Heavy periods? More noticeable now I'm using a menstrual cup.

[Fizbosshoes]

I've always thought I had pretty heavy periods but the only person I have ever remotely discussed anything this tmi is with my sis (who has very light/scant bleeding).
I bought a menstrual cup probably end of last year/beginning of this year but was too scared to use it. Then during lockdown I missed a couple of periods. In the summer I decided to start using the cup as I was at home more, and could "test" using it at home....but I've been quite surprised at the amount of blood.
The first 2 days of my period are normally the worst. On my last cycle I changed it before I went to bed but had to get up in the night (I have anxiety and insomnia so waking in the night us quite normal) and it was half full.
Yesterday I started my period. I used the cup overnight and it leaked, changed it at 7.30 this morning but by 8.30 it was half full again. This feels like a lot but I'm not sure what "normal" is?
The first few days I usually feel crap and a bit washed out but I assume that's normal.

After reading a lot of threads on here, it seems gps wont be able to do very much.
I'm wondering if I should take iron supplements?

I don't what the cups hold and I've never used one but a lot of people think they make periods lighter compared to pads and tampons. The NHS definition of heavy is 80ml if you know what it holds?
www.nhs.uk/conditions/heavy-periods/
GPs will take note if you find it's impacting on your life. As a minimum they should arrange an ultrasound scan to confirm if you have polyps or fibroids that are making it worse, and there's options available to help reduce the bleeding - usually Tranexamic acid as a starting point.

Thank you, and thank you for the link. I am going to try to measure what the cup holds (with water) after its clean/sterilised.

That does sound quite a lot. I change my mooncup around every 6 hours but it's never more than half full unless it's overnight. How long do your periods last? I don't think a GP would be any help with the period heaviness, but what they would do if you ask is give you a full blood work up, including iron. Ask for your thyroid to be checked too as an under active one can cause heavy periods.

I used to fill the cup to overflowing once an hour on my heavy days.
I have PCOS, polyps and had a hysterectomy eventually after lots of nagging my Dr's.

There are contraceptives that may help so it is worth going to your GP.

I use a moon cup and for the first 2 days I have to empty it about 3 times a day and it's pretty much full to the brim each time.

But after day 2 I can wear it all day and only empty first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Period lasts approx 5 days.