By: Laila J.
Let me just say it: I didn’t think it was possible to bleed this much and still be considered ‘normal.’
Every month, my period hits like a freight train. And for a long time, I thought it was just me. Like maybe I was cursed or had a super dramatic uterus.
But it turns out, there’s a name for what I’ve been dealing with: heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. And if you’re here because your period feels like an all-out crime scene—welcome. You’re not alone.
I started my period at 12. It was… a lot. Like, leaking through pads during third period (pun not intended), borrowing hoodies to tie around my waist, and missing soccer practice because the cramps made me nauseous.
But I told myself: “That’s just what being a girl is like.”
Spoiler: It doesn’t have to be this hard.
By 17, I was exhausted every month. I’d change super pads every hour. I’d pass clots (no one told me about those?!). And I felt like my body hated me. I googled way too much but never said anything to a doctor because I was embarrassed. No one in health class talked about this.
When I finally got up the courage to talk to my mom, she immediately booked me a gynecologist appointment.
Telling a stranger about your period in a freezing exam room? Not fun. But it helped.
My doctor asked all the right questions and told me, “You’re not overreacting. This sounds like menorrhagia, and there are ways to treat it.”
I cried. From relief, mostly. Someone finally understood.
If your period feels overwhelming, here’s what’s in my toolkit:
Super absorbent pads (overnight ones for daytime too—no shame!)
Period underwear (they’re a lifesaver on heavy days and at night)
Pain meds like ibuprofen—I take it right when cramps start
A cycle tracker app (I use Clue—it helps me prep mentally)
Iron supplements—heavy bleeding = low iron = feeling like a zombie
A hot water bottle or heating pad I named Henry (don’t judge me)
Real talk: I was scared to write this.
Periods are still treated like some secret gross thing we’re not supposed to talk about. But if we don’t share our experiences, how are we supposed to know what’s actually normal?
So, here I am, 18 years old and talking openly about bleeding through white jeans, crying in school bathrooms, and finally taking control of my body.
If your period is controlling your life or making you feel like you’re not strong enough—you deserve support. Heavy bleeding doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human. A human who might just need a little help and a whole lot of heating pads.
Drop a comment below or message me—have you experienced this? Do you have tips?
This is a judgment-free zone. Let’s talk openly, because you shouldn’t have to go through this quietly.
With kindness (and an extra hoodie in my bag),
Laila 🩷