If you've ever wondered whether your flow is actually heavy or just feels that way, you're not alone. It can be hard to know what's "normal" when it comes to flow.

Here's the real talk: heavy periods (what doctors call menorrhagia) are more common than you might think, and there are some clear signs that what you're experiencing goes beyond typical flow.

Signs Your Period Might Be Heavy

Your period is likely on the heavier side if you're dealing with any of these:

You're changing your pad or tampon every hour or two: If you're constantly needing to change because it's soaked through, that's a sign your flow is heavier than typical.

You're seeing blood clots bigger than a quarter: Small clots are normal, but if you're passing clots larger than about an inch (or the size of a quarter), that's worth paying attention to.

You're bleeding through to your clothes or sheets: Waking up to find you've bled through your pad and onto your sheets, or bleeding through your clothes during the day even when you're using protection—these are signs of heavy flow.

You need to double up on products: If you're using a tampon and a pad together just to get through a few hours, that's your body telling you your flow is heavier than average.

Why This Happens

Heavy periods don't always have an underlying cause, but they can be a sign of underlying conditions like fibroids or endometriosis. That's why it's important to get checked out.

When To Talk To Your Doctor

You should reach out to a healthcare provider if:

• You're worried about your bleeding
• Your periods have got heavier
• You're also having other symptoms, such as period pain or bleeding between your periods
• Your heavy flow is affecting your daily life, like making you skip school, work, or other activities

There Are Treatment Options

The good news? Heavy periods are treatable. Depending on what's going on, your doctor might suggest:

• Hormonal birth control options like an IUD (intrauterine system) or the combined pill, which can help lighten your flow
• Medications like tranexamic acid that help reduce bleeding
• Other treatments depending on what's causing your heavy periods

Bottom line: if your period is making life harder or you're worried something's not right, it's worth talking to a doctor. You don't have to just deal with it, and you definitely shouldn't have to plan your whole life around your flow. 💜