Menstrual flow, or menstruation as it is more commonly known, is a physiological situation1 that occurs in all women indicating the woman’s fertile period, only not occurring when a woman is pregnant, which almost always prevents the shedding of the uterine endometrium.
When Does Menstrual Flow Begin?
Normally the menstrual flow begins in girls from the age of 8, but it is most common to occur around 12 to 18 years old. After this age, it could indicate a problem that should be investigated by a gynecologist. The menstrual flow is the shedding that occurs on the inner walls of the uterus when it is not fertilized. This shedding is part of the woman’s natural reproductive cycle and should happen every month in preparation for pregnancy, and when it does not occur, it normally detaches.
How Often Does It Happen?
This cycle happens on average every 28 days and can last about 3 to 6 days, with some exceptional cases lasting up to 15 days. In these cases, you should tell your gynecologist so they can check the cause. Many women with cycles this long experience anemia problems due to the large amount of blood lost during this period.2
Very Heavy Menstrual Flow
Menstruation, whether its color is bright red or dark like coffee grounds, is something common in women’s lives, but some suffer from the discomfort of a very heavy menstrual flow, and this may be the result of a hormonal problem even though the amount and duration are variable from woman to woman.
What is Menorrhagia?
We call a very heavy menstrual flow3 menorrhagia, and it can be caused by different problems or some abnormality in the blood, which should be checked with a doctor, including additional tests when needed.
If no problem is detected, it is called dysfunctional uterine bleeding and it is common both at the beginning of a teenager’s “menstrual life” as well as in more mature women who are approaching menopause.
How to Take Care When the Flow is Heavy?
It is normal for the doctor to prescribe multivitamins containing iron; since anemia is one of the causes of a very heavy menstrual flow, it can get worse with the intense blood loss.
Drink plenty of fluids — you should stay hydrated and it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water a day. Besides being good for your body, you will feel much better. Ask your doctor for advice on medications that can help control a very heavy menstrual flow; sometimes, simply by using birth control, your problem may be resolved, or your doctor may prescribe a progesterone-based medication that will help reduce the intensity.
Eat a variety of fruits, which will help keep your blood sugar levels controlled, and include green leafy vegetables, which are very beneficial for our health. Have a good night’s sleep; stress and fatigue can contribute to an increase in menstrual flow, so rest as much as you can.
Tips for Women
During your menstrual cycle, don’t forget to carry several pads in your bag, so you can make a change whenever necessary and avoid the embarrassment of staining your clothes in public. But if it happens, don’t panic; after all, these types of accidents do happen. But since you know your flow is very heavy, go to the bathroom every one or two hours to check and see if you need to change your pad. Opt for pads suitable for heavy flow; the recommended ones are night pads as they offer greater protection.
See also: Period With Clots – What Is Happening?
