Severity of vaginal bleeding

For most women, saturating more than 8 pads or super tampons in an 8-hour period is not normal and is considered to be severe bleeding. Abnormal vaginal bleeding varies depending on what is normal for a particular woman.

When reviewing the following guidelines, take into account how heavy your normal menstrual flow is.

• Severe bleeding: Soaking more than 8 maxi or super pads or super tampons in 8 hours, or passing blood clots for more than 8 hours.
• Moderate bleeding: Soaking more than 8 pads or super tampons in 24 hours
• Mild bleeding: Soaking fewer than 8 pads or super tampons in 24 hours
• Minimal bleeding: "Spotting" or just a few drops of blood from the vagina

Note:

Vaginal bleeding refers to bleeding from inside the vagina, not from a cut or scrape near the vagina.