How much blood do you lose during a period?

Wondering how much blood loss is normal during your period? It’s not easy to answer this question because everyone’s cycle is different. Some people naturally lose more blood than others.

However, there are some rules of thumb that can help you decide if your bleeding is normal for you. In this article, we will give you a rough estimate of how much blood you lose during your period, and also inform you about what heavy and light bleeding can be.

What is the average amount of bleeding during a period?

For most people, menstrual periods last about 4 to 5 days. Usually, the amount of blood lost during this time is quite small, contrary to popular belief - only a few tablespoons. 

Experts confirm that the average volume of blood lost during menstruation is around 30 to 50 milliliters per cycle. However, the actual amount may be slightly higher because things like tissue, mucus, and uterine lining can add to the volume of blood flow, they add.

How many litres of blood go out during menstruation?

The amount of bleeding during a period is measured in millilitres (ml), not liters. During an average period, a person loses about 30 to 50 millilitres of blood, which is about 2 to 3 tablespoons. However, this amount can vary from person to person and can be as much as 80 millilitres in some cases.

Blood loss in the liter range is considered excessive and indicates a serious health problem and requires medical attention.

With all this in mind, it’s important to remember that we all experience our periods differently. Some people may bleed a little less or a little more than average. Unless you’re experiencing severe cramping or feeling very sick, this is usually nothing to worry about.

How to distinguish between heavy and light periods?

The amount of bleeding during menstrual periods is individual, so the amount of bleeding during menstrual periods is different for each person. 

While heavy bleeding is normal for some, others naturally have a lighter flow. 

So how do you know if you’re bleeding more or less than average? What causes changes in menstrual blood loss? To help answer your questions, let’s take a look at what heavy and light bleeding are.

What is Heavy Bleeding, Menorrhagia?

Prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding , also known as menorrhagia, can be enough to set off alarm bells in your head when you feel like you're bleeding too much or that your period won't stop.

Here are some signs that you are dealing with heavy bleeding:

• The need to change pads or tampons almost every hour

• Bleeding lasting longer than 7 days

• Pain in your lower abdomen (tummy)

• Feeling weak and tired

• Having blood clots larger than a 25 cent coin

Possible causes of heavy bleeding include:

• Polyp or tumor-like growths in the uterus (cancerous tumors are rare)
• Pregnancy problems such as miscarriage
• Certain medications that affect your body's bleeding or clotting mechanisms
• Diseases such as von Willebrand disease, platelet dysfunction, endometriosis and adenomyosis
• Hormonal problems

What is Light Menstrual Bleeding, Hypomenorrhea?

On the other end of the spectrum, some people experience lighter menstrual bleeding.

Some symptoms of a light period:

• Use only 4 regular tampons or pads throughout your entire menstrual cycle
• Fewer bleeding days
• A lighter flow or just spotting
• A darker or browner blood color

Possible causes of light bleeding:

• Hormonal problems caused by conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid dysfunction
• Stress
• Breast-feeding
• Some drugs
• Birth control ( such as Implanon or the birth control pill)
• Age (for example, if you are going through menopause)
• Weight loss or gain

Manage Your Flow with Menstrual Panties

Whatever your flow, Modibodi has you covered. Our reliable and leak-proof menstrual underwear comes in a variety of absorbency levels for peace of mind: 

Light-Medium: Absorbs 10 ml (2 tampons). For medium to heavy flows.

Medium-Heavy: Absorbs 15 ml (2-3 tampons). For heavier periods.

Intensive-Night Long: Absorbs 20 ml (3-4 tampons). For even heavier periods.

Maxi: Absorbs up to 50 ml of liquid. (10 tampons!!)

Ultra: Absorbs up to 250 ml of liquid. Suitable for incontinence.

Click to learn more about absorbency levels...
 

Go with the flow

Remember, not all periods are the same, so your period blood volume may be a little less or more than normal, and that's okay. If there's a big change in the amount or you're not feeling well, talk to your doctor.

Don't forget to check out our Menstrual Panties collection.

Each design has been meticulously tried and tested for comfort and performance, so you can move through your menstrual cycle with confidence.