Our recently released CODE RED research shows that 1 in 3 people who menstruate in the Netherlands experience heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), and that most do not actually seek treatment from a medical professional, such as a general practitioner (huisarts).
SPREAD THE WORD
HMB is recognized as a menstrual condition, and there are Dutch medical guidelines in place for diagnosing and treating it. People don’t have to suffer in silence.
One reason people might not consult a doctor is because they’re not exactly sure what an acceptable level of bleeding actually is. And hey, it can be challenging to figure out, since periods can vary a lot from person to person.
Some people just assume that no matter how bad symptoms get, they’re an unavoidable part of menstruation.
WE ALL BENEFIT FROM LEARNING MORE ABOUT PERIODS
Whether it’s about menarche (when periods begin), perimenopause (when hormones fluctuate more significantly) or menopause, we often don’t talk in detail about what to expect and how to prepare for the day-to-day and these phases of menstruation. So it’s not that surprising people affected by HMB (and those close to them) may not realize there’s an issue, that it could be a sign of other menstrual issues – and that it is treatable.
We think having open conversations about menstruation is an incredibly important part of healthy menstruation. At any age. That includes learning accurate and useful information that helps us better understand our (changing) menstrual cycles, and how to take better care of our menstrual health. That can mean benefits for all parts of a person’s life, especially when they are able to identify when something is off. It starts with learning how to track your cycle, and to identify symptoms that may point to issues such as HMB.
So that’s why we’ve put together a handy information sheet about HMB, to support you in tracking your own cycle and talking with your doctor about your symptoms. Because lots of people talk with friends and family before doctors, we encourage you to share this information* with those around you.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER – CERTAINLY WHEN IT COMES TO PERIODS
*PLEASE NOTE: As always, all content and information on the Neighborhood Feminists website is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Our info sheet is based on recognized medical guidelines, but we encourage you to speak with a qualified health professional for your particular needs and circumstances before making any health-related decisions.
