For those using a collection cup, changing should take about six hours. In this logic, “standard” is a bleed of 50 to 80 mL per day, which may vary slightly.

“A patient who needs to use more than one pack of sanitary pads per cycle or use larger pads for long periods increases menstrual flow,” notes obstetrician-gynecologist Alexandre Bobo, from Sírio Libanês and Albert Einstein Hospitals.

In addition, the doctor indicates other variables, such as the presence of clots in the bleeding and the length of the menstrual cycle. If the “blood cells” are large, this suggests heavy flow, as well as bleeding for more than seven days. In some cases, bleeding for more than five days requires investigation.

Not every month will be the same

Although a pattern in menstrual cycles is expected, Carla Iaconelli points out that the flow will not always be the same. “If it decreases or increases a lot, this is a sign that something is happening outside this standard. If suddenly the flow starts to gradually increase and increases every month, you should investigate the reason for this,” he explains.

Disparate differences could be driven by quality of life and stress, among other contexts, Bobo points out. He also points out that it is possible for women to have heavy flows without necessarily having any problems or being a symptom of diseases.