There’s no denying that heavy periods are a bloody pain.
Extreme cramping, raging hormones and subtly stuffing tampons into your pocket and bolting to the bathroom are all part and parcel, making the experience a deeply unpleasant, antisocial one. Thank you Mother Nature.
While there’s not much that can be done to prevent natural bleeding without contraception, medication and pregnancy getting involved, there are simple ways to ameliorate the mess.
Tubs of ice cream and hot water bottles aside, stocking up on pads designed to accommodate heavy periods gives you a fighting chance of having a breezy period. Pads with thicker absorbency will reduce the amount of time you spend dashing to the bathroom to swap your pads every half an hour and provide peace of mind for the wearer. Likewise, longer, wider pads are helpful for nighttime use, especially ones featuring flaps to ensure no leaks make their way onto the crisp White Company sheets (we’ve all been there).
But what exactly qualifies as a heavy period? Heavy is a relative term and often pertains to a person's flow at the beginning of the period. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the following can be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding:
- Bleeding that lasts more than seven days.
- Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row.
- Needing to wear more than one pad at a time to control menstrual flow.
- Needing to change pads or tampons during the night.
- Menstrual flow with blood clots that are as big as a quarter or larger
The clinic also notes that a third of women seek help for heavy bleeding. However, it also states that heavy menstruation can be caused by an underlying health problem, such as fibroids and polyps, adenomyosis, irregular ovulation, bleeding disorders, endometriosis and various medications. If you are concerned about heavy periods, best consult your GP.
While the shape and size of a pad is a matter of personal preference, the experts agree that where possible, opt for a non-scented pad. Writing in her medical blog, Dr Kelly Culwell (aka The Lady Doctor) notes: “The vagina is remarkably self-sufficient but the delicate balance of good bacteria vs. bad bacteria can be thrown off by any variety of insults - especially fragrances, harsh soaps and other chemicals.” This applies to scented pads, which can cause allergic reactions ‘down there.’
Zoë Miller, founder of Bloody Brilliant Pads, elaborates on this, stressing the environmental impact of using non-natural pads: “Many single-use disposable pads are made of up to 90 per cent plastic and contain bleach, perfumes and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Most reusable period products are also made with synthetic, fossil-fuel-based fabrics such as polyester, nylon and acrylic so that when you wash them, they release thousands of micro-plastics into the water system and will eventually end up in the landfill where, over hundreds of years, they will gradually break down, leaving traces of micro-plastics behind too.”
It also doesn't help that having a heavy period tends to be shrouded in shame. Miller doesn’t shy away from this topic either: “It is ridiculous that blood is shown so prolifically in films, TV shows and video games in such a violent way and yet natural period blood which is part of a beautiful, incredible bodily process is considered disgusting, shameful and is often visualised as blue, turned into sparkles and flowers or just hidden entirely and not talked about.”
Embrace the cycle and discover the best pad picks to ensure a stress-free period below.
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DeoDoc Organic Cotton Night Pads
Bid farewell to synthetic pads, while still combating heavy bleeding. Founded by The DeoDoc Sisters - Dr. Hedieh Asadi and Hasti Asadi, the brands aim to break taboos surrounding periods with their medically-backed products.
DeoDoc's Organic Cotton Night Pads are developed by gynaecologists and are vegan, biodegradable and made from 100 per cent organic cotton. As if that wasn’t good enough, the pads also happen to be hypoallergenic, non-irritative and unscented, with ample absorbency to ease your mind while out and about.
Buy now £7.00, Cult Beauty
&SISTERS Organic Cotton Pads Heavy
&SISTERS bleach-free pads are ideal for those battling heavy periods. The comfortable inserts boast heavy absorbency for nighttime and even daytime use for those wanting extra protection while on the go. They are crafted from 83 per cent certified organic cotton and 17 per cent biodegradable biopolymer derived from cornstarch. Even the wrapping is biodegradable, making the pads a better choice for the planet and your pants.
Buy now £4.20, Boots
FLO Organic Bamboo Sanitary Pads
It’s never been easier to go with the FLO. The brand’s organic bamboo sanitary pads are not only cute, but breathable and ultra-absorbent. The nighttime renditions will line your underwear with a silky smooth layer that won’t disrupt your sleep and provide protection if you toss and turn. No chlorine or dyes feature at all, thanks to the pads' hypoallergenic organic bamboo composition which is plant-based and compostable.
Buy now £3.15, Amazon
Rael Organic Cotton Cover Sanitary Towels Heavy Absorbency
Stock up and ensure you’re covered for when your next period strikes. Rael’s multipack of cotton cover pads is designed for overnight use. A highly absorbent core is made from a premium, pillowy pad that prevents overflowing. Stay fresh all day thanks to the leak locker technology and fluid-trapping channel designs. Whether you’re heading to the office or to the club, you’ll feel immense relief knowing Rael has, quite literally, got you covered.
Buy now £13.29, Amazon
Natracare Natural Feminine Night Time Maxi Pads
Like women, pads come in all shapes and sizes. Natracare’s nighttime maxi pads are sizeable designs yet suit those who prefer a streamlined silhouette. Not a single trace of synthetic fabrics can be found in the pads, which are carefully constructed from certified organic cotton and renewable, sustainable plant cellulose. Said cotton is grown without pesky pesticides, meaning you can treat your body to a plush, perfume and plastic-free pad.
Buy now £5.59, Amazon
Natracare Ultra Extra Pads
For those suffering from extremely heavy periods, you have our full sympathy. Now, may we have your attention? Natracare’s Ultra Extra Pads are designed to accommodate the heaviest bleeders. The pads have a thick, double layer of protection. Never fear, as the slim-line shape ensures a non-bulky feel. No plastics or perfume feature.
Buy now £9.46, Amazon
Daye Bamboo Pads
You’ll never be left in the lurch with Daye’s bamboo pads. The pads can be bought as a one-off or via a subscription, meaning your period care is handily delivered straight to your door. Both hyper-absorbent and biodegradable, Daye’s subtle pads are composed of nothing but organic bamboo fibres and corn-based PLA to minimise environmental impact. Unlike its plastic counterparts, after 192 days, the pad will be decomposed and gone forever.
Buy now £5.80, Daye
Cottons Overnight Sanitary Pads for Women
As the name suggests, Cottons’ pads are made entirely from, you guessed it, cotton. The pack includes ten pads to kit you out for the week, each of which has been safely grown without the usage of toxic pesticides and synthetic chemicals. A spa day for your privates, the soft, breathable pads promise a peaceful, leak-free night's sleep.
Buy now £5.69, Amazon
Bloody Brilliant Pads Heavy
Bloody Brilliant Pads are perfect for zero-waste warriors. The pads are made with a top layer of unbleached, undyed certified organic cotton, a combination of waste plant fibre fabrics (pineapple, galangal, hemp and kapok) and sustainably sourced TENCEL. The outer, patterned layer of fabric is dyed using natural, plant-based dyes. All this means that the pads are good for your body and good for the environment. They contain no harmful chemicals or plastic so when they do reach the end of their lives, you can cut them up and compost them.
The Heavy and Super-Dooper/Night-Time pads are designed for heavy flows or more intense days. Did we mention you can customise your pads and pick a colour/print of your choice? Sold.
Buy now £8.99, Bloody Brilliant Pads
