Do You Have Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB)?

Do You Have Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB)? The most common sign of a bleeding disorder in women and girls is having heavy bleeding during menstrual periods. Women with HMB are at increased risk for anemia (a blood problem that may cause tiredness or weakness), pain during menstruation, hospitalizations, blood transfusions, limitations in daily activities, time lost from work or school, and a reduced quality of life. Oftentimes, a woman or girl is unaware that her periods are considered heavy and/or that her heavy bleeding could be a sign of a bleeding disorder; as a result, she does not talk to her doctor about it. Symptoms of HMB can include Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days from the time bleeding starts until the time it ends; Flooding or gushing of blood that limits daily activities, such as work, school, exercise, or social activities; Passing clots that are bigger than a grape; and Soaking a tampon or pad every hour or more often on the heaviest day(s).

	The Better You Know Menstrual Chart and Scoring System can help women track their bleeding during a menstrual cycle (period) to help determine if they have HMB. A woman or girl may want to consider seeing a healthcare professional if they score more than 100 points.

	The purpose of the Better You Know Teen Booklet – It’s Your Health. Own It. Period. is to increase knowledge and awareness among teenage girls of the differences between a normal menstrual cycle and an abnormal menstrual cycle (period) and the signs and symptoms of a bleeding disorder.