It’s Not ‘Just a Period’: The Real Impact of Heavy Bleeding on Daily Life
It is incredibly difficult to explain just how debilitating heavy periods are to those who haven’t experienced them. For millions, what should be a manageable monthly cycle turns into a source of constant stress, pain, and isolation.
This struggle is often compounded by a profound feeling of being dismissed. The “Just A Period” survey conducted by Wellbeing of Women found that over half (52%) of women and girls felt their healthcare professional didn’t take them seriously when discussing their menstruation.
The Invisible Impact on Daily Life
Heavy, painful periods don’t just happen in isolation; they disrupt every area of life. Simple tasks, like commuting, can feel impossible. According to a recent Bodyform survey of UK women+, nine in ten respondents experience symptoms of heavy flow, with drastic consequences: 75% are less likely to leave the house, and 48% find socializing difficult during their period.
For many, this isn’t an exaggeration. As Dr. Shireen Emadossadaty, GP and Bodyform medical partner, notes, “heavy periods aren’t just a little extra blood.” She emphasizes that the impact is physical, emotionally, and mental. Yet, despite how common and disruptive these symptoms are, open dialogue remains rare. Only 16% of women+ feel able to speak openly with their manager, and even within families, only 25% feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Dr. Emadossadaty emphasizes the critical need to encourage open conversations about heavy periods and provide real, effective support to those experiencing symptoms.
Our founder, Dr. Yan Katsnelson agrees, “”Our nonprofit’s mission is rooted in the belief that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to women’s health. We are dedicated to educating women about fibroids so they can be empowered to make the best decisions for their health and future. This process first starts with the simple, yet profound, ability to openly talk about it.”
Taking Control: Tracking and Speaking Up
If you are struggling with heavy periods, the first step is to empower yourself with data. Tracking your symptoms is key to guiding medical investigation and tailoring your care.
What to track and share with your specialist:
- How often you change pads or tampons.
- If you pass blood clots, and their approximate size.
- The total number of days you bleed.
- How your flow affects secondary symptoms, such as pain, energy levels, and mood.
In addition to tracking, prioritizing self-care is vital: aim for adequate rest, include iron-rich foods (like leafy greens, lentils, and red meat) in your diet, and find simple ways to manage stress.
The Critical Step: Investigating Underlying Causes
While managing symptoms helps, it is essential to seek medical advice to understand why your periods are heavy. Severe bleeding is often a sign of an underlying condition.
It’s crucial to be properly assessed and managed for potential underlying causes such as:
- Uterine Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Hormonal imbalances
- Thyroid issues
If you feel your concerns have been minimized in the past, remember that heavy bleeding is a medical issue that deserves thorough investigation and specialized treatment. Finding the root cause is the path to truly regaining control of your life.Our mission at Fibroid Fighters is to empower women with information about symptoms and treatment options so they have a voice in their care.
To read the full story on HuffPost, click here.
