Know your flow

Every menstrual cycle is different, so how can you tell if your periods are normal?

Want to check if your period may be heavier than what is ‘normal’. Take this short survey to learn about your period flow and what to raise with your doctor.

What is a normal period, anyway?

• Occurs every 21–35 days¹

• Between 30 and 40 mL (6–8 teaspoons) of menstrual blood loss²

• It may last an average of 5 days²

But...

1 in 4 people with a period and of reproductive age may be affected by heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).^3,4

HMB can be active during various life stages for example, during teenage years or later on when approaching menopause. More commonly it affects people aged 30–50 years.⁵

What is heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)?

HMB is also called menorrhagia and is a medical condition defined by prolonged periods that interfere with a person’s physical, social, emotional and material quality of life.²

What causes HMB?

Hormonal changes are a common cause of HMB.⁵

Other causes include: gynaecological problems (fibroids, polyps, endometriosis), infections, or clotting abnormalities.²

More often than not, a cause for HMB cannot be found. This happens in 5 out of 10 people who have periods.²

You might be taking medicines which can cause heavy periods.²

But there is help available which is why it is important to speak to your doctor.

Treating HMB

There are many effective treatment options available for HMB that can help you feel back in control of your life. Treatment options typically fall into two categories: medical or surgical.⁶

HMB treatment depends on whether you are currently trying to get pregnant or plan to have children in the future.⁶

Your doctor can help you find the right choice for you depending on the cause of your heavy menstrual bleeding, your medical history, and your preferences.⁶

Spotting the signs of HMB

It can be difficult to know whether your periods are too heavy, so it’s important to think about the impact they have on your life.⁵ Take this short survey to learn about your period flow and what to raise with your doctor.

References: 1. Mayo Clinic. Menstrual cycle: What’s normal, what’s not. [Accessed January 2022].2. Patient. Heavy periods: menorrhagia. [Accessed January 2022] .3. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Clinical Care Standard. Sydney: ACSQHC; 2017. 4. Shapley M et al. Br J Gen Pract 2004;54:359–63. 5. Jean Hailes. Heavy menstrual bleeding - fact sheet. [Accessed January 2022]. 6. HELP Group. Treatment options for heavy periods. [Accessed January 2022].