The silent burden of heavy periods.

Have you ever noticed how some friends seem oblivious to their upcoming periods, while you’re hyper-aware every month? Well, it’s because there are periods and … periods. For those of us with heavy periods, the experience is not just about managing physical discomfort – it’s also a significant mental load. As previously discussed in this article, the spectrum of heavy periods is broad, but one thing is universally true: dealing with them month after month takes a toll on both the body and mind.

It is not in your head, this thing is hard.

On top of possibly experiencing premenstrual symptoms, heavy periods come with its share of unique challenges: how to plan travels or social activities ahead of time with heavy and sometimes irregular periods? How to manage work when the flow and the pain are debilitating? How to live a normal life when multiple days of your life – sometimes weeks – is overshadowed by your menstrual cycle? And how do you avoid feeling frustrated with your own body?

We often read about the physical symptoms of periods, but we hear too little about the silent burden we carry in our heads. Let’s dive into this often-overlooked aspect and explore ways to handle the mental stress of heavy periods. 

What it feels like to experience heavy periods.

Heavy periods can trigger a range of intense emotions that aren’t often talked about: anxiety, fear, despair, anger or frustration, exhaustion, loneliness, and isolation. Let’s dive into each of these.

Anxiety

When you have heavy periods, there’s a constant sense of uncertainty. You can’t always rely on your body to adapt smoothly to any environment, because when it rains, it pours… Therefore, with heavy bleeding comes a lot of planning ahead (preparing the right amount of layers, changes, drugs, understanding your surroundings in advance, having an exit plan, etc). 

Fear

You might worry about the long-term effects of losing too much blood: how does my body operate over time while I lose so much blood each month? Is something wrong with me? Is there a bigger underlying issue? Experiencing fear is normal in this situation, this is why seeking support from your doctors is really important. 

Despair

Will this ever get better or will this only get worse? It’s easy to feel hopeless when you can’t get anyone to fully understand what you’re going through. A feeling of despair can set in when you’re struggling to find answers or feel like your pain isn’t being taken seriously or dismissed.

Anger or frustration

You might find yourself asking, “Why me?”. Along with anger can come a form of resignation and sometimes, we even turn to self diagnose. Anger and frustration are natural, but it’s important to take a moment to breathe and remember that seeking the help of a medical team is the next important step.  

Exhaustion

Heavy periods bring physical fatigue, but there’s also a deep mental weariness. It’s a lifestyle you didn’t choose, and it’s a lot. 

Loneliness and isolation

We don’t really show and tell this special thing we have… It is tough to share the reality of heavy periods with others. Your experience is unique and personal, and this might lead to moments of loneliness. 

Good news is – you are no longer alone. 

How to Feel Less Alone and Manage Your Mental Health During Heavy Periods.

Be Gentle with Yourself

First and foremost, remember to be kind to yourself. Your body is going through a lot during your periods, and you are handling it the best way you can. All your emotions – sadness, frustration, loneliness – are valid. 

Turn to support groups

Feeling connected to others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly comforting. Have you ever considered joining online communities? Reddit has a few groups about Periods, Women’s perspectives, or Day-to-day advice for women and identifying women which can be helpful. There are great communities out there where you can actively seek advice, moral support – or just silently lurk for stories you feel close to. 

Open Up to Family and Friends

If you are lucky to have supportive friends, family or a partner, try and open up about your experience. They might not fully understand, and you might think they don’t want to hear about it, but simply sharing when you experience fear, anxiety or feel isolated can help lessen the burden. A quick example: waking up in the middle of the night to change pads, sometimes multiple times, and having a partner asking “are you okay?” because they know you might have freaked out seeing the volume of blood you lost, makes a huge difference.  

Regularly Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Book regular appointments with your general practitioner and your gynecologist to update them on your periods. Sadly, it might take a few times before you really perceive the value behind doing this, but bringing your situation to their attention often will eventually lead to more meaningful conversations. And if you feel you are being dismissed time and time again, don’t hesitate to speak up or seek a second opinion. Sometimes, bringing along someone close to you who understands your struggle can also be helpful. Remember that advocating for yourself is the right thing to do, always. 

Seek Professional Mental Health Support

Consider reaching out to a mental health specialist, not just to discuss your heavy periods, but your well being in general. Heavy menstrual bleeding comes with a lot, and there are impacts in so many areas of your life. If you’re not sure you can afford this, talk to your doctors, they might be able to redirect you to resources you weren’t aware of.

Remember, Heavy Periods Are Not the Norm

Even if many women experience heavy periods and have learned to live with them, it’s important to remember they are not the norm. If you are experiencing heavy menstrual periods, talk to your doctor to find out about potential underlying conditions and discuss options to manage your heavy bleeding.

Connect with Our Community

One last thing we can offer, if you’d like to vent or share your experience: connect with us! We are building a community of women who want to be heard and acknowledged. Tell us your story in the comments below.