Why does my menstrual cup fill up in an hour? 3 possible reasons and how to fix it

"My menstrual cup fills up in just an hour. Is this okay?"
"I'm losing a lot of blood, but I don't feel unwell... is it okay to leave it like this?"

With a menstrual cup, you can see how much blood is coming out, which can make you worry, "Is it too much?"

The average amount of menstrual blood loss is approximately 20g to 140g per period. [1]
Therefore, even if you have a heavy amount of menstrual blood on just one day, that alone does not necessarily mean that it is ``abnormal.''

However, if your menstrual cup fills up quickly, you may have to make multiple trips to the bathroom to empty it or soil your underwear, which can make school or work a little more stressful.

In this article, we explain why your menstrual cup fills up in an hour and what to do about it.
If you are a menstrual cup user and feel that you may have a heavy menstrual flow, please take a look at this.

My menstrual cup filled up in an hour! Possible causes

If your menstrual cup overflows within an hour, it could be a sign that your body is giving you some kind of warning.

Here we will clearly explain three possible causes.

1. You may have menorrhagia

If your menstrual cup continues to fill up within an hour or two every time you have your period, you may have menorrhagia.

Menorrhagia refers to bleeding that is more than normal during one menstrual period. [2]
The guidelines are as follows:

• If you don't empty the cup every 1-2 hours, it will leak.

• Liver-like lumps are frequently seen

If you use a menstrual cup, bleeding more than 140g per cycle may be menorrhagia.

If this condition continues, your body may become deficient in iron, which can lead to anemia.
There may be an underlying gynecological disease, so if you have any symptoms that concern you, consider visiting a gynecologist.

Also worth reading: How many ml of blood do you lose per day during your period? Two reasons why your menstrual flow may increase or decrease

2. Temporarily increased menstrual flow

If your menstrual cup suddenly fills up quickly, it may just be a temporary increase in your flow.
The following are thought to be the causes of this temporary increase:

• High stress

• Lack of sleep or poor health

• Unreasonable dieting and disruption of daily routine

These are natural phenomena caused by changes in the balance of female hormones .
The amount of bleeding varies depending on your menstrual cycle, such as when your period starts and around ovulation.

However, if you experience heavy bleeding over two or three periods, there may be another underlying cause, so it's a good idea to consult a gynecologist.

3. Your menstrual cup isn't the right size

If you use a menstrual cup that doesn't fit your body properly, the capacity may be insufficient and it may fill up quickly.

If you have a particularly heavy flow and are using a small cup, it may fill up within an hour.

However, we do not recommend assuming that it will overflow because you are using a small size .
This may be a sign of menorrhagia, so if you are concerned, see a gynecologist.

What to do if your menstrual cup fills up in an hour

If your menstrual cup overflows within an hour, we recommend the following solutions:

• Consult a gynecologist

• Reconsider your menstrual cup size

• Use in combination with napkins to prevent leaks

• Prevent anemia with iron and hydration

By knowing what measures you can take, you will be able to find tips to help you get through your menstrual period without any stress.

Consult a gynecologist

If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding that is making your life difficult, if you have a lot of liver-like clots, or if the same condition continues for several cycles, we recommend that you visit a gynecologist as soon as possible.

A visit to your doctor may clarify why your menstrual cup is filling up so quickly.

It may take a little courage to go to a gynecologist, but once the cause is identified, you will be able to receive the necessary treatment and measures.
Don't struggle alone, consult a specialist first.

Reconsider your menstrual cup size

If your menstrual cup keeps overflowing, it may be that you're using the wrong size cup.

If you have a heavy flow, a larger or longer-lasting cup may be a better choice.

Use in combination with napkins to prevent leaks

If your menstrual cup fills up quickly, you may be worried about leaking when you're out and about or sleeping at night and can't get to the toilet right away.

In such cases, using a napkin together will prevent menstrual blood from spilling out of the cup and getting on your underwear or clothes.

It won't be a fundamental solution, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that it's okay if there is a small leak.

Prevent anemia with iron and hydration

If you continue to bleed so much that your cup fills up in an hour, your body may become iron deficient, which can cause symptoms of anemia such as dizziness and fatigue.

To prevent anemia, be sure to include iron-rich foods in your diet, such as the following: [3]

• Chicken liver

• bonito

• clams

• Komatsuna

• oyster

You can also consider taking iron supplements if needed .

Also, since bleeding causes your body to lose fluids, be sure to drink plenty of fluids .

My menstrual cup filled up in just an hour | Why I still recommend menstrual cups

Some people may feel that a menstrual cup fills up in just an hour, so it might not be right for them.
Certainly, if you have to change them frequently, it can seem inconvenient.

However, menstrual cups do have some benefits:

• Less waste and environmentally friendly

• Reusable, reducing the cost of sanitary products

• You can see the amount of menstrual blood flow numerically, which is useful for managing your health.

• It can store a large amount, making it easy to use even for those with heavy menstrual flow.

Menstrual cups are a sanitary product chosen by many people as a tool to help them face their own bodies .

Even if you have a large flow, you may be able to use it comfortably by using a larger capacity product or combining it with napkins.
Look beyond the temporary inconvenience and focus on the long-term benefits.

Also worth reading: Why are menstrual cups recommended? | 6 reasons why beginners should choose Murmo

How to choose a menstrual cup if yours fills up in an hour

For menstrual cup users who find that their cup fills up in an hour, comfort will vary depending on the cup you choose.
We will introduce how to choose a diaper from two perspectives: "ease of putting on and taking off" and "capacity," which are especially important for those with heavy menstrual flow.

Choose based on ease of putting on and taking off

For those who have heavy menstrual flow and need to change their cups more frequently, ease of insertion and removal of the menstrual cup is an important point.
The comfort of use will vary depending on the softness of the material, how easily it opens inside the vagina, and the length and shape of the pull-out part (stem).

For example, Murmo's menstrual cup is designed to be long and slender, even though it is equivalent to a medium size, and is designed with ease of use in mind .

Find the one that suits you best, reduce the stress of putting it on and taking it off, and enjoy a more comfortable and positive period.

Choose by capacity

If your flow is so heavy that it fills up in an hour, we recommend a large-capacity menstrual cup.
If you choose a type that holds more than 40ml, you can reduce the number of times you need to change it, giving you peace of mind.
It is especially suitable for use when out and about or at night.

However, the larger the capacity, the more difficult it may be to put on and take off.

On the other hand, if you choose a smaller capacity because it seems easier to fill, the cup will be smaller and it may be difficult to find the cup when you take it out.
Therefore, if you are not used to using cups, it is a good idea to start with a cup that is slimmer and longer than its capacity .

Once you get used to it, if you want to use the larger size on days when you have a heavy flow, it may be a good idea to get the larger size as well.
Why not try using different sizes depending on the day, such as using a medium size that is easy to put on and take off, on days when you don't have a heavy flow, and find a cycle that suits you?

Questions related to menstrual cup filling up in 1 hour

We answer questions from those who use menstrual cups and feel that they leak easily or overflow.
By resolving your concerns and doubts, you will be able to find a way to use the product and measures that suit you best.

I'm currently using a menstrual cup. I'm having leaks on the second day. Is this heavy menstruation?

Just because you "leak on the second day" does not mean you have heavy menstruation.

Generally, the amount of menstrual blood lost during one period is estimated to be between 20g and 140g. [1]
The amount of menstrual blood tends to be heavier on the second day of menstruation, but this does not necessarily mean that something is abnormal.

However, if you experience symptoms such as excessive flow, your cup overflowing within an hour, or you have symptoms of anemia, it is recommended that you consult a gynecologist.
Be sure not to miss any changes or signs in your body.

If my menstrual cup leaks, does that mean I'm using it improperly?

Leakage can be caused not only by heavy menstrual flow but also by how you use the cup.
Menstrual cups can be used continuously for up to 12 hours if your menstrual flow is light, but they may leak if they are inserted too shallowly or not fully open inside the vagina.

If you are using it for the first time, you may need to try and error until you get used to it.
You may be able to reduce leakage by choosing a cup that is the right size and softness for you and reviewing how you wear it.
If you are worried, try adjusting it while referring to the instruction manual or videos.

At murmo, we have a support system via LINE chat available exclusively to those who purchase a menstrual cup. Please make use of it.

Also worth reading: Do menstrual cups leak? Tips and tricks to prevent leaks, and how to use them comfortably
Also worth reading: My menstrual cup won't open! I don't know if it's open! What to do when that happens

summary

Possible reasons for your menstrual cup filling up in an hour include heavy menstrual flow or the cup not having enough capacity.

If you suspect you have heavy menstrual bleeding, visiting a gynecologist to determine the cause will make it easier to take appropriate measures.

Other ways to improve your comfort during your period include using large-capacity types, using them in combination with sanitary napkins, and changing them in an ingenious way.

If you choose the right menstrual cup and use it properly, it can be a reliable item that helps you stay positive during your period.
We hope that murmo's menstrual cup can help you with this.

References
[1] What is the standard for normal menstruation? | Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
[2] Menstrual pain and excessive menstruation that interfere with your daily life may be a sign of illness. Don't put up with it, consult a gynecologist, and quickly get back to your normal, healthy life! | Working Women's Wellness Improvement Committee
[3] Preventive Medicine Center Newsletter No. 24 ~ Preventing Anemia with Iron Supplementation ~ | Saitama Medical University