This is a big subject as everyone is so different, will be at different ages and therefore at a different stage of their menstrual journey and may or may not be on hormonal birth control and therefore experiencing withdrawal bleeds (not menstrual periods). Let’s take a look at some guidelines and things to consider:
🩸 menstrual fluid contains a mix of mucus, blood clots and uterine tissues, which can add volume to your overall fluid loss which can make measuring blood loss difficult. (www.helloclue.com reports that periods are 36% blood and 64% other elements, so you could multiply your total loss by 0.36 to see how much blood you’re losing)
🩸 Remember that periods can take a while to settle after menarche (when they begin), after pregnancy, and as they come to an end during perimenopause. They can also change due to stress, illness and other factors.
🩸 Menstruators will lose less than 16 teaspoons of blood (80ml) during their period, with the average being around 6 to 8 teaspoons (30-40ml) (A common amount of menstrual fluid loss per period is between 5 mL to 80 mL).
🩸 A simple way to measure fluid loss is with a menstrual cup. (Some cups include volume markings for easy reading.) Cups may hold anywhere from 30 to 60 milliliters at a time.
🩸 Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as losing 80ml or more in each period, having periods that last longer than 7 days, or both.
🩸Menorrhagia is the medical term for menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding. Although heavy menstrual bleeding is a common concern, most people don’t experience blood loss severe enough to be defined as menorrhagia. With menorrhagia, you can’t maintain your usual activities when you have your period because you have so much blood loss and cramping. If you dread your period because you have such heavy menstrual bleeding, talk with your doctor.