The sensation of your period feeling like a "waterfall" is a common description for heavy menstrual bleeding, medically known as menorrhagia. This feeling is often caused by gravity, a buildup of menstrual fluid when you are lying or sitting down, and a potentially heavier flow than average.
In some cases, runny period blood may be a symptom of an underlying menstrual disorder or gynecological condition. Conditions such as menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or uterine fibroids can cause changes in menstrual blood consistency and flow.
According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), heavy, watery period blood may feel like the norm for some, but should not be ignored as it can interfere with daily activities and may be a sign of a larger health issue.
When hormones are out of balance, the lining becomes too thick and sheds by way of heavy menstrual bleeding or unexpected bleeding between periods. A number of conditions can cause hormone imbalances. These include obesity, insulin resistance, thyroid problems and polycystic ovary syndrome, which also is called PCOS.
Heavy bleeding is not normal and may need treatment if:
Period pain red flags include pain so severe it stops you from daily activities (work, school), doesn't improve with OTC meds (ibuprofen, Panadol), involves very heavy bleeding (soak pad/tampon hourly), or comes with new symptoms like painful sex, fatigue, digestive issues, or fever, signaling potential conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis needing medical attention.
Endometriosis can cause inflammation in the pelvic floor that leads to pain and muscle spasms in this region. “When the pelvic floor is impacted by endometriosis, it can feel like having a muscle spasm in your pelvis, especially after intercourse,” says Dr. Kossl.
Your period can last between 2 and 7 days, but it will usually last for about 5 days. The bleeding tends to be heaviest in the first 2 days. When your period is at its heaviest, the blood will be red. On lighter days, it may be pink or brown.
You might observe that as you age, your period pain can change. For some, period pain is common in the early years after their first period but tends to improve with time. However, for others, it's like period pain getting worse with age, especially as they reach their 30s and 40s.
Treatment for heavy periods
Blood can sit in the vagina when you are lying or sitting down. If that happens and you get up, you can feel a gush, which is normal. Some women also experience a gush when coughing, sneezing or laughing.
Your periods may get longer or shorter. You may skip ovulation, which means your ovaries don't release an egg. You also may have symptoms such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping and vaginal dryness. Once you've gone 12 months in a row without a menstrual period, you've reached menopause and perimenopause is over.
Light periods do not usually mean that you are less fertile, but it can make it more difficult for you to get pregnant.
Contact your GP if: you're worried about your bleeding. your periods have become heavier. you have other symptoms, such as period pain or bleeding between your periods.
Key Takeaways. Bright red period blood is common at the start of your period and indicates blood has passed through your vagina quickly. Orange, gray, or green tinges in period blood can be signs of an STI or other infection. Large clots during your period may be a sign of fibroids, polyps, or other health issues.
Menorrhagia red flags include soaking pads/tampons hourly for hours, needing double protection (pad + tampon), changing products overnight, passing clots bigger than a quarter/50-cent coin, bleeding over 7-8 days, extreme fatigue/shortness of breath (anemia signs), limiting activities due to flow, or pain/pressure/masses, indicating you need to see a doctor for potential causes like fibroids, polyps, hormonal issues, or bleeding disorders.
Even for women who haven't had children, periods might be heavier or more painful in these years because gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts have had time to develop. That's why cramping is most common in the late 30s to early 40s.
Common symptoms of PCOS include:
While it may sound counterintuitive, drinking water regularly throughout the day can help reduce bloating during your period and alleviate some of the pain it causes. Try carrying a water bottle around with you and fill it up several times during the day.
If you have to change your pad or tampon less than every 1 to 2 hours because it's soaked, bleed longer than 7 days, or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger see your healthcare provider. Spotting or bleeding between periods is also a sign of a problem.
In fact, some people are more likely to get pregnant a few days after the end of their period. This can happen if that's when they ovulate (release an egg from the ovaries). With ovulation, the body gets ready for a possible pregnancy. You could get pregnant up to 72 hours (3 days) after having sex.
It doesn't mean that that side of you is bleeding; rather, it means that you left the tampon in there long enough to catch only that amount of blood which happened to fall on that side. It's recommended to change your tampon every four to eight hours – more frequently if it's a heavy flow.
What are Common Endometriosis Symptoms?
pain when you poo or pee. pain during or after sex. extreme tiredness (fatigue) pain or bleeding in other areas, such as in the chest, which may cause shortness of breath and coughing up blood.
Hip pain during periods is a common yet often overlooked issue that affects many women. This discomfort can stem from various causes, including hormonal changes, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, and musculoskeletal issues.