How much blood do you lose during your period?

Bottom lineA typical period involves losing about 5 to 80 ml of blood (roughly 2 to 6 tablespoons), and more than about 80 ml is considered heavy; signs of heavy loss include soaking a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, passing clots larger than 2.5 cm, flooding, or symptoms of anemia, all of which are worth seeing a doctor about.

Most people lose about 5 to 80 ml of blood over a whole period, which is roughly 2 to 6 tablespoons. It often looks like more because it mixes with uterine lining and fluid.

Putting it in perspective

• A soaked regular tampon or pad holds about 5 ml
• A fully soaked super tampon or pad holds about 10 ml
• Losing more than about 80 ml per period is considered heavy

Signs your flow may be heavy

• Soaking through a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours
• Needing to change protection overnight
• Passing clots larger than a 2 pound coin (about 2.5 cm)
• Flooding through to clothes or bedding
• Symptoms of anemia like tiredness, breathlessness, or paleness

Heavy bleeding is common and treatable, and it can point to fibroids, hormonal imbalance, or other causes worth checking.

If your flow feels heavy, read what is a heavy period and track it in Femora.

Log your flow intensity daily in Femora to estimate whether your loss is in the typical range.