KO’OLAU WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE

When Is A Heavy Period Considered Too Heavy?

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Wrriten by Alison Bhattacharyya

Koolau Heavy Period

More often than not, when a young girl begins having her period, hormones are not settled and her periods can be very inconsistent and a little heavy. It becomes difficult for her parents to know if she is bleeding too much and they should worry, but when is a heavy period considered too heavy?

Signs Of Bleeding Too Excessively

It is sometimes frightening for young girls when they first get their period. Most of the time their symptoms are fairly normal, but sometimes their fears are justified. If and when that occurs, it’s best to make an appointment with a board-certified OBGYN.

Some signs that periods aren’t normal include:

  •  Bleeding through pads and clothes is a sign that her period is too heavy. Not only is this embarrassing, but it isn’t normal.
  • If your daughter is passing clots and especially if they are larger than about an inch.
  • If she needs to get up at night to change pads or needs to wear more than one pad during the day.
  • If the heaviness of her periods is interfering with school, her social life, and after school activities, this is cause for concern.
  • If she is dizzy or lightheaded, and especially feeling weak and appearing pale, contact an OBGYN.
  • Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than a week.

What Are The Concerns?

Heavy bleeding during adolescence may be short term or it could continue into adulthood. An examination by an OBGYN at Ko’olau Women’s Healthcare will help to define a problem if there is one.

Anemia could be a direct result of losing too much blood. There are a number of underlying reasons that could be contributing to the excessive bleeding and tests should be taken to determine if that is the case.

In many cases the heavy bleeding of young adolescents will moderate as they go through their teen years, you should not hesitate to have it checked, as it could be due to a gynecologic condition.

Contact Ko’olau Women’s Healthcare today if your daughter is showing signs of bleeding too heavily during menstrual periods. Call our Honolulu office at (808) 888-3449 or our Kailua office at (808) 230-8500.

KO'OLAU WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE