Menstrual Cycle FAQs

How do I know if I have heavy periods?

Heavy periods, aka heavy menstrual bleeding or HMB, are defined as excessive menstrual blood loss during a single cycle (~80 mL or about 6 tablespoons).

It may be difficult to measure if you are using feminine hygiene products like pads or tampons

You may have HMB if you have a menstrual flow that soaks through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row, need to double up on pads to control your menstrual flow, need to change pads or tampons during the night, have menstrual periods lasting more than 7 days, or have a menstrual flow with blood clots the size of a quarter or larger.

If you have any of these symptoms, we encourage you to speak to our doctors at Maud Medical Clinic to talk about menstruation comfort. There are options available to help with heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal cramping, period pain and symptoms associated with PMS.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural transition every woman will go through and is marked after 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age of menopause is 51.5 years old and marks the end of menstruation and fertility, though it is not uncommon to experience these at a much earlier or later age.

Many women report symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal symptoms (dryness, itching), sexual discomfort, and urinary incontinence. Changes in cognition and irregular bleeding may also be experienced.

80% of women will make this transition smoothly with symptoms that do not have much impact on their quality of life. Approximately 20% of women will experience more severe symptoms that begin to affect their relationships or work, and menopause may have an impact on their quality of life.

Some of these symptoms may begin two to eight years prior to the final menstrual period, which is defined by a decline in hormonal factors, especially estrogen.

At Maud Medical, we are here to support you! If you would like to discuss menopause or any symptoms above with one of our physicians, please feel free to make an appointment!

Is there menopause treatments in Calgary?

Maud Medical Clinic doctors assist women of all ages with advice, support and management of peri/menopause symptoms.

Common concerns in discussion are low libido, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and urinary incontinence. These effect daily life and relationships.

We offer treatments for a variety of symptoms and educational workshops to help our patients feel empowered and regain control over the body.