{"id":836,"date":"2026-01-03T14:53:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T14:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mariestopes.or.tz\/?p=836"},"modified":"2026-02-06T13:39:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T13:39:47","slug":"why-have-my-periods-changed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mariestopes.or.tz\/sw\/help-advice\/why-have-my-periods-changed\/","title":{"rendered":"Kwa nini hedhi yangu imebadilika?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s not unusual for your periods to change over time. Bleeding can get heavier or lighter, and cramps can come and go. But sometimes, changes in your menstruation can be the sign of a problem.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and Maambukizi yanayoenezwa kingono<\/a> (STIs) can all cause menstrual problems. Find out what\u2019s normal when it comes to periods, and when you should seek help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Are my periods normal?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most women have a period every 28 days, although anywhere between 21 and 40 days is normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, a period will last about five days. Your bleeding will be heaviest in the first few days. At this stage it\u2019s usual for the blood will be very red. After that it will change to pink and then brown or black as the bleeding gets lighter. Most women lose around 2 or 3 tablespoons of blood during their period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s very common to get cramps that start just before you get your period and last for up to three days. If you\u2019re experiencing period pain, there are some things you can do to help. While exercise may be the last thing on your mind, just going for a walk can relieve your cramps. You can also try over-the-counter painkillers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re finding it hard to cope with the bleeding or the pain, it could be a sign of a problem. We offer menstruation counselling<\/a> to help you get to the bottom of any issues – contact us<\/a> kuweka miadi yako.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What counts as a heavy period?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may already suspect you have heavy periods but it can be hard to be sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way to tell if your periods are heavier than they should be is if you\u2019re getting through a sanitary pad every hour or two, or have to get up in the night to change your pad. Another sign is if you have clots of blood that are bigger than a 50 cent coin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When to get help for heavy and painful periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re bleeding so much that it\u2019s making your life difficult, it\u2019s time to get it checked out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if nothing serious is causing your heavy periods, losing extra blood each month can lead to an illness called anaemia, which can make you feel unwell and very tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other things to get checked out for include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n