đ˘ âIt Wasnât Just a Heavy PeriodââMy Story at 35
by Rachel M.
I used to think I was just unlucky. That Iâd drawn the short end of the uterine stick. But now, at 35, after years of navigating my cycle like a minefield, I know better. What Iâve been dealing with isnât “just a heavy period.” Itâs menorrhagiaâa real medical condition, and one more women deal with than youâd expect.
This blog post is part of me reclaiming my body, my story, and hopefully helping someone else whoâs silently bleeding through every month thinking, âThis canât be normal⌠right?â
đŠ The Clues Were Always There
In my 20s, I thought passing clots the size of quarters and changing a super pad every 1â2 hours was just part of the deal. I always carried an âemergency bagâ with meâextra clothes, ibuprofen, pads, tampons, wipes, and that dreaded fear that I’d bleed through at work again.
There were entire weeks Iâd avoid wearing light-colored pants or scheduling meetings. I planned life around my period, and no oneâno oneâtold me that wasnât how it had to be.
𩸠When I Finally Got Help
The turning point came when I literally fainted at the gym from anemia. My iron levels were that low. I went to my OB-GYN and blurted everything: the leaking, the pain, the fatigue. Her response?
âYouâve likely been living with menorrhagia for years.â
Just hearing those words was validating. I wasnât dramatic. I wasnât weak. I was bleeding abnormally and silently suffering.
𧰠What Helped Me Manage It
After tests and tracking my cycle through an app, I finally felt like I had some control. I tried different thingsâsome worked, some didnâtâbut hereâs what helped most:
- Tranexamic acid: a non-hormonal option that helped reduce my flow dramatically.
- Hormonal IUD: I eventually chose this for longer-term relief, and it changed my life.
- Iron supplements: A must. I take them every day now.
- A good cycle-tracking app: Clue and Flo were my go-tos.
- Period underwear: Trust meâgame changer. I wear them with a pad on heavy days and sleep better.
đ đ˝ââď¸ Let’s End the Silence
Why donât we talk about this more?
I grew up thinking it was âgrossâ to talk about periods. So I never asked. Never challenged the idea that I should just push through. But Iâm done with shame. If your period is affecting your job, your mood, your bodyâthen itâs not something to ignore.
đŹ Youâre Not Alone
If youâre reading this and nodding alongâif youâve ruined your favorite jeans, canceled dates, or cried in a bathroom stall from crampsâyouâre not broken. Youâre not too sensitive. Youâre not overreacting.
You just deserve answers. You deserve support. You deserve better.
đŁ Join the Conversation
Drop a comment below and tell me:
- Have you experienced heavy periods?
- Whatâs helped you manage them?
Letâs talk. Letâs share. Letâs make sure no one else has to suffer in silence.
With strength and softness,
Rachel