uhh ya...period??

Question

umm im not sure how much blood is in a light/regular/ or heavy period.. so im not sure whether to say if i have a heavy flow (thats what is feels like to me but it could be regular to others) or regular or light??
someone explain
thankkss
=))

Answer 1

The total amount of blood lost during a normal period varies from about 4 tablespoons to as much as a cup. It just looks like more, from time to time. Normally, flow begins slowly and lightly, meaning you can easily use a pantyliner or a light flow pad and not need to change it within 2-3 hours. The flow will gradually increase to require a thicker pad for days 2-4, when you will need to use a regular or even maxi pad, and change it every 3-4 hours as well. In some cases, the flow may require you to use a "super", but that is generally only for the 3rd day and if you are very physically active. The menstrual flow gradually tapers back off, lightening up between day 4-6, when you can again use either a thin pad or panty liner. The flow is considered heavy enough to be of concern if you should ever soak through a regular pad or tampon in less than an hour. If that happens, you need to seek a doctors help. Periods that are consistently heavy for more than 3 days, or are painful to the extent that normal activity is not possible, you are nauseated, or that can't be handled by over the counter drugs should also be evaluated by a Gyn. Women usually flow heavier when they are more physically active than when the are not, and find the maxi or super maxi help them avoid "accidents". Overnight pads are useful because it ensures you can sleep through the night without worry about spotting through and are usually designed slightly longer to account for you lying down and moving about in your sleep.
The sanitary pads are designed to be able to hold a certain amount of fluid, which is how the companies determine how to label them. It's rather complicated to explain, but generally the pads are meant to provide protection for about 3-4 hours before the need to be changed. If you are using a pad which doesn't need to be changed in that time, it is probably a little thicker than you actually need, and if you need to change sooner it is probably not quite thick enough. It's up to you to decide if you want to purchase and keep a variety of thicknesses to choose from each day. If you don't mind frequent changing, there's no rule saying you have to use maxi supers, and if you prefer to just stick with a regular pad throughout, you can certainly do that. It's really personal preference and comfort in making the choice.
The nature of the flow itself varies from day to day and cycle to cycle. It may be red, brown, or streaky, and may have what look like clots of very dark blood. It may taper off to a yellowish color, or begin with a yellowish looking discharge. These color changes are due to the breakdown of the blood cells themselves and are normal.
As you have more cycles, you will become more familiar with what is the normal pattern for you. That varies from woman to woman, so nobody can really tell you what will be or is normal for you exactly. If you have reason to be concerned, the best person to discuss it with is your Gyn. They can give you explainations tailored more to you, and more easily address your specific concerns.

Answer 2

It's different for everyone, but I think in general you have a day or two of heavy flow, then a day or two of regular and then light. One way to figure out your flow might be to count the number of pads/tampons you go through each day and figure out which days you use the most or least. I know mine generally start light for a day, then heavy for two, then regular, then light again at the end. The more periods you have, you'll be better able to gauge your own periods and your flow. A "heavy" flow to me means having to change tampons every 3 hours or so. I think it probably means different things to different people.

Answer 3

I determine it by my pad. If the blood is in spots or clustered in the middle sort of, its light. Dont have many of those...When the pad has a lot of blood on it but not enough to leak over to the 'wings' or too close to the edges it's regular (for me.) When you're having a heavy period you'll feel the blood coming out when you stand up or bend over, and it will usually leak to the wings and around the edges. Also, you might find black gooey things in your period; blood clots. Those come with a heavy period. Hope I helped! =)

Answer 4

If you have to change a regular sized pad every few hours you're probably on a heavy flow.It kinda feels like a leaky faucet or something. .

Answer 5

ask a parent or doctor, but not me, first of all... im a guy... second.. im 13, all i know about female anatomy is that you don't have a dong.