Menstrual flow is the monthly blood flow (your period) in women of reproductive age.
It is made up of blood, uterine tissue, and vaginal secretions, and the average volume of menstrual flow is 30 to 80 ml per cycle.
This natural phenomenon is an indicator of reproductive health and can vary in intensity from one person to another.
Light menstrual flow is characterized by a small amount of blood loss during the menstrual cycle and a fairly short duration (2 to 4 days).
Amount of blood lost per cycle: less than 30 ml
Moderate menstrual flow is characterized by an average amount of blood loss during the menstrual cycle and sometimes by the presence of blood clots.
Amount of blood lost per cycle: between 30 ml and 50 ml
Heavy menstrual flow is characterized by a significant amount of blood loss during the menstrual cycle and by the presence of blood clots.
Amount of blood lost per cycle: between 50 ml and 80 ml
Menorrhagia is menstruation characterized by a very heavy menstrual flow and a longer duration (more than 7 days), accompanied by blood clots.
Amount of blood lost per cycle: more than 80 ml
The Higham score helps quantify blood loss during your period.
This test is notably used to diagnose conditions such as menorrhagia (very heavy periods), offering patients a simple way to measure the amount of blood lost during their period.
It involves recording the saturation level of period products (pads or tampons), with points assigned according to the degree of saturation. It therefore provides a more reliable assessment than subjective descriptions of flow.
The "Higham Score" is a test developed by Jenny Higham.
She is a British academic specializing in medical education who was the first woman to hold the position of vice-chancellor at St George’s, University of London.
It’s quite simple, during your cycle:
👉 It is important to note that this calculation applies to standard-absorbency disposable period products.
Once your cycle is over, it’s time to do the math:
🩸 Less than 40 points = Light flow
🩸 40 to 70 points = Moderate flow
🩸 70 to 100 points = Heavy flow
🩸 100 to 150 points = Menorrhagia
🩸 More than 150 points = Menometrorrhagia
(combination of menorrhagia and metrorrhagia)
If you have irregular cycles, do the calculation over 3 months to get a score that is more representative of all your cycles.
In this first case, Julie only changed her pad twice a day, and her menstrual flow during the night was slightly heavier.
She has a regular cycle, and every month is similar.
She therefore uses protection for light flow.
In this second case, Marie changed her pad as often as Julie did (twice a day), but her flow was heavier mid-cycle and she had to use a super pad for one night.
She uses extra protection because her flow gets heavier mid-cycle.
Here, Ambre has a heavy flow, especially toward the end of her cycle. She changes her protection 2 to 3 times a day.
She uses super-absorbent protection to prevent any risk of leaks.
In this last case, Elsa has to change her protection regularly and her period lasts particularly long.
She uses ultra-absorbent protection, but sometimes that is not enough.
If you are in the same situation, you should have appropriate gynecological follow-up.
Every woman has her own cycle and flow; no two are the same. But thanks to this tool, it will be easier for you to choose suitable menstrual protection. 😉
In cases of menorrhagia or metrorrhagia, appropriate medical follow-up is necessary.
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