About 10 million women suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding.  Heavy periods can occur at any point, but are especially common at women in perimenopause - the years prior to menopause. In fact, many women begin to experience heavy and/or irregular bleeding when they reach their 30s and 40s. Keep in mind it is common for periods to vary in both duration and flow, and that normal periods can and often do vary from one woman to the next (everyone is a slightly different, even if not in an exceptional way). The easiest way to gauge your period cycles is to ask yourself how often you change your pad or tampon: If your period is heavy enough to require changing it more often than every one or two hours, or if you have a period that lasts more than a full week, you may have heavy menstrual periods. While not life threatening, heavy periods may be severely debilitating for women and they often result in pain, fatigue, eating disorders and/or unwanted weight-loss, emotional turmoil, embarrassment and even anemia.

Most women suffer from their menstrual cycle as it's not the most comfortable situation for their bodies. It is important to know what is a normal period and follow your personal cycle with close attention so that you can come across any irregularities if and when they occur during your cycle. If you are uncertain or worried about anything regarding your period you should talk to a doctor. You only have one body so better safe than sorry!

So what is a normal period?

In average, a normal period cycle lasts 28 days (counting from the first day of one period to the day before the next period). Cycles vary for each and every woman, some women might have very short cycles that can last for only 23 days, while others experience longer cycles-which can last up to 35 days. If your cycle is either shorter or longer than this it is probably abnormal and you should see your gynecologist about it. You should also see a doctor if you experience bleeding in between periods, or after having sex.

In a normal period:

• 4-12 tablespoons—or two ounces—of blood are lost

• Bleeding occurs about every 24-31 days

• Bleeding lasts 3-7 days

In a heavy period:

• Bleeding lasts longer

• Additional protection (a tampon and a pad) may be needed

• Your period affects your daily activities

• Your tampon or pad needs to be changed frequently

• You pass clots

According to the National Women's Health Resource Center, more than 56% of women have to make adjustments to their daily lives because of heavy periods 1.

It has been stated by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that if a woman perceives her menstrual cycle as a problem, then it is a problem. As any other problem, this too deserves evaluation and a suitable treatment.

Among women with heavy periods:

• Many feel tired/nauseated, experience bad cramps or have headaches

• More than 60% have had to miss social or athletic events 2

• About 80% report a low libido and avoiding sex 1

• 33% have been forced to miss work 2

• 77% have depression or moodiness/moodswings 1

• 75% feel anxious 2

• 57% report a lack of confidence during their period 1  

Heavy periods are under-recognized and under-diagnosed because women are unaware heavy menstrual bleeding is a medical condition for which they can seek treatment. Instead, millions of women suffer silently, convinced that changing their pad or tampon more than five times a day is normal—something they learn to live with. Many women are unaware of the latest safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment options. Even birth-control pills can possibly ease your heavy bleeding and help making your period shorted and easier to control. Before taking on any treatment you should consult your doctor.