what to do for heavy periods

by Alec Kihn Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago

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. ...

What are my treatment options for heavy periods?

Your doctor may suggest some of the following:

NSAIDs – over the counter anti-inflammatories can relieve cramping.
Oral Contraceptives – birth control pills can reduce the amount of bleeding and the length of the period.
Progesterone replacement – this hormone can correct any hormone imbalances.

More items...

When to seek help for heavy periods?

When to Seek Help for Heavy Periods. Cramping, mood swings and bleeding all accompany the joys of menstruation. But sometimes, the symptoms are more than you can — and should — have to handle. If your bleeding becomes heavier than usual, this may be a sign of an abnormal period and it’s time to seek help. According to Sonyoung Seo-Patel ...

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 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.

What naturally stops heavy periods?

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.

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.

When is period too heavy?

How do you know if you have heavy bleeding? If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor.

When I stand up my period gushes?

You Get a Gush of Blood When You Stand Up Yep. “If you've been lying down or sitting for a long period of time, blood will collect in your vagina,” Dr. Herta explains. “When you get up, that pool of blood will come out.”

Can stress cause a heavier period?

Mental stress can cause changes in menstrual cycles, which can range from skipped or irregular periods , to heavy menstrual bleeding.

Why is my period so heavy and bright red?

‌Bright red blood: As your uterus starts to actively shed blood during your period, you may notice that the color is bright red. This just means that your blood is fresh and has not been in the uterus or vagina for some time. Dark red blood: Dark red blood is simply blood that has been in the vagina for longer.

What do large blood clots during period mean?

Blood can coagulate in the uterus or vagina at any time throughout your period, just as it does to seal an open wound on your skin. Then, when it passes during menstruation, you see clots. But large clots, such as those that are bigger than a quarter, may indicate the presence of uterine fibroids.

Why is my period worse than usual?

During your period, your uterus contracts to help shed its lining. These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more severe menstrual cramps. Some people tend to have more severe menstrual cramps without any clear cause.

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?

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.

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.

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 Is Heavy Bleeding Diagnosed

After a thorough history and clinical examination including a cervical screening test and swabs your doctor might order blood tests and/or a pelvic ultrasound to eliminate some of the possible causes listed previously.

Why Menstrual Cups Are The Best Solution For Heavy Periods

A menstrual cup holds 3 times more fluid than tampons for heavy periods. Once inserted correctly you are unlikely to leak.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures

Heavy periods can be the result of benign fibroids, polyps, or adhesions. Fibroids and polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. Adhesions, which are also non-cancerous, are clumps of scar tissue that can occur in women with endometriosis, a condition in which tissue from the uterine lining grows in places where it doesnt belong.

Signs To Watch For With Heavy Periods

Here are some signs that menstrual bleeding may be too heavy, and that you should call the doctor:

Oral Contraceptives Or Contraceptive Devices

Depending on the cause of your menstrual bleeding, you may benefit from taking oral contraceptives. The hormones in birth control pills can help regulate your periods and may reduce bleeding by limiting the buildup of the tissue in your uterine walls between periods.

What Are The Treatment Options For Heavy Periods

Frequently Asked Questionsexpand All

Heavy menstrual bleeding is very common. About one third of women seek treatment for it. Heavy menstrual bleeding is not normal. It can disrupt your life and may be a sign of a more serious health problem. If you are worried that your menstrual bleeding is too heavy, tell your obstetriciangynecologist .

What is the best product to use during your period?

If you're worried about leaks, wear a pantyliner, too. A tampon is an absorbent cotton product that you insert into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. For heavier periods, opt for a super tampon . A tampon is also a great option if you are looking to stay active during your period.

What to do when you are not on your period?

Even when you're not on your period, it's always best to be prepared. Have a few of your preferred menstrual hygiene products on hand so that you (or a friend) can avoid a potential accident. If you are at school and forgot your supplies, visit the counselor or nurse's office .

How to store extras during your period?

Store extras in your purse or backpack. Even when you're not on your period, it's always best to be prepared. Have a few of your preferred menstrual hygiene products on hand so that you (or a friend) can avoid a potential accident.

How to avoid stains during menstruation?

Wear dark, comfy underwear to prevent stains. Even the most prepared people experience overflow accidents sometimes. Wear black underwear to reduce the risk of noticeable stains. You should also stick to cotton underwear and avoid thongs during your menstrual cycle.

How to prevent a swollen thigh?

1 Use a heavy-flow pad with wings to prevent leaks. 2 Go with super absorbency tampons. 3 Try menstrual cups at night to protect your sheets. 4 Wear period panties. 5 Change your menstrual hygiene products every 2 hours. 6 Keep menstrual products with you at all times.

What to use to protect sheets during menstruation?

1. You can also use overnight pads to protect your sheets at night. A pad is an absorbent paper liner that you stick on your underwear to soak up menstrual blood. For a heavy flow, use pads with wings so they'll stay in place and prevent leaks.

What to do if you forgot your school supplies?

If you are at school and forgot your supplies, visit the counselor or nurse's office. Most likely, they'll have some extras!

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 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 long does menstrual bleeding last?

Usually, menstrual bleeding lasts about 4 to 5 days and the amount of blood lost is small (2 to 3 tablespoons). However, women who have menorrhagia usually bleed for more than 7 days and lose twice as much blood. If you have bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days per period, or is so heavy that you have to change your pad or tampon nearly every ...

How long does menorrhagia last?

Menorrhagia is menstrual bleeding that lasts more than 7 days. It can also be bleeding that is very heavy. How do you know if you have heavy bleeding? If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding.

What is the purpose of endometrial biopsy?

Endometrial biopsy. Tissue samples are taken from the inside lining of your uterus or “endometrium” to find out if you have cancer or other abnormal cells. You might feel as if you were having a bad menstrual cramp while this test is being done. But, it does not take long, and the pain usually goes away when the test ends.

What causes uterine fibroids?

Possible causes fall into the following three areas: Uterine-related problems. Growths or tumors of the uterus that are not cancer; these can be called uterine fibroids or polyps. Cancer of the uterus or cervix. Certain types of birth control—for example, an intrauterine device (IUD).

How to track your period?

You might want to track your periods by writing down the dates of your periods and how heavy you think your flow is (maybe by counting how many pads or tampons you use). Do this before you visit the doctor so that you can give the doctor as much information as possible. Above is a picture of a chart that is used by some doctors to track your period. You can make your own chart based on the one shown. Your doctor also will do a pelvic exam and might tell you about other tests that can be done to help find out if you have menorrhagia.

Why do women not get help for menorrhagia?

But, many women do not know that they can get help for it. Others do not get help because they are too embarrassed to talk with a doctor about their problem. Talking openly with your doctor is very important in making sure you are diagnosed properly and get the right treatment.

How long does a period last?

Have menstrual periods lasting more than 7 days. Have a menstrual flow with blood clots the size of a quarter or larger. Have a heavy menstrual flow that keeps you from doing the things you would do normally. Have constant pain in the lower part of the stomach during your periods.

What will the doctor do?

After listening to the story and doing a physical examination, the doctor generally will do some screening blood tests. Basic tests recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists include a complete blood count and some tests to look for bleeding problems. Along with checking to see if her bleeding has caused her to be anemic, it’s important to check to see if there might be a problem such as low platelets, or Von Willebrand disease, or some other condition that might cause her to bleed more heavily than normal. Some of these conditions don’t become apparent until a girl starts menstruating. In retrospect, there is often a history of easy bruising and bleeding, or a family history of heavy periods or other bleeding.

What tests do you need to do to check for bleeding?

Why is my daughter bleeding so much?

Along with checking to see if her bleeding has caused her to be anemic, it’s important to check to see if there might be a problem such as low platelets, or Von Willebrand disease , or some other condition that might cause her to bleed more heavily than normal.

How often do girls change their pads?

Some girls change as soon as there is any blood present or every time they use the bathroom. Others wait until they are completely soaked.

Is it normal to have a heavy period?

In the first couple of years after periods begin, it’s really normal for periods to be irregular — and for some of them to be heavy. At the beginning, periods aren’t associated with ovulation, and the hormones and hormonal patterns that help regulate periods haven’t fallen into place yet. If it’s just the occasional period that is heavy, that’s usually nothing to worry about.

Can you bleed during your period?

Especially in the first few years of having a period, any bleeding can feel like too much. Usually, it’s not — but sometimes it is, and it’s important for parents to know what to watch for, and when to call the doctor.

Can a pregnancy test cause bleeding?

In most cases, doctors will also do a pregnancy test. This may seem like a strange or silly test to do in a young teenager, but pregnancy can cause heavy bleeding — and the reality is that we can never entirely know everything about the lives of young girls. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

How does uterine embolization work?

During uterine artery embolization, the surgeon passes a catheter through the large artery in the thigh (femoral artery) and guides it to your uterine arteries, where the blood vessel is injected with materials that decrease blood flow to the fibroid.

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.

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 are embolic agents injected into the uterine artery?

Small particles (embolic agents) are injected into the uterine artery through a small catheter. The embolic agents then flow to the fibroids and lodge in the arteries that feed them. This cuts off blood flow to starve the tumors.

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 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.

What is the name of the instrument that a doctor uses to see the inside of the uterus?

Close. Hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy. During hysteroscopy, your doctor uses a thin, lighted instrument (hysteroscope) to view the inside of your uterus. Your doctor will most likely ask about your medical history and menstrual cycles. You may be asked to keep a diary of bleeding and nonbleeding days, including notes on how heavy your flow was ...

What Is Menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is the medical term for unusually heavy or long menstrual periods. Many women have heavy flow days and cramps when they have their period. But menorrhagia is not common.

What happens if you don't ovulate?

If you don’t ovulate (release an egg from an ovary), this can throw off the hormone balance in your body, too, leading to a thicker lining and a heavier period. Growths in the uterus (womb). Polyps are growths within the lining of your uterus. Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow within your uterus.

Why do IUDs make my periods heavier?

Certain IUDs. Many women use a small intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control. If your IUD doesn’t have hormones, it may make your periods heavier. Problems related to pregnancy. In rare cases, after sperm and egg meet, the growing ball of cells implants itself outside the uterus instead of inside.

What tests are needed for menorrhagia?

They’ll do a physical exam and may need to order tests, like an ultrasound, Pap test, or blood tests. They may also take a sample of the tissue that’s lining your uterus. Menorrhagia Treatment. Your doctor may be able to treat your heavy periods with these methods: Birth control.

How to lighten your period?

Taking birth control pills can alter the balance of hormones in your body, which can put an end to heavy periods. Getting an IUD that gives off hormones is another choice that can help lighten your periods. Certain drugs. Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the flow of your heavy periods.

How to remove lining of uterus?

Removing the lining of your uterus. There are a few ways that doctors can do this. The simplest procedure, called dilation and curettage (D&C), removes only the outermost layer of the lining of your uterus. It often stops heavy periods, but some women need to get this done more than once.

Can you get pregnant after endometrial ablation?

Women have much lighter periods or no periods afterward. Doctors advise women not to get pregnant after endometrial ablation or resection .