Managing Heavy Periods: Causes, Treatments, and Relief

1 Big Thing: Heavy periods, or menorrhagia, can disrupt daily life and signal underlying health issues.

Why it matters: Understanding and managing heavy menstrual bleeding is crucial for women's health and well-being.

Between the lines: Many women endure heavy periods, thinking it's normal, but effective treatments are available.

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Understanding Heavy Periods

Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, involves losing more than 80 milliliters of blood per cycle. Signs include soaking through sanitary products every 1-2 hours, passing large blood clots, and bleeding longer than seven days. This can lead to fatigue, anemia, and lifestyle disruptions.

Common Causes

Heavy periods can result from various factors, including:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Excess estrogen or insufficient progesterone can thicken the uterine lining, causing heavier bleeding.
• Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus can increase menstrual flow.
• Polyps: Small benign growths on the uterine lining may cause heavy or prolonged bleeding.
• Adenomyosis: Uterine lining tissue breaking into the uterine muscle can lead to heavy periods.
• Bleeding Disorders: Conditions like von Willebrand disease affect blood clotting and can increase menstrual flow.

Management Strategies

Addressing heavy periods involves various approaches:

• Medical Treatments:
  • Tranexamic Acid: A non-hormonal medication that reduces bleeding by up to 60% when taken during menstruation.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen can lessen blood loss and alleviate cramps.
  • Hormonal Therapies: Options include oral contraceptives, hormonal IUDs, or progesterone therapies to regulate menstrual cycles.
• Lifestyle Adjustments:
  • Diet: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in iron can help prevent anemia.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity may help regulate menstrual cycles.
  • Stress Management: Techniques like yoga or meditation can positively impact hormonal balance.
• Surgical Options:
  • Endometrial Ablation: A procedure that removes the uterine lining to reduce or stop bleeding.
  • Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus.
  • Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus; considered a last resort.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

If heavy periods interfere with your daily life, cause significant discomfort, or lead to symptoms of anemia (like fatigue or shortness of breath), seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatments.

Read the guide: The Smart Woman’s Guide to Lighter Periods

Health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem, can severely impact your overall well-being and quality of life. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns about a specific health condition, remember that timely and expert advice is key. Navigating healthcare can be challenging, but finding the right primary care physician shouldn't be. Whether you're seeking medical advice, a prescription, or care, immediate access to expert primary care is just a button away. Don’t leave your health to chance—consult a Well Revolution primary care provider today for peace of mind and professional care.

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