Think your heavy period is just part of being a woman? Think again. Here are 5 signs your period isnât normalâand what to do if something feels off. This post is written in partnership with AdventHealth for Women. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Letâs get real â periods are never fun, but sometimes what we think is just a bad period is actually our body waving a giant red flag.
For years, I struggled with painful, heavy periods and just chalked it up to being one of those women. Iâd cancel plans, and feel completely drainedânot just physically, but emotionally too. I thought that my heavy periods were something that were normal. Honestly, it wasnât until I had my kidney transplant and my periods got heavier that I started to ask questions.
I knew that something was not quite right with my body so on my annual visit to my OB/GYN I laid all of my questions out hoping for answers. My health care team at AdventHealth for Women was so kind and patient. I got my regular exam, was sent for imaging, and referred to a provider that specializes in endometriosis and adenomyosis to do more investigating.
Not too long after, I was diagnosed with adenomyosis. Thatâs when I realized: what I was experiencing wasnât normal. If youâve ever found yourself Googling, âhow much bleeding is too much during your period?â or stuffing your purse with backup supplies like youâre prepping for a hurricane, then this post is for you.
Hereâs 5 signs your heavy period might be something moreâand what you can do about it.
1. You’re Bleeding Through Pads or Tampons in Less Than 2 Hours
If you have a heavy flow, that might be okay. But if youâre soaking through a pad or tampon every 1-2 hours for multiple hours in a row, thatâs a sign of abnormal bleeding. Your bleeding might not be this heavy but if you feel like something is off, it never hurts to make an appointment to get it checked out. For me, the first 2 or 2 days of my cycle are the heaviest and thatâs when I keep track of my flow to see if something is off.
Advocating for yourself if you feel like something isnât right is never a bad idea. What I love about my health team at AdventHealth for Women is that my concerns never fall on deaf ears. Iâve been seeing providers at AdventHealth for women since Trevor was born and they have always taken great care of me.
2. Your Period Lasts Longer Than 7 Days or You Have Bleeding in Between Periods
A healthy period typically lasts 3â7 days. If youâre bleeding beyond that, it may be a sign of fibroids, hormonal imbalance, or something more serious. Consulting your doctor is always best. I know women whoâve had cycles that stretched to 10+ days. Longer periods definitely arenât normal and neither is bleeding in between.
One thing that Iâve learned on this journey is that things like stress, diet and exercise can have a huge impact on your cycle. Itâs one thing that you may want to keep in mind. Keeping track of any changes and letting your doctor know can be a huge help. I let my doctor know all of these things during my visit. Personally, having a kidney transplant was a huge factor for me. It made my cycles regular again but it also made them heavier than ever.
Whether youâre just beginning your cycle journey or approaching menopause, AdventHealth for Women has OB/GYNs and specialists who will guide you through treatment options that work for your lifestyle and body.
3. Youâre Passing Large Blood Clots
For years I struggled with passing large blood clots. I thought it was a normal thing. Periods arenât something that are talked about enough. I had no knowledge of what was a normal blood clot and what wasnât until I started having children. Once I started passing clots bigger than a quarter constantly, I knew something wasnât right. Your uterus is likely shedding too much lining too quickly, which can happen with conditions like adenomyosis or fibroids.
4. You Experience Debilitating Cramps
Cramps will absolutely take you out. I experience a lot of lower back pain and cramps during my cycles. Iâve had days where the pain was so bad I missed out on work or family activities. Pain that keeps you in bed or stops you from functioning isnât just bad crampsâit could be a sign of something more. PCOS, endometriosis, and adenomyosis are just a few of the conditions that debilitating cramps are a symptom of.
5. You Feel Exhausted or Faint During Your Period
If youâve been following me for a while by reading my blog or on social media, youâve probably come along with me for one of my iron infusions. The thing about having heavy periods is that if you lose too much blood you could suffer from iron-deficiency anemia like I do. I knew for years that I was anemic but no one ever told me that it was because of my heavy periods. It wasnât until I was diagnosed with adenomyosis that I realized what the cause was. If youâre constantly tired, dizzy, or short of breath during your cycle, it may be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia from blood loss. I had no clue how much my energy was being drained until I had bloodwork done. Low iron doesnât just affect your bodyâit affects your brain, heart, kidney and mental health.
Hereâs the truth: You donât need to wait until your period is bad enough to get help. If your cycle is interfering with your health, work, or relationshipsâthat’s enough. No one wants to go through life feeling uncomfortable for one week every single month. Your period shouldnât control your life, make you feel ashamed, or cause debilitating symptoms every month. Trust your instincts. You know your body. If something feels offâit probably is. Visit HerHealthNavigator.com to learn more and to find a provider at AdventHealth for Women.
Leave a Reply