Heavy Bleeding During Menstruation

Menstruation is a normal part of the female reproductive cycle, but when bleeding becomes unusually heavy, it can interfere with daily life and signal a serious issue. Heavy menstrual bleeding is also called menorrhagia and can lead to fatigue, social discomfort and even health complications like anaemia. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is important to managing it effectively.

What is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding means losing more blood than normal during your period. Everyone's flow is different, but you might have heavy bleeding if you:

Soak through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours.
Need to change protection during the night.
Notice large blood clots like those that are bigger than a ₹10 coin.
Have periods lasting longer than 7 days.
Feel tired, weak or short of breath because of the blood loss.

This is more than just a strong flow; if it's happening often, it's important to see a doctor.

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Causes of Heavy Periods

Heavy periods or excessive menstrual bleeding can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are some common causes that anyone can understand:

Hormonal imbalances: Changes in the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle can lead to a thicker lining of the uterus, which may result in heavier bleeding when it sheds.
Uterine fibroids or polyps: Non-cancerous growths like fibroids or polyps can develop in the uterus and cause heavy bleeding and cramps during your period.
Adenomyosis: This condition occurs when tissue, which usually lines the uterus, starts to grow into the muscle of the uterus. This can cause both pain and heavy bleeding.
Bleeding disorders: Some health conditions that affect how well your blood can clot can also result in heavier periods. An example is von Willebrand disease.
Thyroid dysfunction: Issues with the thyroid gland, whether it's underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), can affect your menstrual cycle and lead to heavier bleeding.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Some non-hormonal IUDs like copper ones can cause heavier bleeding.
Certain medications: Blood thinners, anti-inflammatories and hormonal drugs can impact flow.

Symptoms That Indicate a Problem

Heavy bleeding often comes with other signs that shouldn't be ignored. These include:

Severe menstrual cramps
Large or frequent blood clots
Periods that disrupt your daily activities or make it hard to sleep.
Symptoms of anaemia such as dizziness, fatigue or pale skin.
Bleeding between your periods or after having sex.

If you're experiencing these along with heavy bleeding, consult a gynaecologist for a check-up.

Diagnosing the Cause

To determine the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding, a doctor can recommend you several tests like:

Blood Tests: To check for anaemia and other conditions like thyroid disorders.
Ultrasound: To visualise the uterus, ovaries and pelvic organs.
Endometrial Biopsy: To examine the lining of the uterus for abnormalities.
Hysteroscopy: A procedure that uses a thin, lighted tube to examine the inside of the uterus.

How to Stop Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

If you're experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, there are some simple steps you can take to help manage it. Here are a few tips that can help you:

Track your cycle: Use a period tracking app or prepare a note when your period starts and how heavy it is. This can help you see any patterns and share information with your doctor.
Use menstrual cups: These are flexible containers you insert into your vagina to collect menstrual blood. They can hold more than regular pads or tampons, which can help you keep track of how much you're bleeding.
Take anti-inflammatory medications: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with cramps and might reduce bleeding. Just make sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
Use a heating pad: Placing a heating pad on your lower belly can help ease discomfort and cramping.
Rest and stay hydrated: Make sure to take it easy and drink plenty of water, especially if your bleeding is heavy. Staying hydrated is important for your overall well-being.

Treatment for Heavy Periods

If heavy periods are making you feel unwell, your doctor might recommend one or more of the following options:

Hormonal therapies: This might include birth control pills or devices like an IUD that releases hormones. These help to control bleeding.
Medicines: You could be prescribed treatments like tranexamic acid or pain relievers. These can help reduce how much you bleed during your period.
Iron supplements: If heavy bleeding causes low iron levels, taking iron supplements can help prevent anaemia, which makes you feel tired and weak.
Endometrial ablation: For more serious cases, a procedure might be done to remove the lining of the uterus, which can reduce heavy bleeding.
Surgical options: If there are physical problems like fibroids, your doctor may suggest surgeries such as myomectomy (removing the fibroids) or hysterectomy (removing the uterus).

Home Remedies for Heavy Periods

If you are experiencing heavy periods, some natural methods may help, particularly for lighter cases or when combined with medical advice. Here are a few options to consider:

Ginger or cinnamon tea: Both of these teas can help reduce cramps and may lessen bleeding due to their natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric milk: This warm drink contains an ingredient called curcumin, which might help balance your hormones.
Cold compresses: Applying a cold pack to your lower belly can help narrow blood vessels and slow down bleeding.
Foods rich in iron and vitamin C: Having foods that are high in iron and vitamin C can help replace lost nutrients and improve your body's ability to absorb iron.

When to See a Doctor for Heavy Periods

It's important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

You need to change pads or tampons every 1–2 hours
Your periods last longer than 7 days.
You are passing large clots regularly
You feel very tired, face breathing or notice your skin is pale, as these could be signs of anaemia.
You are experiencing bleeding between periods or after menopause.

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Conclusion

Heavy menstrual bleeding is more than just an inconvenience; it can be a sign of a serious health problem. Whether it's caused by hormonal imbalances, fibroids or other issues, knowing your symptoms and getting the right support is crucial. With the right approach, medical treatment, lifestyle changes and home remedies, most women can manage heavy periods effectively and improve their quality of life.