Talk with your doctor or health care provider if you think your periods are very heavy. It’s important to find out the cause (if possible) and get treated. The average female loses about 2-3 tablespoons of menstrual blood over an average of 4-5 days (each month) although some girls will have a period for up to 7 days. Heavy menstrual bleeding means that you have one or more of the following symptoms: you need to change your tampon or pad every 1-2 hours, you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, you’re anemic, and/or your period lasts longer than 7 days each month. Certain medicines such as taking aspirin, a blood disorder such as von Willebrand’s, low thyroid levels or just being in the first year of periods (and not ovulating) can cause heavy bleeding. Your doctor will probably get a blood count and discuss treatments such as NSAIDS or low dose hormones. We suggest that you keep track of your period and make an appointment with your primary care doctor.
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