After struggling with heavy periods all her life, Hello Period co-founder Robyn decided that tampons and pads weren’t cutting the mustard and so, along with her best friend Mary, she decided to do something about it by launching Hello Period in 2017.
Heavy periods can be hugely debilitating. Officially known as menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding isn’t discussed enough and often people deal with them in silence when there are options to help.
What classifies as a ‘heavy period’?
While heavy periods can mean different things for different people, if you’re soaking through a pad, tampon every hour for several consecutive hours or if your menstrual cup or disc needs emptying every couple of hours, you might be experiencing menorrhagia.
What causes heavy periods?
There are numerous things that can cause heavy periods including:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Uterine fibroids
- Polyps
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Blood clotting disorders
- Certain medications
How to manage a heavy period
- Track Your Cycle: Keeping a record of your periods can help you identify patterns and discuss them with your doctor. The great thing about menstrual cups and period discs is you can measure your flow relatively accurately.
- Use the Right Products: Opt for high-capacity menstrual products such as menstrual discs, cups or super tampons or pads. Period underwear can also provide additional protection.
- Eat Iron-Rich Foods: To combat potential iron deficiency, incorporate foods like red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals into your diet.
- Rest and Recover: Ensure you get plenty of rest, especially during your heaviest days. Listen to your body and don’t overexert yourself.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help alleviate any pesky cramps. Gentle exercise can also help to reduce cramps.
When to See a Doctor
It’s really important to see a medical professional if your periods are impacting your life.
Also, If you experience any of the following we also recommend seeking medical advice:
- Heavy bleeding that lasts more than 7 days
- Passing large blood clots
- Symptoms of anaemia, such as fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medications
- Irregular periods or bleeding between periods
Your doctor can help determine the cause of your heavy periods and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include medication, hormonal therapy, or surgical options.
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