If you’ve ever looked at your pad, cup, or period underwear and thought, “there’s no way this is just a few tablespoons,” you’re not alone.

Every menstruator has had that “this can’t be normal” moment. Because let’s be honest, it looks like a lot.

But here’s the twist: according to research, most people lose only 30 to 50 ml of blood per period. That’s about two to three tablespoons in total.

Wild, right? So why does it look like we’ve starred in a low-budget horror film every month?
Let’s unpack it.

It’s Not Just Blood

Here’s something most of us were never taught: what comes out during your period isn’t pure blood. It’s a mix of:

• Blood

• Uterine tissue (the lining your body builds up in case of pregnancy)

• Cervical mucus

• Vaginal fluid

That mix is what gives your flow its many moods light pink and watery one day, dark and thick the next. Your body’s basically spring-cleaning the uterus each month, not just bleeding.

What Science Actually Says

When researchers studied menstrual blood loss (with real blood, not saline like they used yes, seriously), they found some surprising numbers using the alkaline hermatin method:

Flow Type     Average Blood Loss    Equivalent

Light Flow             10–20 mL               2–4 teaspoons

Normal Flow          30–50 mL               2–3 tablespoons

Heavy Flow            80+ mL                   5+ tablespoons

Now, if you use a menstrual cup and you’re thinking, “Umm… I definitely see more than that,” you’re not wrong to wonder. What fills your cup isn’t only blood it’s that mix of tissue, mucus, and fluid. So yes, it looks like more, but the actual blood part is much less than we think.

Why It Feels Like More

Even if it’s just a few tablespoons, your body goes through a lot. Menstruation is not just a physical release it’s hormonal, emotional, and sometimes downright exhausting.

Your uterus contracts to shed its lining. Hormones dip and rise. Your energy levels take a hit. It’s basically your body pressing “reset.” So when you feel tired, moody, or ready to fight the air it’s not in your head. It’s biology doing its thing.

Here’s something important to remember most of the research we’re quoting comes from studies done in Europe and other parts of the world where access to menstrual health research is much more prevalent. That means the data we see online often reflects their experiences, not necessarily ours.

In the Southern Hemisphere, especially across Africa, a lot of menstruators experience heavier and longer flows. Climate, diet, stress, and even access to consistent healthcare can all play a role. And to top it off what Europe calls a “mini” tampon is often closer to our “regular.

So if you’re reading those global averages and thinking, “No, mine is definitely heavier than that,” you’re not wrong. The data just doesn’t fully capture the realities of bodies like ours, in environments like ours. And that’s exactly why we need more representation and research from this side of the world too.

Every Body Has Its Own Flow

No two periods are the same. Some of us bleed for three days. Others for seven. Some change a pad twice a day. Some even just for 2 days.

What matters most is knowing your normal.

If you notice:

• A much heavier or longer flow than usual

• Clots larger than a R5 coin

• Having to change your pad, tampon, or cup every hour…it might be a sign of menorrhagia (a fancy word for heavy menstrual bleeding). It can be linked to hormones, fibroids, or other conditions and it’s worth checking out.

Talking About It Matters

The reason this topic blew up online is simple: nobody ever really told us what’s normal.

We’ve all been figuring it out on our own, whispering about it, and hoping we’re not the only ones googling “is this normal??” at 2 a.m.

At Sheba Feminine, we’re here to change that.

We talk about the things everyone else avoids periods, discharge, cramps, moods because menstrual health should never be a luxury or a secret.

We’re not just creating products. We’re creating space for honesty, community, and care.

Quick Recap

• Most people lose 30–50mL of blood per cycle (around two to three tablespoons).

• Menstrual fluid isn’t just blood it’s a mix of blood, tissue, and natural fluids.

• Feeling tired or emotional is valid your body is literally rebuilding itself.

• Every cycle is unique. What matters is your normal, not the textbook version.

Where to Find Sheba Feminine

Whether your flow is a whisper, a wave, or a waterfall Sheba has something for you:

• Panty Liners: For spotting, light flow, or the first and last days.

• Pads & Tampons: For your steady, moderate, or heavier days.

• Menstrual Cups: For sustainable comfort that lasts.Find us on Takealot, Makro, Amazon, and at www.shebafeminine.co.za.

Final Thoughts

Your period might look dramatic, but it’s just your body doing what it’s meant to do one tablespoon at a time. Understanding it doesn’t make it less powerful; it just makes you more connected to the amazing, resilient system that’s working behind the scenes every month.

With love (and cramps),

The Sheba Team

Inclusive. Honest. Slightly unhinged.