What is menorrhagia?

During normal menstruation the average woman loses about 2 ounces (60 ml) of blood or less.

If bleeding is significantly heavier, it is called menorrhagia, which occurs in 9% to 14% of all women and can be caused by a number of factors.

Women often over estimate the amount of blood lost during their periods.

However, women should consult their physician if any of the following occurs:

• Soaking through at least one pad or tampon every hour for several hours.
  
• Heavy periods that regularly lasting 10 or more days.
  
• Bleeding between periods or during pregnancy.
  
• Spotting or light bleeding between periods is common in girls just starting menstruation and sometimes during ovulation in young adult women, but consultation with a physician is nevertheless recommended.

Note: Clot formation is fairly common during heavy bleeding and is not a cause for concern.