how to make your period less heavy

How to Lighten Your Period

• 1. Change Your Diet If you eat a diet that is high in vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, and whole grains, you can lighten your menstrual flow. ...
• 2. Engage in Exercise ...
• 3. Try Natural Remedies ...
• 4. Avoid Stress ...
• 5. NSAID Therapy ...
• 6. Birth Control Pills ...
• 7. Hormonal IUDs ...
• 8. Endometrial Ablation

Full Answer

How to reduce heavy periods naturally?

• Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in ½ or 1 glass of water.
• Drink the solution 3 times a day during your menstrual cycle.
• You will notice a significant relief in the symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding by following this remedy.

How do you reduce heavy flow of your period?

Ways to manage or stop heavy periods

• Lifestyle changes. A person using a menstrual cup may need to change it less than a pad or tampon. ...
• Diet and supplements. ...
• Medications. ...
• Surgeries. ...
• Possible reasons for heavy periods. ...
• When to see a doctor. ...
• Outlook. ...

How to lighten periods naturally?

Ways to Help Lighten Your Period:

• Take natural remedies. Natural herbs that seem to have a positive effect on reducing menstrual flow include agrimony, blue cohosh, and golden seal (orange root).
• Enjoy good nutrition. ...
• Avoid stress. ...
• Take birth control pills. ...
• Move your body. ...
• Get enough Zs. ...

How do you lighten your period?

Top 8 Ways to Lighten your Period

1. Correct Diet and Food. One of the ways to lighten your periods is by having correct diet. ...
2. Regular Exercise. It is a known fact that regular exercise has array of benefits and one of them is light and regular periods.
3. Taking Birth Control Pills. ...
4. Other Hormonal Methods of Birth Control. ...
5. Taking Ibuprofen. ...
6. Drinking Lots of Water. ...

More items...

How can I reduce heavy periods?

Treatment for heavy periods Treatments from a GP include: some types of contraception, such as an intrauterine system (IUS) or the combined contraceptive pill. medicine to help reduce the bleeding, such as tranexamic acid. prescription-only anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as mefenamic acid or naproxen.

What makes your period flow heavier?

If a hormone imbalance occurs, the endometrium develops in excess and eventually sheds by way of heavy menstrual bleeding. A number of conditions can cause hormone imbalances, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, insulin resistance and thyroid problems.

How can I lighten my heavy period naturally?

Diet and supplementsIron. Share on Pinterest An iron supplement may help a person to have enough red blood cells in the body. ... Vitamin C. The body does not absorb iron easily, but vitamin C can help. ... Hydration. A heavy period causes the body to lose a lot of water, as well as blood and iron. ... Herbal remedies.

Is it normal to use 5 pads a day?

How many pads should you use in a day? Good question. However, there isn't a single right answer because there are a few factors to consider that might change how many you'd need. A very rough estimate would be four or five pads, assuming that you're getting at least the recommended 7 hours of sleep at night.

Can you make your period flow lighter?

Anti-inflammatory medications Because it reduces prostaglandins, high-dose ibuprofen can slow down your menstrual bleeding and make your flow lighter; however, it shouldn't be used to skip or stop periods altogether.

How to stop bleeding during menstruation?

Doctors recommend medication for many people with heavy menstrual bleeding. Several options can help with pain, cramping, and heavy blood flow: 1 Ibuprofen (Advil) can reduce pain and sensations of cramping and may also slow bleeding. 2 Birth control pills can help make periods more regular. 3 An intrauterine device (IUD) is implanted in the uterus to help control bleeding and prevent pregnancy by releasing medication. 4 Hormone therapies, including estrogen or progesterone, can help reduce bleeding and regulate menstruation. 5 Desmopressin nasal spray releases a clotting protein to help prevent blood clots from breaking down, which may reduce bleeding. 6 Antifibrinolytic medicines, such as tranexamic acid, may also help reduce bleeding by keeping clots from breaking down.

What is the medical name for a heavy menstrual flow?

For some people, doctors may recommend medication or surgery. The medical name for a heavy menstrual flow is menorrhagia. A person with menorrhagia may need to change their pads or tampons every hour for many hours in a row. Blood clots the size of a quarter or larger may regularly appear in the menstrual flow.

What to use to catch period blood?

Use a menstrual cup. Share on Pinterest. A person using a menstrual cup may need to change it less than a pad or tampon. Menstrual cups are small silicone cups that sit inside the vagina and catch period blood in the vaginal canal.

Why is an IUD implanted in the uterus?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is implanted in the uterus to help control bleeding and prevent pregnancy by releasing medication.

Why is it important to rest during a heavy period?

Taking time to rest whenever possible is important, and it can help prevent fatigue.

How many times can you have a dilation?

Dilation and curettage: This involves removing some of the lining of the uterus to limit the bleeding. A person may need to undergo the procedure more than once.

How to help a heavy period?

However, staying hydrated and ensuring that there are enough of the following nutrients in the diet may help manage symptoms of a heavy period, especially when a person is also using other remedies and treatments.

How to get rid of PMS?

Try a Mediterranean- style diet. Some people have found that basing their diet on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean meat has a big effect on their monthly flow. The Mediterranean diet is low in sodium, saturated fat, and processed carbs, all of which cause the body to retain water and bloat up, so eating this way should help with other PMS issues as well.

What foods are high in potassium?

Bananas, sweet potatoes, lentils, yogurt, salmon, and raisins are all high in potassium. Boiling foods may deplete the potassium in some foods. Steam or bake potassium-rich foods to get the full benefits, or, if possible, eat them raw. You could, if you really feel that potassium is helpful, try a dietary supplement.

What to do if you don't have pain medication?

If you don't have menstrual pain medication, you can also use regular pain killers, such as ibuprofen, to alleviate pain from cramping.

How to make your period shorter?

Some people report that light exercises like swimming, jogging, and power walking make their periods lighter and shorter. Aim to exercise for about 30 minutes 5 - 6 times per week.

What hormones are in birth control?

Talk to your doctor about going on the Pill. Birth control pills contain progesterone and estrogen, two hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and determine how heavy your period is each month. Taking birth control pills causes many people to experience lighter, shorter periods.

How to get rid of heavy periods?

6. Exercise regularly. Getting regular moderate exercise can help keep your periods regular and lighten them up, apparently. Regular exercise keeps your body healthy and your weight steady, so you're less likely to experience the body fat fluctuations that lead to irregular and heavy periods.

What is the best food for menstruation?

Foods rich in essential fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B, C, and E are ideal for menstrual health. In particular, focus on strengthening the blood vessel walls, with vitamin C, flavonoids, and iron being top of your list of must-haves.

How can I stop heavy periods?

If you’ve heard that the only options for treating heavy periods are hormone therapy or surgery, that’s not true! Just like there are many causes of menorrhagia, there are many treatment options available. We’re often able to manage heavy periods with treatments ranging from diet changes to prescription medication.

When should I see a doctor for heavy periods?

Many women have come to accept heavy bleeding as a normal part of their cycle. This helps explain why over half of women with menorrhagia don’t know they have it, or know that heavy periods are treatable. If left untreated, heavy periods can cause other health concerns like anemia, a red blood cell condition that makes it difficult for your organs to get the oxygen they need.

What is a small, non-cancerous growth inside the uterus?

Uterine fibroids – Fibroids are small, non-cancerous growths inside the uterus. They range in size from a grain of sand to a large mass that can affect the size of your uterus. If your doctor finds fibroids in your uterus, they might recommend removing them to treat your heavy periods.

Why does my period change after birth control?

Talk to your doctor if you notice changes to your period after starting a medication or birth control. Hormone imbalance – Too much or too little estrogen and progesterone can cause menorrhagia. Some women experience high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone. This can cause the uterine lining to thicken.

Why does my uterus thicken?

This can cause the uterine lining to thicken. When a thick uterine lining sheds during menstruation, women might experience heavier blood flows and larger blood clots.

What is the size of a blood clot?

The blood clots in your flow are the size of a quarter or larger

Does birth control help with periods?

Birth control – Pills, patches, hormonal IUDs and other forms of hormonal birth control can work to regulate your periods as well. Hormonal birth control can thin the uterine lining, which reduces the amount of blood and tissue you lose during your menstrual cycle. Birth control can also be used to regulate the length of your cycle, alleviate painful cramps or even let you skip your period all together.

How to lighten your period?

1. Take Hormonal Birth Control. The birth control pill can be used for more than just contraception.

How to decrease menstrual flow?

Eat More Vitamin A. "There have been some studies that show that taking 25,000 IU of Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) per day can decrease menstrual flow," says Ghodsi. You can also increase your intake of the vitamin by eating foods such as carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, and squash. 3. Take A NSAID.

How to reduce period symptoms?

Exercise. As if you needed another excuse to hit the gym: regular, moderate exercise can reduce your menstrual flow as well as decrease other common period symptoms, according to LIVESTRONG. 5. Get An IUD.

Why is my period irregular?

Frequent stress can have an effect on your menstrual cycle and cause it to be irregular, according to Everyday Health. Stress can cause buildup of the uterine lining, and the buildup can shed under its own weight, causing heavy, prolonged bleeding, according to WebMD. 7. Consider Surgical Treatment.

How does an intrauterine device help with period?

Like the birth control pill, an Intrauterine Device (IUD) can help make your period lighter, or even stop it completely for some women. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, an IUD can reduce blood flow by 71 to 94 percent. 6. Reduce Your Stress.

Why is my period so heavy?

"Sometimes women have heavy periods naturally, but a lot of times it is due to an underlying medical condition and that medical condition needs to be addressed and receive the appropriate treatment ," says Ghodsi.

What to take before period to stop bleeding?

Take A NSAID. "Also known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, these are over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen," says Lincoln. "Taking them a day before your period is due or as it just starts can decrease the amount you bleed by about half.".

What are IUDs made of?

IUDs are tiny devices made from plastic. Some of them release hormones into your system. The devices that secrete progestin cause the uterine lining to become thinner and prevent ovulation, at least partially. Two good choices are Mirena and Skyla. You can't use these devices if you already have cancer of the uterus or bleeding that cannot be explained from the vagina, or a bad liver. Problems like heart disease and hypertension may also be reasons why your doctor won't recommend this method of lightening your periods.

What foods can help with menstrual flow?

If you eat a diet that is high in vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, and whole grains, you can lighten your menstrual flow. These foods are healthy and contain very little salt, processed carbohydrates, and saturated fats, which can result in water retention and bloating.

How to make your period lighter?

Exercise can help you maintain a steady weight, so you won't have fluctuations in weight and fat that cause heavy menstrual periods. Good exercises to engage in include jogging, swimming, and power walking. Try to exercise at least thirty minutes per day for about 5-6 times a week.

Why won't my period lighten?

Problems like heart disease and hypertension may also be reasons why your doctor won't recommend this method of lightening your periods. 8. Endometrial Ablation. This is another option for how to make your period lighter.

How common is heavy period?

Periods that are extremely heavy are very common, affecting about 50 percent of women who are aged 40-50. Learn ways of making your period much lighter so that you can go back to doing regular activities without fear of leakage.

Why does my period get heavier?

When you are under a lot of stress, you might eat more poorly, which can make your period heavier. Use the food pyramid to find out which are the healthiest foods you should eat. Also get plenty of sleep if you want to avoid stress and stay healthy.

Does naproxen make your period lighter?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen will help you to make your periods lighter. They lower the prostaglandin levels in your system, which decreases your menstrual flow. You need to take a lot of these medications in order to see an effect.

When To See A Doctor For Heavy Periods

You should see your GP urgently if youre nearing menopause and have irregular, heavy periods or are past menopause and have vaginal bleeding.

Evaluation By A Gynecologist

Your physician will talk with you about the bleeding you are having: the timing, duration and pattern are all important. They may also perform an exam.

Do I Need Any Tests If I Have Heavy Periods

See your doctor if your periods change and become heavier than previously. For most women, the cause is unclear and there is no abnormality of the womb or hormones. However, it is very important to get it checked out properly.

Does Getting Your Tubes Tied Stop Period Permanently

Tubal ligation or tubal sterilization is a type of birth control which helps ensure that you will not become pregnant. In tubal ligation, your fallopian tubes will be tied, thereby closing them. Once closed, your eggs and male sperm will not be able to interact, which means that you cannot become pregnant after this surgical procedure.

Heat Application Or Pain Medication

If painful periods caused by cramping is an associated symptom with your heavy menses, your can use a heating pad on your abdomen or back to relieve the discomfort. You can also relax in a hot bath or take a long, hot shower to relax your tense muscles.

Period Problems You Shouldnt Ignore

As basically anyone who menstruates knows, certain period problems are just an unfortunate fact of life, like pain radiating through your midsection, a shorter fuse than usual , and bleeding more than you would like to be bleeding from your vagina.

How To Stop Your Periods Cramps

Period cramps are one of the annoying symptoms that accompany your menstrual cycle. These cramps can be painful, annoying, and causes a lot of discomfort. For most people, this can be the reason for them to want to stop their period permanently.

Can you make your period lighter and shorter?

Are you wondering whether it is possible to make your period lighter and shorter? The answer to this question is YES, it is possible. For many women, periods tend to be quite annoying, particularly when they are on the heavier side. Heavy period flow can have a negative effect on your lifestyle and love life.

Does birth control make periods lighter?

According to Mayo Clinic, taking an oral contraceptive can assist in alleviating the symptoms associated with heavy bleeding, particularly if the bleed ing has been caused by a hormonal imbalance. You should consult your doctor about going on the pill first.

How long does an IUD last?

The device releases the hormones into the uterus, and it can work for up to twelve years. IUD’s have been known to make some women miss their periods or get lighter periods, while for others, their periods become irregular.

What does it mean when you have a heavy period?

A heavy period is when you lose excessive blood during your period. It is also referred to menorrhagia. Heavy menses can mean loss of too much blood resulting in dizziness, period pain, headaches, nausea, etc. Heavy menstrual bleeding is considered to be 60ml or more in each cycle.

How much blood is needed for a heavy period?

Heavy menstrual bleeding is considered to be 60ml or more in each cycle. However, most women know when their period is heavy without measuring the amount of blood lost. A good indication of a heavy flow would be:

What are the symptoms of heavy bleeding?

Common symptoms associated with heavy bleeding include mood swings, headaches, nausea and painful menstrual cramps. There are various things that you can do to lighten your period, make it shorter and reduce the suffering. Signs of a heavy period.

What are the best foods to eat during menstruation?

Everyday foods that are rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, essential fatty acids, and vitamins B and C are considered beneficial for your menstrual health. In fact, you should turn your focus towards strengthening the walls of your blood vessels. For this, you will need flavonoids, iron, and vitamin C.

How to get rid of cramps every month?

Get crampy every month without fail? Strategise by taking your pain relief tablets before the contractions usually strike. Taking paracetamol, ibuprofen or similar pre-emptively can reduce symptoms before they even happen, leaving you free to get on with, ya'know, everything that doesn't stop just because you're bleeding.

How to get blood out of underwear?

Get bloodstains out of underwear, sheets etc by soaking the item in question in a bowl of cold, salted water asap. Leave it to soak for 3-4 hours, then rub the stain with detergent and wash as usual, and your favourite pants should be wearable again. 14. Subscribe to a box of joy.

What foods can you eat during your period?

Eating foods like red meat, beans, spinach and fortified cereals will rebalance your iron levels, boost your energy and stop you from getting anemic.

How to keep your stomach flat during your period?

Cutting out salt, as well as drinking plenty of water to flush out your system, will keep your stomach as flat as it's possible for it to be whilst the red devil is in your belly. Giphy. 7. Press the pain away. Some women report amazing success using pressure points to tackle period pain.

What to eat when you're on your period?

2. Eat (dark) chocolate. It's not a myth! Chocolate is good for you when you're on your period, but only when it's the 70% cocoa kind. Not only does it encourage your body to release endorphins, to improve your mood, dark chocolate is high in magnesium, a mineral that's often associated with easing cramps.

Does vitamin E help with period pain?

According to a study conducted at Tarbait Modarres University in Iran, taking vitamin E significantly lowered the intensity of the period pain felt by their participants, and the group that took the supplements had a shorter duration of pain and blood loss than those who were taking a placebo as well.

Is alcohol bad for your period?

Not forever, we're not monsters – just when you period is still in town. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning your PMS symptoms might be worse, and it's harder to deal with a hangover when you're feeling hormonal too. It also dehydrates you, aaand it makes you more likely to indulge in unhealthy, salty foods like takeaways, which we've already established are opt-outs.