According to the RCGP, one in five women of reproductive age suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, otherwise known as menorrhagia. If you are one of those women, you will learn how important it is to have suitable period products.
Your menstrual period is considered heavy when you experience a heavy volume of bleeding, periods that are longer than usual, or both. A heavy period lasts for more than a week or involves changing your menstrual products more than once an hour for a day or more.
Causes of menorrhagia can include hormonal imbalances, medical conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis or fibroids, genetics, age and lifestyle. Whatever the reason, heavy periods can be highly disruptive, forcing you to change your routine or causing you anxiety and emotional distress. Women have reported feeling weak, tired, and paranoid about leaks and constant bathroom breaks, even cancelling plans and staying at home on days when bleeding is heaviest.
Tops tips
You can do many things to help you cope with the discomfort of heavy periods. Here are some ideas.
1. Talk to a healthcare professional
Seek advice from your Doctor. Once you know what is causing it, your doctor can recommend treatment options to help reduce heavy bleeding.
2. Hormonal birth control
Hormonal birth control can help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. Birth control pills, patches, or IUDs are examples of hormonal birth control methods that work by regulating your hormone levels.
This regulation can make your periods lighter and more manageable. To choose the best hormonal birth control option for you, it is important to discuss your options with a healthcare professional.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise and a balanced diet can all contribute to better menstrual health. Supplements like iron, vitamin B, and magnesium may also help reduce heavy bleeding and the fatigue that often comes with it.
4. Consider relaxation techniques
Stress can exacerbate heavy periods and menstrual discomfort. Including stress management and relaxation techniques in your routine can help reduce your symptoms. You could try things like yoga, meditation, warm baths and aromatherapy.
5. Explore different sanitary product options
Period pants and menstrual cups, as well as reusable and disposable pads and tampons, are great options if you’re dealing with heavy periods. They are:
- Super absorbent: can hold up to five tampons' worth of blood, making them an excellent choice for heavy flows.
- Leak-Proof: Period pants have a leak-proof layer that keeps you dry and worry-free throughout the day.
- Eco-Friendly: a sustainable option, as they remove the need for disposable products, reducing your environmental footprint.
- Comfortable and stylish: With various styles and sizes, period pants are designed for comfort and confidence.
Why menstrual cups are considered the best solution for heavy periods
- A menstrual cup can hold up to three times more fluid than tampons, and is less likely to leak once inserted correctly.
- With a menstrual cup, you can go up to 8 hours without replacement, meaning fewer bathroom visits.
- Unlike bulky menstrual products, you won’t even notice you are using it.
- Menstrual cups are a healthy and safe period product. The silicone of menstrual cups does not leave you dry or with cotton residue in your vagina.
- By using a menstrual cup, you can avoid up to 200 disposable products each year since it is reusable, eliminating last-minute runs to the pharmacy.
Everyone is different - you should try other methods to find the one that works for you. Heavy periods can be hard to manage, but you do have options, and you do have control over your menstrual health, regardless of what you choose. This includes medical treatments, lifestyle changes, alternative remedies, or wearing comfy period pants. With these options available, those heavy periods won't be a burden anymore, and you'll have the freedom to enjoy life fully.
