Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, can be a distressing and disruptive experience for some women. Menorrhagia is characterized by excessive or prolonged menstrual blood flow, leading to a significant impact on daily activities and quality of life. If you find yourself dealing with too much menstrual blood, there are various strategies and treatments available to help manage this condition effectively. In this article, we will explore tips and coping mechanisms to deal with heavy menstrual bleeding, along with references to reliable sources.

• Keep a Menstrual Diary:

Maintaining a menstrual diary can be beneficial in tracking the pattern and severity of your menstrual flow. Record the start and end dates of your periods, along with the level of flow and any symptoms you experience. This information can help identify patterns or triggers for heavy bleeding, providing valuable insights for discussions with healthcare providers.

• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress are essential for overall health and may positively influence menstrual flow. A nutritious diet rich in iron, vitamins, and minerals can help combat the effects of heavy bleeding and prevent anemia. Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or meditation, can also have a positive impact on hormone balance and menstrual health.

• Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate menstrual cramps and reduce inflammation, which might contribute to heavy bleeding. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide relief during menstruation, but consult with your healthcare provider to ensure they are suitable for you.

• Try Herbal Remedies:

Some herbal remedies, such as ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon, are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce menstrual bleeding. However, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and safety. If you are considering herbal remedies, consult with a healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions with other medications.

• Use Menstrual Products Strategically:

Choosing the right menstrual products can make a difference in managing heavy bleeding. Super-absorbent pads (like Nona Woman’s organic overnight pads (33 cm)) or tampons may be more suitable for heavy flow days. Menstrual cups, which can hold more blood than traditional tampons or pads, are another option to consider. Make sure to change your menstrual products regularly to maintain proper hygiene and prevent infections.

• Hormonal Birth Control:

Hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives, hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), and contraceptive patches, can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual flow. These methods work by stabilizing hormone levels, leading to lighter and more predictable periods. Discuss with your healthcare provider to find the most suitable hormonal option for you.

• Iron Supplements:

Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia due to the loss of blood and iron during menstruation. If you have menorrhagia and experience symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and weakness, your healthcare provider may recommend iron supplements to replenish iron stores.

• Medical Interventions:

If conservative measures and lifestyle changes do not provide relief, medical interventions may be necessary. Your healthcare provider may recommend treatments such as endometrial ablation, a procedure that reduces or eliminates the uterine lining to reduce bleeding. In more severe cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) might be considered as a last resort.

Dealing with too much menstrual blood can be challenging, but there are numerous strategies and treatments available to manage heavy menstrual bleeding effectively. Keeping a menstrual diary, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, considering over-the-counter pain relief, trying herbal remedies, using appropriate menstrual products, exploring hormonal birth control, and considering iron supplements are all potential avenues for managing heavy menstrual flow. If conservative measures do not provide relief, medical interventions might be necessary, so it is essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns.

References:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 128: Diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive-aged women. Obstet Gynecol. 2012;120(1):197-206.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Assessment and Management. Clinical Guideline CG44. Updated September 2018.
• National Women's Health Network. Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding). https://www.nwhn.org/menorrhagia-heavy-menstrual-bleeding/. Accessed October 2021.
• Office on Women's Health. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/period-problems/heavy-menstrual-bleeding. Accessed October 2021.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 110: Noncontraceptive uses of hormonal contraceptives. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115(1):206-218.
• Mayo Clinic. Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352829. Accessed October 2021.