Go With The Flow

The Impact of heavy menstrual bleeding on quality of life

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The week of your period can be tiresome. But from those of us dealing with heavy menstrual bleeding, we have one word for you: AMATEURS (lucky y’all).

For heavy menstruators, period week means staining our office chairs, waking up at odd hours of the night to check if we are leaking through our pads, donning pads that could be passed off as mattresses, and questioning whether we’re among God’s strongest soldiers. It’s tough to be us.

This blog is entirely dedicated to God’s toughest soldiers, we see you and we hear you. As you read it, lakhs if not crores of women across the world are looking for the answers to the questions “How to control heavy bleeding in periods?” and “How to deal with heavy periods?” So, you are not alone in your struggle.

Let’s discuss the impacts of heavy menstrual bleeding on our quality of life, or in other words: What it feels like to be us, heavy menstrual bleeders.

The basics first: What counts as “heavy” menstrual bleeding?

The definition of “heavy” is not the same for everyone. What’s considered normal for some might be “HOW AM I BLEEDING THIS MUCH!?” for others. Everybody’s period is different. For some, it starts off with a blast and progressively tapers down, while for others, it’s consistently an a-pad-change-every-6-hours routine from start to finish.

But even with all these differences, if your heavy period starts affecting your life and you must avoid doing the things you normally do, even just for a few days, it can be considered abnormal and labelled as ‘heavy’ menstrual bleeding. Typically, if you have heavy menstrual bleeding, you:

  • Soak through a pad or tampon per hour for several hours in a row.
  • Have constant or intense period cramps.
  • Pass blood clots larger than a 1-rupee coin.
  • Feel fatigued or out of breath during your period.

Physical impact of heavy menstrual bleeding on women’s quality of life

Symptoms of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Let’s go over how heavy periods can impact the day-to-day life of menstruators. It’s like being stuck with the worse version of regular periods: Take the pain and double it.

Fatigue and weakness

Heavy menstrual bleeders are typically on maximum power saving mode during their periods, and there’s a good reason behind that. Bleeding so much can certainly have its effects, wouldn’t you agree?

Heavy menstrual bleeding leads to a significant reduction in iron levels in the body, resulting in a condition called iron deficiency or anaemia. As it turns out, iron plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. With depleted iron stores, the body’s organs and tissues receive less oxygen, leading to feelings of fatigue, weakness, and overall low energy levels. As a result, it can be challenging to even perform daily tasks and keep up with responsibilities; forget about living life to the fullest.

Anaemia

Anaemia – a common consequence of heavy menstrual bleeding – occurs when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body.

Iron deficiency anaemia (the one we just saw above) is the most common form of anaemia associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. The symptoms of anaemia vary in severity but women with anaemia find themselves feeling constantly tired and lacking energy to perform daily activities. They may experience weakness and have reduced stamina, making physical tasks more challenging. In severe cases, anaemia can even interfere with cognitive function and impact a woman’s ability to focus and think clearly.

Furthermore, anaemia can also lead to reduced immune function, increasing the risks of infections and illness. The cardiovascular health also takes a hit as the heart must work harder to compensate for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Pain and discomfort

This is a given. With heavy bleeding comes great pain and discomfort. The exact cause of menstrual pain is not fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to the release of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that trigger uterine contractions.

In cases of heavy menstrual bleeding, the uterus contracts more forcefully to expel the excess blood, leading to increased pain. Typically, the pain is felt in the lower abdomen, but it can also radiate to the lower back and thighs.

As for the intensity and duration of the pain felt – it can vary from person to person. Some may experience irregular cramps that come and go whenever they want, while others may have constant, persistent pain that lasts for several days. The pain can be throbbing, stabbing, or dull, and it may worsen during the heaviest days of bleeding. Wow. You have to take a step back to realize that we’re using words like ‘throbbing’ and ‘stabbing’ to describe a pain that’s felt every month. If you relate, seek a doctor’s help please.

Sexual Dysfunction

The physical discomfort, pain, and fatigue can really decrease interest in any sexual activity. Additionally, the fear of potential leakage during sexual encounters may also create anxiety and hinder sexual enjoyment.

Psychological impact of heavy menstrual bleeding on women’s quality of life

Dealing with heavy periods can take a toll on your emotional well-being.

Anxiety and depression

Anxiety can skyrocket from the unpredictability and disruption caused by heavy bleeding. Women constantly worry about stains or embarrassment in public settings, which can lead to heightened anxiety and a fear of social judgment. For all you know, the next time you stand up from your chair, you might leave behind a blood stain.

Depression can also be a consequence of heavy menstrual bleeding. The constant physical discomfort, pain, and fatigue can lead to depressive symptoms such as hopelessness, sadness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. The disruption caused by heavy bleeding may also result in decreased productivity, social withdrawal, and a general low mood.

Negative Body Image

The visible signs of bleeding, the need for larger pads or tampons, and the constant fear of leakage and social judgement can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment. Women may feel their very own bodies are out of their control or flawed, affecting their confidence and self-esteem.

This can also lead to negative comparison with others. They may become more critical of their bodies and engage in negative self-talk and self-criticism. The worst thing is, unlike physical effects, these negative thoughts and feelings can extend well beyond the menstrual period, influencing how a woman perceives herself in all aspects of life.

Social Isolation

Apart from feeling too physically and emotionally drained to engage in social activities, fear of leakage or unpredictable bleeding is the main reason for social isolation.

Women with heavy menstrual bleeding worry about staining their clothing, furniture, or other surfaces, leading to a constant sense of vigilance and anxiety. This fear can make it difficult for them to engage in social activities or attend events, causing them to avoid situations where they perceive the risk of embarrassment to be high.

The need for frequent pad or tampon changes can also contribute to social isolation. Women may feel limited in their ability to participate fully in activities or outings, as they need to constantly monitor their bleeding and have access to restroom facilities for necessary changes. All these challenges can lead to feelings of loneliness, frustration, restriction, depression, and a decreased sense of belonging.

Overall, physical symptoms, along with emotional distress and the limitations imposed by heavy bleeding, can affect every aspect of a woman’s life, from work and education to relationships and activities. And here’s a rule of thumb to keep in mind: if you fear your periods due to heavy bleeding, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Why use RIO Sanitary Pads?

Because with RIO Heavy Flow Sanitary Pads you don’t have to manage. We are proud to be voted the best heavy flow sanitary pads by users across India. By choosing RIO Sanitary Pads, you can trust that you’ll have reliable and effective protection during your period. RIO sanitary pads are:

  • 2X longer, thicker, and wider than your regular sanitary pads.
  • Engineered for rapid absorption of blood clots.
  • Quickly absorbs liquid and converts it to gel to keep the pad surface comfortable and dry.
  • Designed with leak guards and two pairs of wings for double protection from side leaks and stains.
  • Curved, wide, and shaped like an hourglass for full coverage.
  • Super soft to avoid rashes and irritation.
  • Free from artificial fragrances and odour-lock to keep the period odour sealed in.

Choose RIO, choose better periods. Take care and see you in another blog!

FAQs Related to Heavy Menstrual Bleeding:

1. What is heavy menstrual bleeding?

There is no one definition for heavy bleeding. But typically, if you have heavy menstrual bleeding, you:

  • Soak through a pad or tampon per hour for several hours in a row.
  • Have constant or intense period cramps.
  • Pass blood clots larger than a 1-rupee coin.
  • Feel fatigued or out of breath during your period.

2. What causes heavy menstrual bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be caused by various factors. Some common causes include hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids or polyps, adenomyosis, hormonal contraceptive use, certain medications, pelvic inflammatory disease, and bleeding disorders.

3. How is heavy menstrual bleeding diagnosed?

To diagnose heavy menstrual bleeding, a healthcare professional may conduct a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and may order additional tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, or a biopsy of the uterine lining. These evaluations help identify potential causes and determine the appropriate treatment approach.

4. How to control heavy bleeding in periods?

There are a few strategies that can help manage heavy bleeding during periods. Some measures include using menstrual products with high absorbency, changing pads or tampons frequently, practicing good self-care such as getting enough rest and managing stress levels, considering iron supplements to prevent anemia, and discussing options with a doctor to explore potential treatment approaches tailored to individual needs.

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