Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different; menstruation normally occurs every 26-32 days and lasts between four and five days, but this can vary.
The menstrual flow has a tendency to start at a moderate level on day one of the period, becoming heaviest around day two or three, before tapering off during the last couple of days. It is important for women to use the right absorbency tampon or pad for their particular flow and to use a range of absorbencies during their period.
Most women lose around 50-80mls of blood during their period, although some may experience heavier or lighter flow. Heavy bleeding may be experienced at any time during a woman’s reproductive life. Young women may experience heavy flows during the first 12 to 18 months after their first menstrual period, due to irregularity of ovulation at this age. Women who have had children may also have heavier flows and older women, who are approaching the menopause, may experience heavier flows due to hormonal imbalances. Whilst it can be perfectly normal to have a heavy flow, if bleeding is prolonged or heavier than normal, or if you are concerned about any other changes to your menstrual cycle, it is advisable to see your doctor as the condition can usually be treated without any ill effect.
For women who experience a very heavy flow and have concerns about leakage, Lil-let’s have 5 droplet, super plus extra non-applicator and applicator tampons, which are designed for women with very heavy flow.
This article was written by Peter Bowen-Simpkins, who is a consultant gynaecologist and currently the Medical Director of the London Women’s Clinic. Previous to this appointment he had been a Consultant at Singleton Hospital in Swansea until 2005. He served on the Council of the RCOG for thirteen years and was Honorary Treasurer from 1998-2005.
He has been an active supporter of Wellbeing of Women, being a member of the executive committee for many years and latterly as a Trustee. He edits the Wellbeing Journal and he lectures, writes articles and answers press enquiries on behalf of the charity.