Are you experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding?

A woman is thought to have a heavy flow when she has to change her tampons or pads every two to three hours (or even less) because of heavy flow.

Heavy menstrual flow can be highly annoying and often painfully uncomfortable. Many women assume this is normal and are often told the flow may change after having a baby. While this sometimes does occur, the best approach is to see your ob-gyn to rule out any triggering medical conditions. Diet and vitamins can also help. Also, make sure to schedule a gynecology examination in Miami if you notice clots in period blood, experience spotting in between periods, and/or constantly feel breathless and tired.

How to Lighten Period Flow with Diet

Sometimes, simple changes in one’s diet could make a difference in terms of heavy menstrual flow.

For starters, drinking plenty of water can keep your blood volume at a healthy level. This is extremely important after experiencing heavy bleeding. You can start by adding four to six additional cups of water daily to what you’ve already been drinking. Drinking electrolyte drinks could also help.

Aside from water, adding more vitamin C-rich foods to your diet is also recommended including citrus fruits such as grapefruits and oranges, kiwis, strawberries, green and red peppers, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. The body needs vitamin C to absorb iron better. Eating iron-rich foods can also be extremely helpful, especially when it comes to preventing anemia. Iron-rich foods include turkey and chicken meat, lean beef, oysters, tofu, spinach, and beans.

Vitamins for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Fit Smiling Young Woman Preparing Healthy Fruit Juice From an Assortment of Fresh Fruit Using a Manual Juicer in Her Kitchen

 

If you’re looking for ways how to lighten your period flow, ask your OB-GYN about taking certain supplements and vitamins for heavy menstrual bleeding. An OB-GYN can determine if these vitamins are something you need and, if you do, what the appropriate dosage would be. Some of the most common vitamins and supplements generally recommended include:

  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C could minimize the bleeding as well as promote better iron absorption.
  • Iron-rich foods: Iron deficiency could easily be the reason behind heavier flows; aside from taking iron supplements, you can also try adding iron-rich foods to your diet.
  • Blackstrap molasses: Often used as sugar syrup, blackstrap molasses can also help with heavy flows since it contains many nutrients such as iron, magnesium, calcium, and selenium.

How to Lighten Period Flow with Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

When we mention OTC medications in terms of how to stop heavy periods, you probably think about pain relievers that help with menstrual pain and headache. These meds indeed provide pain relief; but certain pain relievers can also minimize blood flow such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as aspirin, Motrin, and Advil.

How to Stop Heavy Periods with Prescription Meds

If diet changes, vitamins, and OTC medications fail to help with heavy menstrual bleeding, the chances are that your doctor will suggest some prescription meds. Here are the most common prescription medications prescribed:

Hormonal birth control

There are many different options when it comes to hormonal birth control that could minimize the bleeding during periods including birth control pills, rings, or patches. 

Since this type of hormonal birth control makes the uterine lining thinner, you can expect lighter periods and even less painful cramping. In the case of more modern birth control pills, you might sometimes skip or completely stop your periods.

Another form of hormonal birth control is the Depo-Provera shot, which the doctor administers every three months.

Finally, there’s also the hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that’s used for pregnancy prevention and can also minimize heavy menstrual bleeding. In general, IUDs are effective for anywhere between three and five years. Only a hormonal IUD can have a positive effect on heavy flows; a copper IUD is still very effective for birth control, but it doesn’t affect the bleeding.

Lysteda (Tranexamic Acid)

The antifibrinolytic drug Lysteda is used to minimize heavy menstrual bleeding by stopping the clots from being broken down. This medication is taken only a couple of times a month, but keep in mind that this is not a method of birth control.

Aygestin (Norethindrone)

Aygestin is a medication that contains progestin. It’s often prescribed to women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding. The most common dosage is 5 mg, taken twice a day, from the fifth to the 26th day of the menstrual cycle.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists

If the heavy menstrual flow is caused by uterine fibroids or endometriosis, chances are the doctor will prescribe GnRH agonists to treat the issue temporarily. These meds are typically available as a nasal spray or injectables. However, these meds shouldn’t be taken for longer than three to six months as the side effects such as headaches, bone weakening, and hot flashes could become worse over time.

Surgical Treatment for Heavy Mensural Bleeding

 Gynecologist Consulting Young Female Patient at Hospital Cabinet

 

In case you don’t respond to prescription meds, your symptoms are severe, and some underlying condition is suspected to be the main reason for experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, the following surgical procedures may be suggested:

  • Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that can shrink uterine fibroids, thereby reducing menstrual bleeding as well.
  • Uterine artery embolization is another uterine fibroid treatment that can shrink these growths.
  • Myomectomy is a procedure that eliminates uterine fibroids without actually affecting the uterus, as it can be performed as a laparoscopy.
  • Endometrial ablation uses either radiofrequency, heat, or laser to remove a big part of the uterine lining; but this procedure is not recommended for women in their childbearing years.
  • Endometrial resection is another procedure that removes the uterine lining with a unique wire loop. It is generally not recommended for women in their childbearing years. 
  • Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where the entire uterus is removed. While a hysterectomy often eliminates heavy bleeding it does eliminate the possibility of conceptions.

If you experience unusually heavy periods, the best course of action is to schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN. In many cases, heavy menstrual bleeding is nothing too serious, but it can lead to anemia or other issues if left untreated.

Your healthcare professionals at South Miami OBGYN Associates are available if you have any concerns or questions about your gynecological health. You can trust our experienced experts to provide you with exceptional and tailored care for your particular needs.