We talk about periods more and more when it comes to describing the discomfort or pain experienced. But we rarely talk about heavy periods, a phenomenon that is far from marginal. This is what the RED Survey (Rules, Experiences and Data) reveals, a study conducted in spring 2025 among more than 2,700 women aged 15 to 54. The results are clear: two out of three women actually live with heavy periods. An impressive figure, which shows to what extent this reality is underestimated, and even largely unknown.
A much more widespread phenomenon than we think
In this survey, 40% of the women questioned spontaneously described their periods as “heavy” or “very heavy”. But when the study analyzes their experience more precisely – taking into account the duration of bleeding, the number of protections used or even the impact on daily life – the result rises to 67%.
In other words, what many perceive as simple discomfort is actually heavy periodsaccording to the criteria established by the research. Many people are not even aware of it, as the subject remains vague or minimized.
A profound impact on everyday life
For the women concerned, however, heavy periods are not reduced to a slightly heavier flow. They literally transform everyday life. Many start each day with apprehension linked to the risk of leaking: the fear of staining clothing, a sofa or the sheets. This fear influences the way they dress, often choosing dark or loose clothing to “avoid accidents”.
The logistics also become very cumbersome: you have to change protection more often, sometimes every two hours, including at night. Some wake up several times to check that everything is under control. This constant vigilance is often accompanied by great fatigue, sometimes real exhaustion linked to significant losses which can lead to iron deficiency.
The repercussions go far beyond the intimate sphere. Canceled outings, postponed sporting activities, limited travel, slowed down intimate life… For some, these days of the cycle become real obstacles which force them to reorganize their personal, professional or social life.
Why does such a widespread subject remain so invisible?
The RED Survey also highlights a paradox: despite its frequency, the phenomenon remains largely unknown. Firstly because it is difficult for everyone to assess what is “normal”. Lacking objective benchmarks, we compare our flow to that of others, to stories read here or there, or to the surrounding silence.
Added to this is the shame or embarrassment that still surrounds periods, from puberty onwards. Talking about blood, stained clothing or overflowing protection remains socially delicate. In fact, some women don’t dare talk to their doctor about it, while others are told that “that’s how it is.” This trivialization contributes to making a real women’s health problem invisible.
Solutions exist, but a lack of information persists
The survey also highlights another essential point: many women are unaware that solutions exist.
For some, hormonal contraception can reduce the abundance of the flow. Others may benefit from specific treatments, depending on the cause identified: fibroids, polyps, hormonal imbalances, coagulation disorders, etc.
The problem is that many women never consult for this reason. For lack of information, for fear of disturbing, or simply because they think “that’s the way it is”. They therefore continue to live with disabling periods, even though appropriate care could ease their daily lives, reduce their fatigue and improve their quality of life.
A health issue that it is time to recognize
The results of the RED Survey clearly reveal that heavy periods are not a simple discomfort, but a real health issue that impacts millions of women. To respond, we must first lift the taboo, better inform, encourage care and recognize the physical, mental and social impact they cause.
Talking openly about heavy periods gives the women concerned the opportunity to understand what they are going through, to be heard and to access appropriate solutions. It’s recognizing that menstrual health deserves our full attention — and that it must never again be relegated to the shadows. Knowing that two out of three of us know this is already a first step in tackling the problem.