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Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding can cause you to rearrange your schedule around your period or take you away from participating in favorite activities, forcing you to cope with the pain and fatigue that heavy periods can sometimes cause. Are You Sure it's Heavy Bleeding?When it comes to menstrual flow, what constitutes heavy can be hard to quantify. If you soak a pad an hour for 2 hours in a row, that's heavy bleeding.If you have to get up several times during the night to change pads because you're bleeding too much, that's also considered heavy bleeding. Those are a couple barometers to use. Any change in menstrual bleeding, even if it's a gradual change, should be brought to your doctors attention. Get Your Iron Levels CheckedHeavy menstrual bleeding can cause iron deficiency. Then also, the opposite is true. Iron deficiency can cause heavier than normal menstrual bleeding, creating a vicious circle that needs to be stopped. Iron deficiency is easy to detect and treat. If you have heavy bleeding and you feel especially tired and weak with shortness of breath or trouble concentrating, see your doctor.If you're truly anemic, your doctor may initially prescribe large amounts of iron in the form of ferrous sulfate. Iron succinate or iron fumarate is a readily absorbed form that helps avoid stomach aches and constipation. Also, the supplements may contain nutrients to help rebuild the blood such as vitamins B6, B12, folic acid, riboflavin, copper, vitamin C, and protein. Consider Getting Your Thyroid CheckedA messed up thyroid can trigger heavy menstrual bleeding and irregular cycles. Fatigue, cold hands and feet, and dry skin are symptoms of thyroid problems. A thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test may be a good idea because iron deficiency interferes with proper thyroid function. The major hormone thyroxine in the thyroid is activated by the iodine in iron. Correcting an iron deficiency may also help fix your thyroid problems.Herbs for Heavy Menstrual BleedingThe following herbs for menopause help with heavy bleeding.Yarrow Yarrow contains compounds that constrict blood vessels called tannins. Yarrow is usually very helpful for excessive menstrual bleeding. Taking Yarrow several days before your menstrual cycle begins, this herb serves to lessen the flow and prevent the problem cyclic hemorrhaging. Menstrual flow can be reduced if taken during a heavy period. You can take up to three cups of tea a day to help with heavy menstrual bleeding. Red Raspberry Leaf Considered a uterine tonic, red raspberry leaf helps the uterus to contract fully when it needs to, or fully relaxing when that's necessary also. Red raspberry leaf is commonly used during pregnancy preparing the uterus for labor. To help with mentrual pain, cramps, and heavy flow, drink one or two cups a day throughout the month. Dang Gui Dang Gui is a classic blood tonic used to restore balance in a woman's reproductive system by toning the muscle tissue of the uterus, nourishing blood, and stimulating healthy circulation. Best to not use this tonic during bleeding. Use during the middle of the month or between periods, since it is a uterine stimulant and can increase bleeding if taken during menstruation. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding to What is Menopause What is Menopause to BHRT-Resource Home
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