how to reduce heavy periods

Full Answer

How can you make your period less heavy?

• Use a menstrual cup. This small silicone cup fits inside your vagina and catches the blood as it’s released from your uterus. ...
• Wear period panties. These absorbent undergarments are designed to back up tampons and pads for preventing leaks. ...
• Apply a heating pad. Although it won’t lighten your flow, a heating pad can help relieve painful menstrual cramps.

What is the best way to deal with heavy periods?

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 eliminate prolonged heavy periods?

• Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth or towel and tie it up.
• Lay down and then place the compress on your abdomen for about 15 minutes.
• If the symptoms persist, repeat after 4 hours.
• Do this daily to help with the symptoms of heavy periods until your cycle is over.

What are the treatment options for heavy periods?

What are the treatment options for heavy periods?

• Not treating. ...
• Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) The LNG-IUS treatment usually works very well. ...
• Tranexamic acid tablets. ...
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers. ...
• The combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill. ...
• Long-acting progestogen contraceptives. ...
• Norethisterone. ...
• Other medicines. ...
• Surgical treatment. ...

How can I stop super heavy periods?

How can I stop heavy periods?Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Select NSAIDs like ibuprofen can reduce pain caused by menorrhagia and make your periods lighter. ... Birth control – Pills, patches, hormonal IUDs and other forms of hormonal birth control can regulate to regulate your periods as well.More items...

How can I make my period less heavy and shorter?

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.

How can I make my heavy period lighter naturally?

Your body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, a molecule that helps red blood cells carry oxygen. Very heavy periods can deplete your body of iron and lead to iron deficiency anemia....To get more of this nutrient, eat foods high in iron like:lean beef.oysters.chicken and turkey.beans.tofu.spinach.

How do you make your period lighter ASAP?

If women are on oral contraceptive agents (the pill) their periods often shorten and lighten.Orgasm. ... Exercise regularly. ... Get the right nutrients. ... Try clinically-proven herbal remedies. ... Stay hydrated. ... Hormonal birth control. ... Maintain a healthy weight. ... Phases of the menstrual cycle.More items...

Why is my period so heavy?

In a normal menstrual cycle, a balance between the hormones estrogen and progesterone regulates the buildup of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), which is shed during menstruation. If a hormone imbalance occurs, the endometrium develops in excess and eventually sheds by way of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Which foods cause heavy periods?

Your diet can make your periods heavier!...Read on.Beetroots. Beetroots are loaded with iron, calcium, vitamins, potassium, folic acid and fibres. ... Chocolates Yes, they are great for your bad moods and cramps but, do you know that eating chocolates while menstruating can make your periods heavy? ... Honey. ... Coffee. ... Dairy products.

Why is my period so heavy and Clotty?

Growths like polyps and fibroids can settle in the uterus and its lining and can cause your period to become heavier and longer than usual. There are many types of benign fibroids, but submucosal fibroids (fibroids that grow inside the uterine cavity) are the most likely to cause heavy bleeding and large clotting.

What home remedies can I use to stop my period?

Activities and lifestyle changesRelaxation. Stress can sometimes be the cause of a delayed or missed period. ... Warm compress or bath. A warm bath may help relax tight muscles and relieve emotional stress. ... Sex. ... Reducing exercise if you're an athlete. ... Birth control.

Can I make my period shorter?

Certain hormonal contraceptives can lighten or even stop your periods entirely. Birth control pills inhibit the growth of the endometrium throughout the cycle, which means that your body will have to shed a smaller amount of blood and tissue each month.

Does drinking water help your period end faster?

Hydration prevents your blood from thickening while alleviating the muscle cramps associated with your monthly flow. Additionally, drinking water can help end your cycle faster. Eight glasses, or 64 ounces per day, really works wonders.

Does water make your period shorter?

Overall, the findings suggest that water intake could decrease the duration of menstrual bleeding, the amount of pain relievers consumed, and the severity of pelvic pain among the young women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea and drinking less than 1600mml of water per day.

Does lemon water make your period end faster?

No. Drinking a shot of lemon juice won't delay your period or make it stop.

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.

What happens when you have a heavy period?

A person with a heavy period is losing a lot of blood, and with it, a lot of iron. The body uses iron to create new blood cells.

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 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 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.

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 stop periods?

According to herbal medical traditions, drinking a daily infusion of raspberry leaf acts as a tonic for the uterus and ovaries, helping slow and possibly stop heavy periods. To make it, add about four tablespoons of dried raspberry leaves to a quart of boiling water. Remove it from the heat and let stand overnight to cool.

What herbs help with periods?

They also implement the use of agrimony, clary sage, raspberry leaf, and nettle as natural remedies for heavy periods.

How to help with cramps during menstruation?

Maintaining an exercise regimen in addition to meditation can balance overall endocrine health and strengthen organs to help regulate menstruation. Exercising immediately before and during your menses can lessen the severity of any accompanying cramping. Swimming or yoga are good options.

Can low iron cause heavy bleeding?

Some research studies suggest that low iron levels or anemia can lead to heavy menstrual bleeds. Iron is absorbed best when consumed through diet instead of supplementation. Therefore, reach for foods such as red meat, liver, fish, egg yolks, beans, dried fruits, and grains.

Can you drink yarrow tea during menstruation?

During times of heavy menstruation, yarrow tea can be consumed to also lessen heavy flow to the pelvic region. Prepare the concoction the night before by covering one teaspoon of the dried yarrow flower with a cup of boiling water and infusing overnight.

The Root Causes for Many of the Above Can be a Combination of any of these factors

The most common biological process that causes heavy periods is oestrogen excess or progesterone deficiency.

Self-Care Checklist for Heavy Periods

Never underestimate the power of well-chosen self-care to help you manage your symptoms naturally, while you take the time to heal the deeper root causes, which is best undertaken under the care of a practitioner. This checklist gives you some solid foundations to work with:

Resources & Further Reading

For Healthcare Providers: Managing Menorrhagia Without Surgery. (2013, November 28). Retrieved February 13, 2019, from http://www.cemcor.ubc.ca/resources/healthcare-providers-managing-menorrhagia-without-surgery

What is it called when you have a heavy period?

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also medically known as Menorrhagia, is a menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding.

What is the best way to stop menstrual bleeding?

Cold compress is used to constrict the blood vessels , ease the pain and reduce excessive bleeding during menstrual cycle. To treat menorrhagia quickly, use cold compress as the best home remedy for heavy menstrual bleeding flow. All you have to do is:

How to treat menorrhagia?

To treat menorrhagia quickly, use cold compress as the best home remedy for heavy menstrual bleeding flow. All you have to do is: Wrap few ice cubes with a towel to make an ice pack. Lie down, put the ice pack on your abdomen for fifteen to twenty minutes at a time. Repeat every 4 hour for several times per day.

What is the best flower for menorrhagia?

Similar to hawthorn flowers, tenner’s cassia is also an efficient cure for women with excessive menstruation. Especially, the flowers of tenner’s cassia are considered as the best home remedy for heavy menstrual bleeding flow. The most beneficial part for menorrhagia is the flower bud.

What is the best tamarind for menstrual cycle?

Tamarind is a great choice for those who are dealing with irregular menstrual cycle. The tangy tamarind is listed in the effective cares for skin, hair and health. Tarmarind, or Tamarindus Indica, has the ability to aid weight loss, control the level of cholesterol, prevent cancer, provide cardiovascular health, promote digestive health, improve nerve fuction, boost immune system, treat bilious disorders, jaundice, piles, mouth ulcers, malaria, constipation and diabetes. Especially, tamarind acts as an antiseptic agent and an active support for proper blood circulation which are good for getting rid of menorrhagia. Iron deficiency is one of the factors causing heavy menses.

How many women over 40 have periods?

It has been proven that over 20 percent of women over the age of 40 have faced excessive periods bleeding. Thus, this problem has become one of the common concerned issues that women focus on nowadays [1]. Many women who have heavy menstrual bleeding are looking for effective remedies.

What to do if you don't have chamomile?

If you do not have chamomile dried leaves, use chamomile dried flowers or chamomile tea bag instead.

How to get rid of heavy periods?

Some women find that relaxation techniques or yoga help them feel more relaxed and reduce stress. Getting a lot of exercise can also help.

How to treat a woman with a heavy period?

There are various treatment options available for women who have very heavy periods, including medication, hormonal contraceptives and surgery. Knowing about the advantages and disadvantages of each can help make it easier to choose an appropriate treatment. If very heavy periods become too much of a problem, treatment can help you to cope better. Different types of medication can reduce the bleeding and related problems. If one medication doesn't work, it is usually possible to try out other kinds. Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs) affect the menstrual cycle and lessen the amount of bleeding. Any fibroids or polyps that are found to be the cause can be surgically removed. If the effects of heavy periods are particularly bad, other procedures can be considered. The choice of treatment and best time for treatment will depend on whether a woman is planning to become pregnant. The most effective treatments all limit a woman's ability to get pregnant – either temporarily, like the pill, or permanently, like the surgical removal of the womb (hysterectomy). But as long as the heavy periods aren’t causing anemia, they don’t necessarily need to be treated. Some women learn ways to prepare as well as possible for “heavier” days. But it’s a good idea to see a doctor and try to find out what the cause is.

How long do IUDs last?

Hormonal IUDs (intrauterine devices, also called coils) are implanted in the womb (uterus) and can remain there for about five years. They prevent pregnancy, like birth control pills, by releasing a continuous amount of the progestin hormone called levonorgestrel. Studies show that an IUD containing progestin can reduce the loss of blood and related problems more effectively than birth control pills or NSAIDs.

What is the best medicine for menstrual cramps?

Painkillers like ibuprofen and diclofenac – both of which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) – are often used for the relief of menstrual pain and cramps, and also for heavy periods. In addition to relieving the pain, they may also help to lower the amount of blood lost. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, the drug in medicines like Aspirin) is not suitable for heavy periods because it has an anti-clotting effect so it can increase the amount of blood lost during menstruation.

What is the best treatment for a woman who has a heavy period?

There are various treatment options available for women who have very heavy periods, including medication, hormonal contraceptives and surgery. Knowing about the advantages and disadvantages of each can help make it easier to choose an appropriate treatment.

Why do women take birth control?

Women whose main reason for taking birth control pills is to manage heavy periods often choose to take the mini-pill. The low-dose progestin-only mini-pill is taken every day, without any breaks. This usually causes menstrual bleeding to become irregular, and sometimes women may even stop getting their period.

What foods can help with anemia?

Foods that are rich in iron can help to prevent anemia. Examples include meat, legumes, green leafy vegetables and wholegrain bread.

How to stop heavy periods?

7 Natural Home Remedies for Heavy Periods. Here is a look at some of the best home remedies for heavy periods. 1. Cold Compress. This is the easiest remedy for heavy menstrual bleeding. A cold compress is extremely effective as it helps in constricting the blood vessels.

What is the best way to get rid of a period?

Garlic. As you know, garlic is known for its powerful curative and healing powers. It is no surprise that it is one of the most popular home remedies for heavy periods. It contains a potent antioxidant, allicin, which helps in maintaining the hormonal balance in the body. Garlic also effectively dissolves polyps and fibroids ...

What is the best way to stop bleeding during your period?

An ingredient that works incredibly well to help with heavy flow of period is cayenne pepper . It is known to be highly effective in balancing blood flow as well as the hormones in your body. This, in turn, can help you relieve the symptoms of the problem and make you feel better in no time. Cayenne pepper is a great natural remedy because it can help treat a wide range of problems, even the difficult ones like scabies. This is definitely a remedy to try if you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding.

What is the best medicine for heavy periods?

Cinnamon. This is another superb natural remedy for heavy periods. Similar to the other home remedies for heavy periods, cinnamon is known to be extremely effective in treating a number of ailments and conditions related to blood. It helps in regulating and normalizing blood flow when consumed during menstrual periods.

How to stop periods from stumbling?

You should try this remedy if you experience heavy periods regularly. Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth or towel and tie it up. Lay down and then place the compress on your abdomen for about 15 minutes. If the symptoms persist, repeat after 4 hours.

Does garlic help with menstrual bleeding?

Garlic also effectively dissolves polyps and fibroids and regulates menstrual bleeding. It is also known to improve overall health and keeps the body functioning properly. Swallow 5 finely chopped cloves of garlic with 1 glass of warm water every morning. Repeat this daily until your menstrual cycle is over.

Can you leave apple cider vinegar out during your period?

Apple Cider Vinegar. When it comes to home remedies for heavy periods, you cannot leave apple cider vinegar out. It is actually known to be extremely effective for many different health problems, from allergies to digestive issues to skin conditions, so it is of no surprise that it treats heavy periods too.

How to treat menorrhagia?

You may need surgical treatment for menorrhagia if medical therapy is unsuccessful. Treatment options include: Dilation and curettage (D&C). In this procedure, your doctor opens (dilates) your cervix and then scrapes or suctions tissue from the lining of your uterus to reduce menstrual bleeding.

What is the best treatment for menorrhagia?

Oral progesterone. The hormone progesterone can help correct hormone imbalance and reduce menorrhagia. Hormonal IUD (Liletta, Mirena). This intrauterine device releases a type of progestin called levonorgestrel, which makes the uterine lining thin and decreases menstrual blood flow and cramping.

How to remove fibroids?

Depending on the size, number and location of the fibroids, your surgeon may choose to perform the myomectomy using open abdominal surgery, through several small incisions (laparoscopically), or through the vagina and cervix (hysteroscopically).

How to prepare for a menstrual cycle appointment?

What you can do. To prepare for your appointment: Ask if there are any pre-appointment instructions. Your doctor may ask you to track your menstrual cycles on a calendar, noting how long they last and how heavy the bleeding is. Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, and for how long.

What are the factors that determine menorrhagia?

Specific treatment for menorrhagia is based on a number of factors, including: Your overall health and medical history. The cause and severity of the condition. Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies. The likelihood that your periods will become less heavy soon.

Do you have to keep a diary of bleeding?

You may be asked to keep a diary of bleeding and nonbleeding days, including notes on how heavy your flow was and how much sanitary protection you needed to control it . Your doctor will do a physical exam and may recommend one or more tests or procedures such as: Blood tests.

Can a doctor diagnose menorrhagia?

Doctors can be certain of a diagnosis of menorrhagia only after ruling out other menstrual disorders, medical conditions or medications as possible causes or aggravations of this condition .