For about 14 percent of women though, the onset of a menstrual cycle is no laughing matter. These women have a condition called menorrhagia, a very heavy, flooding, or abnormal period (e.g., passing large blood clots). For these women, their monthly friend is more than just an annoyance; it interferes with daily routines, forcing sufferers to stay near restrooms to avoid unwanted leaks.
What is Menorrhagia?
Menorrhagia is the medical term for abnormally heavy or abnormally long bleeding. This condition is quite common in premenopausal women; up to 14 percent of the general population may also suffer from it.
So What’s “Normal”?
According to The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, studies show that the most common amount of menstrual flow was about two tablespoons over the course of a five-to-seven day period. However, in the study cited – where laboratory workers collected all tampons and pads and measured flow – the range was wide. Participants ranged from one spot on a pad to over two cups of blood flow in one period!
In general, women who are taller, who have had children, or who are getting close to menopause – a period called perimenopause – have the heaviest flow periods.
How Can I Tell How Much I’m Passing?
As a general rule of thumb, one soaked, normal-sized tampon or pad can hold one teaspoon, or 5 ml, or menstrual fluid. This means that it’s statistically normal for women to soak one to seven normal-sized pads or tampons during one period.