Every woman can sporadically have a heavy menstrual flow. If menstruation lasts more than 7 days and causes severe blood loss, it is called menorrhagia. It's a scary definition, but don't worry! You have various alternatives to handle the problem. Some home remedies can help you keep it in check and relieve the pain. However, if your period is heavy and prolonged each time, consult your doctor to rule out other underlying health problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Try Effective Alternative Treatments
If you've spent a lot of time doing research on the Internet, you've probably realized that there are a number of home remedies and natural treatments that promise to relieve heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. Many don't work, but some actually offer some benefit. If you want to see if they provide the much-assured relief, give it a try. Just be careful to consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, to rule out any health risks.
Step 1. Relieve discomfort with acupuncture
It may seem strange to you, but according to some studies, acupuncture could be an effective treatment to manage the problem. By stimulating the right pressure points, it is possible to relieve pain and even contain the menstrual flow when it is excessive. Book an acupuncture session to see if it works.
See an experienced acupuncturist who has the necessary qualifications to be sure you are receiving effective treatment
Step 2. Take chaste tree extract to contain blood loss
The chaste tree is a plant that can keep cramps and menorrhagia at bay. Try taking 15 drops a day as a liquid extract to see if it helps.
- This product is slow acting, so before you can notice any results, you will need to wait for your body to build it up over a period of 1-2 months.
- Chaste tree can cause a miscarriage, so don't take it if you think you're pregnant.
Step 3. Try ginger capsules to stop menstrual flow
Ginger is a plant with natural anti-inflammatory properties that may have some efficacy in the treatment of menorrhagia. Try taking it when you are on your period to contain heavy bleeding.
Although there is no dose to take, experts believe that between 170 mg and 1 g per day does not involve any contraindications. See the dosage instructions provided in the package insert
Step 4. Use yarrow to control blood flow
Yarrow is a medicinal plant used in case of skin wounds that could be useful for relieving heavy menstruation. There is no specific dosage against menorrhagia, but in general 4.5 g per day is recommended.
Yarrow can cause miscarriages, so don't use it if you think you're pregnant
Step 5. Take the shepherd's purse for some relief
Shepherd's purse is a plant that can relieve uterine contractions and keep pain and blood loss at bay. It may lessen the symptoms that accompany a heavy menstrual cycle.
You can take 100-400 mg per day. Follow the dosage instructions depending on the form in which it is taken, for example herbal tea or mother tincture
Part 2 of 3: Changing the Power
Diet is a factor that can greatly affect the menstrual cycle and general health conditions. If you are deficient in vitamins and minerals, the flow may be abundant. Try the following tips to see if you feel better.
Step 1. Take Vitamin A to regulate the flow
There may be an association between vitamin A deficiency and heavy blood loss due to menstruation. One study found that women who took 60,000 international units (IU) of vitamin A for 35 days benefited from improved symptoms.
This type of dietary supplementation is effective in the treatment of menorrhagia only in case of hypovitaminosis A
Step 2. Regulate Estrogen Levels with Vitamin B
Since menorrhagia can depend on a high level of estrogen in the system, in this case it would be advisable to bring them back to normal. Vitamin B plays a role in controlling the levels of these hormones and may make you feel better.
- Excellent sources of vitamin B include milk and dairy products, eggs, meat, whole grains, fish, and fortified foods.
- Additionally, vitamin B helps the body rebuild blood cells and prevent the risk of anemia during a heavy cycle.
Step 3. Increase your iron intake
Iron is an essential nutrient that helps prevent menstruation characterized by excessive blood loss. Follow a diet rich in this mineral to regulate them. This way you should be able to prevent the problem altogether.
- Excellent sources of iron include lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, beans, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains.
- Iron intake is also important for preventing anemia. If your period is heavy, you are at greater risk of developing this condition.
- Take an iron supplement if your diet is deficient in iron. However, consult your doctor first because in large doses it can cause abdominal pain, nausea, constipation and diarrhea.
Step 4. Increase your vitamin C intake to help your body absorb iron
Although when we talk about vitamin C we think first of all of the immune system, we must consider that this nutrient is able to contain menstrual blood loss thanks to its action that strengthens the capillaries and blood microcirculation. It also helps the body absorb iron, thus warding off the risk of anemia during a heavy flow.
Excellent sources of vitamin C include peppers, citrus fruits, berries, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, and squash
Part 3 of 3: Managing the Symptoms
It is not easy to face the days when the period is particularly heavy, but you are lucky. There are a few simple steps you can take to manage pain and menorrhagia. These are tips that do not shorten the duration of your period, but allow you to keep the problem under control so that it does not interfere with daily activities.
Step 1. Stay calm on days when the flow is heavy
When menstruation is heavy and abnormal, it can really drain all energy. If you feel powerless, try getting some more rest during these days to recover.
Under these circumstances some women prefer to stay at home, but feel free to leave if you are sure you have access to a bathroom
Step 2. Apply an ice pack to the abdomen
Take an ice pack or cold compress and hold it on your abdomen for 20 consecutive minutes. It could help you reduce your menstrual flow. If necessary, you can repeat the treatment several times during the day.
Step 3. Always have sanitary pads or tampons on hand
It is probably already a habit of yours during your period, but it is especially important when it is abundant flow. Bring a few more as you may need to change it every couple of hours.>
Step 4. Exercise if it helps relieve pain
It's probably the last thing you want to do, but exercise during your period helps relieve cramps and pain. If you feel able, try to move and see if the situation improves.
You don't have to go through strenuous training to recover. Low-intensity exercise, such as a daily walk, may also be helpful
Step 5. Wear dark clothing to prevent staining
If you are concerned that the heavy flow will dirty your clothes, choose dark colored clothes. A pair of dark jeans or a black skirt are great options!
Step 6. Put a waterproof crossbar on the bed to protect the mattress
If you are concerned that bleeding may stain your sheets while you sleep, try using a waterproof crossbar during your period.
Health reminder
While managing a heavy menstrual flow isn't easy, luckily there are some natural steps you can take to keep it under control. With the right precautions, you can contain excessive blood loss and soothe the pain. However, if they are not effective, consult your gynecologist. This way, you can rule out a health problem at its source.
