What is menstrual flow?
Menstrual flow is the monthly bleeding experienced by women of childbearing age.
It usually lasts 3 to 7 days and marks the beginning of a new menstrual cycle.
Composed of blood, uterine tissue and vaginal secretions, the average volume is 30 to 80 ml per cycle.
The Higham score
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What is it?
The Higham score quantifies blood loss during menstruation. This test is used to diagnose disorders such as menorrhagia* (heavy periods) by providing patients with a simple way to measure the amount of blood lost during menstruation.
It involves noting the saturation of sanitary protection (pads or tampons) with points awarded according to the degree of saturation. It thus provides a more reliable assessment than subjective descriptions of flow.
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Who created it?
The Higham Score is a test developed by Jenny Higham, a British academic specialising in medical education. She was the first woman to hold the position of Vice-Chancellor at St George's University of London. She is recognised for her numerous responsibilities on national medical committees. In 2024, she was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk.
How do I fill it in?
Indicate in the table the number of sanitary pads you use per day and obtain your Higham score.
A score of more than 100 points indicates bleeding greater than 80 ml, which may correspond to menorrhagia*.
A score ≥ 150 may indicate a surgical indication for menometrorrhagia*.
*Menorrhagia: heavy and prolonged menstruation (periods).
*Menometrorrhagia: a combination of two types of bleeding, menorrhagia and metrorrhagia.
Bleeding during and outside of periods. Consult your midwife or gynaecologist for more information.
