Minimal blood is lost during your period. This usually amounts to about 2 teaspoons to 5 tablespoons of blood. It may appear much more than this when you see the large bloodstains on your tampon or pads. Not to worry. It requires losing much more than 5 tablespoons of blood for you to develop symptoms that require your doctor’s attention.
Don’t Panic When
- Large bloodstains are noted on your tampons and pads. A small drop of blood gets readily absorbed by your pad or tampon which is made of cotton. When this happens, a small amount of blood may seem a lot. Do not confuse this however, with fully soaked pads or tampons that you may need to change every 3 hours or so. Your menses are at their peak flow during the first two days. So expect the flow to subside on the 4th or 5th day.
- Blood clots noted in menstrual blood. The lumps in menstrual blood are linings of the uterus that were shed during your period. They may look like blood clots because they are covered with blood. A closer look will show that they are actually tissues that feel like thin rubbery sheets.
Real Blood Loss
- You have excessive menstrual flow for more than 3-4 days. Your tampon and pads are fully soaked every hour and you need to change frequently. If this lasts for 3 days or more, see your doctor as soon as possible. If you look pale or start feeling faint, you need not wait for three days. See your doctor as soon as possible.
- Blood may not be menstrual. Check other sources of bleeding. Problems with urinating and bowel movement have to be considered. Your doctor will be able to help you with this by performing examinations to check for traces of blood in your urine and stool.
Iron Deficiency Anemia and Menses
Besides losing a small amount of blood during your period, there’s something more you may lose during this time. It’s a substance called IRON. When blood is broken down by your body, iron which is found within your blood is recycled. Thus, as you lose blood, you lose iron too. Iron is important in keeping the red color of your blood as well as in maintaining other functions of your body. With good levels of iron in your blood, your blood’s capacity for bringing oxygen and nutrients to other parts of the body remains in top shape. Lack of iron due to a poor diet, pregnancy and heavy menses can lead to Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Fast Facts on Iron and Your Period
- You lose 15-20 mg of iron during your monthly period.
- Pregnant women and moms who breastfeed their babies need more iron everyday.
- Iron-rich food includes red meat, apples, banana, eggplant and leafy vegetables.
- Eating the right stuff is usually enough to reach your daily iron needs.
- During your period, you may need to supplement iron-rich diets with iron tablets. This may be true especially if you do not eat red meat.
