Health

How Much Blood Do You Actually Lose On Your Period?

|
illustration of water cups next to a period droplet

If you’re here, chances are you’ve found yourself wondering, how much blood do I actually lose on my period? Whether your flow is light, heavy, or somewhere in between, it’s natural to question what’s normal. Periods can be unpredictable and frustrating, often leaving you unsure if your experience is typical or something to be worried about. And let’s not forget the constant search for period products that can keep up with your menstrual cycle without the worry of leaks. 

Let’s examine menstrual blood loss, what impacts your flow, and when it’s time to check in with a doctor so you can feel more confident managing your period. 

how much blood do you lose during a typical menstrual period? 

Normally, the average person loses around 30 to 60 milliliters (ml) of blood during their period. That's around two to four tablespoons — hardly the epic flood you might’ve imagined. By now, you're probably thinking, that’s it? Yup. It might feel like you've bled enough to fill a kiddie pool, but in reality, it’s less than a shot glass or two. 

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in terms of period flow: 

  • light flow in the beginning - At the start of your period, you'll typically experience a lighter flow, which is just your body warming up for the real thing. Some of you may also notice watery period blood during your cycle, which could also mean lighter flow. Still, it’s important to keep track of any changes in your period to make sure they’re not linked to hormonal imbalances or other health concerns. 

  • heavier flow in the middle - Around days two or three, your flow will reach its peak. This is when you’re likely changing your period product more often and feeling the most discomfort. 

  • gradually lightening at the end - The last few days of your period usually see a much lighter flow, marking the home stretch before it all ends. You may also observe that your menstrual blood is in dark red or almost dark brown color, signaling that it is already drying up and coming to an end 

However, it's totally normal for your flow to fluctuate from day to day (and sometimes even hour to hour). You may also notice the presence of period blood and mucus (the jelly-like texture in your blood), which can sometimes appear thicker or stringy, but it’s generally a normal part of the shedding process of your uterine lining. 

factors that influence menstrual blood loss 

Why do some experience a trickle and others a flood when it comes to period flow? Several factors can influence how much blood you lose during your period. These may include:  

  • hormonal birth control - If you use birth control methods like pills, IUDs (intrauterine device), or patches, these may reduce menstrual blood loss by thinning your uterine lining, which means there’s less tissue to shed each cycle. In other cases, some methods may stop you from ovulating entirely, preventing periods from even happening at all. 

  • age and hormonal changes - If you're going through puberty, your body may still be figuring out its hormonal balance, which can lead to unpredictable and sometimes heavier periods. As you approach perimenopause, unsteady estrogen levels can cause irregular or heavier bleeding due to the changes in the thickness of your uterine lining. 

  • medical conditions - When conditions like uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or hormonal imbalances due to stress come into play, they can also throw the balance off and impact the volume of period blood you’re dealing with. If you're experiencing symptoms of these conditions, it would be best to consult a healthcare provider. 

signs your period blood loss might be abnormal 

Now, not all blood loss during your period can be considered normal. Excessive or heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is more than just a heavier-than-usual period. Here are some signs that your period might be abnormal and excessive: 

  • periods lasting longer than seven days - If your period stretches on for more than a week, that’s not just inconvenient, it’s also worth talking to a doctor. Heavy blood loss can lead to iron deficiency anemia. 

  • soaking through menstrual products hourly  - If you're going through tampons, pads, or period underwear every hour or less than two hours, it may be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding. 

  • passing large blood clots - The small clumps of blood during menstruation are normal, but if they're larger than a quarter, then it may be another sign that your bleeding might be excessive. 

  • fatigue or dizziness - If you have heavy bleeding and you develop iron deficiency anemia, you may experience symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or extreme tiredness during your period. You may also find it difficult to do your normal, day-to-day activities. 

If any of these issues sound familiar, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider to rule out anything serious. 

when to see a doctor 

Too much bleeding is definitely not normal. If you’ve noticed anything that feels or seems out of the ordinary, whether it’s soaking through period underwear every hour, dealing with menstrual blood clots the size of quarters, or experiencing symptoms of anemia, you should get medical advice from your healthcare provider.  

Heavy bleeding might not just be a one-time occurrence, and it could be connected to conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or a bleeding disorder.  

There are plenty of solutions available for most issues causing heavy bleeding, from hormonal treatments to simple iron supplements if you’re low on red blood cells due to blood loss. You’ve got options, and it's totally normal to seek help in managing your period. The key is to get checked out so you can find the right treatment for you. 

managing period blood with Thinx 

While managing heavy bleeding can be challenging, finding reliable period products can make a difference in your day-to-day comfort and peace of mind. Thinx leakproof period underwear offers a discreet option that can help you feel secure and comfortable. 

With up to 12 hours of protection, Thinx is designed to work with different levels of period flow, providing coverage when you need it the most. So if you’re planning a full day of meetings or binge-watching your favorite show, you can relax knowing that Thinx period underwear has got your back.

sources 

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Overview:  Heavy periods.

American Journal of Obsterics and Gynecology. The blood loss during normal menstruation.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About heavy menstrual bleeding https://www.cdc.gov/female-blood-disorders/about/heavy-menstrual-bleeding.html 

Science Direct. Estimating menstrual blood loss in women with normal and excessive menstrual fluid volume.

https://doi.org/10.1016/s0029-7844(01)01581-2 

Cleveland Clinic. Menorrhagia (Heavy menstrual bleeding) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17734-menorrhagia-heavy-menstrual-bleeding 

|