Heavy Menstrual Flow During Your Period

Do you have a heavy period flow? Do your periods interfere with your social life, work, exercise and other recreational activities, or with your sex life? You are not alone! One in five women experience heavy menstrual bleeding medically known as "menorrhagia."

PantiePads, the new disposable panties with a built-in menstrual pad, are the perfect solution for those days when your heavy flow interferes with your day-to-day activities. With a uniquely patented pad for maximum absorbency, PantiePads provide safe, fresh, all-in-one protection for up to 12 hours — even when your period is at its heaviest.

What are the signs and symptoms?

If you're experiencing menorrhagia, your symptoms may include:

• Bleeding for a week or longer
• Soaking through one or more sanitary pads and/or tampons every hour for several hours in a row
• Waking up during the night to change your sanitary pad and/or tampon
• Large clots in your menstrual flow
• A restriction of your daily activities due to your heavy period flow
• Tiredness, fatigue, or shortness of breath due to anemia

Your doctor's appointment

If your symptoms become persistent, see your doctor or health care provider. To prepare, keep track of how often and how much you're bleeding during a period. Count the number of sanitary napkins and/or tampons you use during an average menstrual cycle and how saturated they become.

Determine whether any of your relatives has experienced menorrhagia. Record any other physical symptoms you may experience during your period such as pelvic pain or breast tenderness. Any recent changes or added stress in your life? These can affect your period as can any medications you may be taking.

Getting a diagnosis

Your doctor or health care provider will probably do an exam and some routine testing such as a Pap smear and blood tests to measure your iron level, thyroid function and whether or not you are pregnant. This will help to determine the cause of your heavy menstrual flow and possible treatments.

Treatment options

The most common treatments for menorrhagia are:

• Oral contraceptives/ oral progesterone – to correct hormonal imbalances that may be causing heavy period flow
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications – ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) help reduce menstrual blood loss and reduce your pain level from cramps
• Hormonal IUDS – intrauterine devices that release a type of hormone to decrease menstrual blood flow and cramping

Don't let your heavy periods interfere with your lifestyle! There are a number of effective treatment options available to help you. Consult with your doctor or health care provider to find the treatment that is right for you. Let PantiePads take the worry out of heavy menstrual flows. Choose UndiePads underwears for periods, made with a special spandex thread for a more curve-hugging fit or the easy-to-wear, lightweight PantiePads for days when your clothes are more casual. Either way, you can be confident that you'll never have to worry about embarrassing leaks and stains again.