What is considered a heavy period and when should you see a doctor?

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is when a person loses more than 80 milliliters of blood during one menstrual cycle or has periods that last longer than 7 days. It can cause disruptions in daily activities and may lead to anemia, which is a condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells.

Signs of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding:

1. Needing to change your pad or tampon every hour for several hours in a row.
2. Needing to use double sanitary protection (like a pad and a tampon together).
3. Waking up at night to change sanitary protection.
4. Passing blood clots larger than a quarter.
5. Having periods that last longer than a week.

When to See a Doctor:

• If your periods are so heavy that they disrupt your daily life.
• If you have symptoms of anemia, like tiredness or shortness of breath.
• If you are concerned about the amount of bleeding.

It's important to consult a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and explore potential treatments. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing them, you can start by taking a free symptom checker test to help guide your next steps. Early evaluation and management can help prevent complications and improve quality of life.