A question we sometimes pose on ourselves. But go deeper, what is normal? Today’s topic is about periods, menstruation, the monthlies, the danger zone, yada yada, you get it. A period generally lasts from 3 to 7 days, and the cycle repeats every 28 days, or calendarically speaking, 4 weeks. When we say generally, sometimes there are those that can go well past the 7 days, reaching up to 11 days of flow. If you have a period that lasts longer than organic milk after opening (also 7 days, we fact checked it), then babes... You could be diagnosed with menorrhagia. Men or hagia. A problem and men are associated, amazing.
What is the reason for Menorrhagia? There are a few reasons, one of which is hormonal imbalances. We aren’t doctors, so DYOR to be sure. Your ovaries may have difficulty releasing, aka anovulation. It’s where the body doesn’t produce progesterone as it normally would during a menstrual cycle. You may have Uterine Fibroids which are non cancerous tumours, polyps, genetics, cancer (pray that none of us don’t experience it), or even caused by some medicines.
There are a bunch of reasons, and plenty of time to research about it online. But its always good to speak to someone you trust, that has knowledge, and it even helps when that person is a doctor.
Next. How much is too much?
If you need to change your pad every 2 hours or less, or you have blood clots coming out bigger than a 50c coin, or even needing to wear multiple pads to prevent a leak, then this may be a sign. A typical bleed is a few tablespoons.
What should you do?
Eat foods that are high in iron. When you bleed, you are losing iron. You need iron for the production of hemoglobin, our red blood cells little helpers that hold oxygen. Some iron rich foods are:
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Spinach
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Pumpkin seeds
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Quinoa
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Broccoli
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Turkey
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Meats
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Legumes
Exercise more! It might be the last thing on your mind, but exercising actually reduces tension, increases blood flow, and increase your overall mood/feels. A study conducted in Taiwan shows that doing yoga helped over 90% of the group with physical function, bodily pain, general health perception, vitality/energy, social function, and their mental health!
Drink. More. Water. Period.