Blood, so much blood – every month: A heavy period massively restricts everyday life, and in the worst case, it leads to further complications. But when is bleeding too severe – and what helps those affected? A conversation with gynecologist Sara Brucker, medical director of the University Women’s Clinic in Tübingen.
Prof. Brucker, on average a woman has her period around 500 times in her life. Roughly estimated, she loses up to 30 liters of blood, often accompanied by pain and cramps. What’s the point of all this?
Menstruation is very important. The uterus sheds mucous membrane tissue that is no longer needed. The tissue actually serves as a “bed” for an egg, which implants itself in it after fertilization. However, if fertilization does not take place during the cycle, the mucous membrane becomes less important and bleeds off again. This happens approximately every 28 days. The uterus then begins to build the mucous membrane again – a fascinating process that is controlled by hormones.
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