My flow is very heavy

It's super normal to feel like your flow is very heavy, especially in the first few years of menstruating! Sometimes it feels like everything is going to come out at once, right? We end up using pads that look like diapers, I swear.

What is a truly heavy flow?

For most girls, a heavy flow means changing your pad every 2 or 3 hours, you know? Or else, using a nighttime pad during the day to cope. It's like when you feel that if you don't change soon, you're going to leak, and then you feel a bit tense all the time. You might also have blood clots, which look like little pieces of jelly. All of this is usually normal at the beginning because your body is learning how to menstruate and your hormones are a bit crazy.

What to do?

• Super absorbent pads: there are some tampons and pads with the word "night" or "super" that are made to hold more. Try using those, it might help you feel more secure.
• Change more often: Even if the pad is super, changing it every 2 or 3 hours helps prevent leaks and maintain hygiene. Always carry extras in your backpack!
• Period underwear: This is a brilliant invention! It's underwear that already has an absorbent layer built-in that can handle a lot of flow. It can be a good option for sleeping or for days when you know it's going to be heavy.
• Talk to an adult: If you're soaking through a pad every hour for several hours straight, or feeling dizzy, weak, or if the pain is very severe and stops you from doing the things you enjoy, then it's worth talking to a trusted adult, like your mom, dad, or an aunt. They can help you figure out if it's worth talking to a doctor, just to check if everything is okay, alright?

Oh, and if you want to get an idea of how your flow behaves and when it's heaviest, the Sosô app has a section where you can log your daily flow. It's great for you to see your own patterns!