Disclosure: I have partnered with YMC and Hologic and have received compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.
As women, we all have menstrual cycles. These “periods” as they are commonly called, are a normal part of our body’s way of preparing each month for a possible pregnancy.
Many women breeze through their menstrual cycles. Other than regularly changing pads or tampons, their period causes them little or no discomfort or inconvenience. They go about their daily lives as normal.
However, for many of us, it doesn’t always work that way. For us, menstruation is a bloody, monthly battle!
I know this is true because of my own personal experience, as well as my interaction with patients during my many years as a nurse.
Did you know, one in five Canadian women experience heavy blood loss, pain and exhaustion each month that has them trapped at home or constantly running to the bathroom to deal with a gush or prevent a leak?
Do you find yourself changing your tampon often, every 1-2 hours? If you do, it might be time to chat with your doctor. More than half of women are unaware that heavy periods are a treatable medical condition called menorrhagia, also known as heavy menstrual bleeding.
Also, it’s a fact; heavy periods have more than just a physical impact. Nearly 80 per cent of women with menorrhagia say they experience anxiety during menstruation, while more than 65 per cent say they experience depression.
If you are wondering why some women experience heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) while others don’t, heavy periods can be caused by several factors, including:
- Change in hormonal balance
- Fibroids and polyps
- Infections
- Bleeding deviations
If heavy periods are taking over your life, I want you to know you’re not alone. There are several treatment options available, which typically fall into two categories — non-hormonal and hormonal. The right choice for you depends on several factors and should be determined in consultation with your doctor.
Because of my years working as a nurse in the Operating Room, I am quite familiar with one of the treatment options available, endometrial ablation. I recall many conversations with the surgeons performing the ablation and asking if the patients were happy with the outcome. They would often relay how many patients felt the procedure had radically improved their lives…oh, how I wish this option had been available for me!
You can visit HeavyPeriodTalk.ca to learn more about heavy periods, the treatment options available and ways you can talk to your doctor. While you’re on the website, you can read others’ stories or even share your own. For every story shared $5 will be donated to the Canadian Foundation for Women’s Health to help fund vital research into feminine health.
On the lighter side, every woman who has heavy periods has a story!
You know, like that brand new white dress that you wore for your 10th anniversary date night…and his sweater that ended up tied around your waist to hide the blood stain. Those stories!
Usually, it’s a story so bloody awful or horrifyingly embarrassing that, eventually, you have to laugh at it or you’ll cry. And yet, most women don’t tell those stories; they suffer in silence, grinning and bearing their heavy periods because they think it’s just part of being a woman, they’re too embarrassed, or they’re simply unaware that there are treatment options available.
For every story shared, $5 will be donated to the Canadian Women’s Health Foundation to support vital research and women’s health education. Remember, heavy periods suck and are NOT just a part of being a woman. So, say it out loud and tell all your friends…help is available and it’s time to take control of your heavy menstrual bleeding!
I was not aware that heavy bleeding was a treatable condition. I recently learned about PCOs as well, that causes extreme pain and other symptoms too.
Yes, thankfully, menorrhagia is very treatable! If you’re experiencing this, be sure to discuss options with your physician.
I have so many stories it’s ridiculous! What a great cause and a great way to raise money! I still remember the summer I was wearing white shorts and out biking. I had to take my tank off and tie it around my waist.
Been there and I totally understand what you have ever been through!
So many people deal with this. It’s great that you’ve found ways to combat it.
Yes, it’s so good to know treatment is available!
I feel guilty ever complaining when I read or hear about what some women are enduring month after month. Thankful there are options for those suffering with these extreme menstrual periods.
Yes, thankfully, menorrhagia is treatable!
Happy to see people discussing this finally. It’s impurtabt that women get help if needed and not be embarrassed to talk to their doctor. Heavy periods are common with many teens I know too!
I agree 100%, Paula! Heavy periods are a common occurrence and women should be aware of their options.
This is some really great advice. I have my months where I bleed heavily and it drives me crazy.
Thank you and I definitely feel your pain, Becca, it is definitely an issue for many of us!
I never struggled with mine until I had my son, and now every month is a nightmare to be endured. I have had to buy new clothes when I have been out after being soaked through.
Yes, it definitely can be a struggle but it’s good to know help is available!