemble a heavy period, especially if the person is unaware of the pregnancy. If you experience a significant amount of vaginal bleeding or have the following symptoms, immediately get medical help:
Pale or clammy skin
Rapid heart rate
Nausea
Dizziness
Blurry vision
Fainting
Swelling around the vagina or in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus)
tampons/pads become soaked within a few hours or less
Conclusion
Recognising the signs of excessive blood loss during your period is essential for maintaining your health as a woman. If you experience tiredness, weakness, or shortness of breath during your period, it may be an indication of heavy bleeding. Seeking medical attention from a trusted women’s clinic in Singapore is recommended to receive a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and personalised treatment. Remember, your health matters and specialised healthcare professionals are available to provide the care you need.
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