There are several ways to help manage heavy bleeding. One common option is taking medication to reduce the flow. Herbal remedies may also be used in some cases. The choice of treatment depends on the cause of the heavy bleeding. Therefore, it’s important to see a gynaecologist first.
Main Causes of Heavy Periods:
Many women experience heavy periods, or menorrhagia, which can cause physical discomfort and interfere with daily activities.
Heavy periods may be caused by physical issues such as polyps, growths in the cervical area, or tumours. It’s also important to consider the structure of the uterus, as developmental abnormalities or hereditary traits can contribute to heavy bleeding.
Hormonal imbalances, influenced by factors such as medications or thyroid problems, are another common cause. Additionally, tumours in the ovaries or uterus, as well as various infections, can lead to increased bleeding
Impact of Hormonal Changes on Periods
Hormones play a key role in managing the menstrual cycle. Estrogen controls the uterine lining, which sheds during each period. Low estrogen levels can lead to heavy bleeding.
Progesterone helps protect a fertilized egg and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone can cause long and heavy periods, leading to anemia and other health issues.
What Causes Heavy Bleeding?
Heavy periods can be caused by:
- Thyroid problems
- Schechter’s disease, which leads to discomfort and heavy bleeding
- Uterine fibroids
How to Treat Heavy Periods?
If a hormonal imbalance is causing heavy bleeding, medications can help alleviate symptoms. Iron supplements might also be needed.
In cases of uterine defects, surgery may be necessary, including ablation, ligation, or suturing.
Medication: Medication is an effective way to stop bleeding and prevent further complications. Options include:
- Progesterone medications, available as tablets or injections
- Combined medications containing estrogen and progesterone to reduce bleeding duration and volume
- Prostaglandin analogs
The pros and cons of drug therapy are listed in the table below.
| Benefits of taking medications | Disadvantages of treatment |
| high efficiency | the occurrence of digestive disorders, fatigue, nausea when taking certain medications; |
| low number of side effects; | the presence of a number of contraindications to the prescription of drug therapy; |
| Ease of use | restrictions on the use of certain medications during breastfeeding and while expecting a baby |
| availability of drugs | |
| reducing the risk of neoplasms in the uterine cavity |
Medicines that help with menorrhagia
For heavy menstruation, the following treatments may be recommended:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: These help relieve pain and reduce bleeding by lowering prostaglandin activity, which affects bleeding intensity.
- Tranexamic acid: This medication improves blood clotting, reducing the risk of blood clots.
- Combined contraceptives: Patches and rings containing progesterone and estrogen help reduce menstrual pain and shorten bleeding duration.
- Progesterone medications: Duphaston, for example, prevents additional changes in the uterine lining and reduces prolonged bleeding.
For patients experiencing heavy bleeding after a curettage or abortion, a tincture of water pepper may be prescribed. This helps restore the tone of the uterine walls and increase blood clotting.
Hormonal Medications
When choosing hormonal medications, consider the patient’s overall health, age, and the cause of menstrual irregularities. For the best results, these medications should be taken for several months, followed by a break. In some cases, treatments like the IMA method or the Mirena coil may be used.
Surgical Intervention
If conservative treatments don’t work, surgery might be necessary. The main surgical treatment is hysteroscopic resection of the endometrium, where a hysteroscope (a thin tube with a video camera) is used to remove the affected layer of the uterine lining.
Another method, endometrial ablation, uses high-frequency current to reduce menstrual bleeding intensity
When is Surgery Needed for Menorrhagia
Surgery may be recommended for heavy periods that cause weakness and anaemia, or if the bleeding is due to tumours in the uterine area. Surgery can improve the patient’s quality of life and prevent further bleeding.
Surgical Treatments
- Tissue Freezing: Cryocoagulation uses liquid nitrogen to narrow blood vessels and stop bleeding.
- Electrocoagulation: Uses electric current to treat prolonged bleeding.
- Laparoscopy: Allows the doctor to examine tissues in detail.
Traditional Treatments for Menorrhagia
Heavy periods can be managed with traditional methods, including:
- Drinking green tea, which helps relieve cramps and can improve menstrual flow.
- Herbal teas from plantain, chamomile, lemon balm, and thyme.
- Abdominal massage, focusing on the lower abdomen, lower back, and sacrum, to improve blood circulation and reduce discomfort.
Effective Folk Remedies
- Red Brush Decoction: Grind the roots, add 1 tbsp of the plant to 200 ml boiling water, and drink twice daily.
- Ginger Tea: Helps reduce bleeding duration.
- Glandular Root: Reduces menstrual flow by constricting blood vessels.
- Blueberry: Reduces inflammation and bleeding with anthocyanins.
- Boron Uterus Tincture: 50 grams of the herb in 450 ml vodka, infused for 2 weeks. Take 1 tsp three times daily.
Herbal Mix for Heavy Bleeding
- Shepherd’s Purse: Mix with valerian, mistletoe, and knotweed. Add 1 tbsp of each to 500 ml boiling water, let steep for 25 minutes, then boil again. Drink 50-100 ml twice daily.
- Yarrow Mix: Combine 1 tbsp yarrow, 1/2 tbsp oak bark, 1 tbsp shepherd’s purse, and 1 tbsp Potentilla roots. Boil, strain, and drink 30-50 ml on an empty stomach to reduce bleeding.
Nettle-Based Treatments
- Boil 1 tbsp nettle and shepherd’s purse in 0.25 liters water for 15 minutes, strain, and drink 100 ml twice daily.
- Mix nettle, shepherd’s purse, yarrow, and knotweed. Add 50 grams to 350 ml hot water, and drink 30 ml 3-4 times daily.
- Steam equal parts knotweed, horsetail, cinquefoil, and nettle in 200 ml boiling water. Let sit for 40-50 minutes, strain, and drink 75 ml three times daily.
- Pure Nettle Juice: Grind nettle leaves, take 1-2 tsp of the juice three times daily. Add honey to improve taste.
Prevention
- Monitor your hormonal health by maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet.
- Use menstrual hygiene products correctly to prevent infections.
- Heavy periods can signal conditions like endometriosis or uterine tumors. If bleeding lasts over a week or is too intense, see a specialist immediately.