You can change menstrual pads as often as you want but make sure you always change them before they’re soaked. You can buy menstrual pads in different thicknesses and absorbencies. You may need to try a few types to find what works best for you. You might find that you can use thinner, lighter pads at the beginning and end of your periods, and thicker, more absorbent pads at night. It’s important to follow the directions that come with the pads.
Change tampons every 3 to 4 hours, no matter how light the bleeding is, to avoid getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Tampons shouldn’t be left in longer than 8 hours, so some people choose to wear a pad at night.