Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, are a common issue experienced by many women, characterised by excessive menstrual bleeding that can interfere with daily life. While it’s normal for period flow to vary from woman to woman, heavy periods can cause discomfort, fatigue, and even affect your overall well-being. Fortunately, there are ways to manage and treat heavy periods effectively.

What Are Heavy Periods?

Heavy periods involve menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than usual or produces a higher volume of blood. Women with menorrhagia may find they need to change their sanitary products frequently (every one to two hours), experience periods lasting more than seven days, or pass large blood clots. Heavy periods can also lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Causes of Heavy Periods

There are several possible causes of heavy periods, ranging from hormonal imbalances to underlying medical conditions. Some common causes include:

Hormonal Imbalances: An imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone can lead to a thickened uterine lining, causing heavier menstrual bleeding.

Fibroids or Polyps: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps, can cause heavier or prolonged periods.

Endometriosis: This condition occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, leading to painful and heavy periods.

Adenomyosis: In this condition, the uterine lining breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus, causing heavy bleeding and pain.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs can lead to irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Blood Clotting Disorders: Some women have underlying clotting disorders that can make periods heavier.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Non-hormonal IUDs, particularly copper ones, can cause heavier periods as a side effect.

Perimenopause: As women approach menopause, hormonal changes can result in irregular and sometimes heavier periods.

Symptoms of Heavy Periods

Aside from prolonged and excessive menstrual bleeding, heavy periods may come with other symptoms, including:

• The need to change sanitary products every one to two hours
• Passing large blood clots during menstruation
• Periods lasting longer than seven days
• Feeling fatigued or breathless (due to anaemia)
• Pain or cramping during periods (dysmenorrhoea)

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience heavy periods regularly, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional, especially if it impacts your daily life or leads to symptoms such as dizziness or extreme fatigue. It’s also essential to see a doctor if you’re passing large blood clots or your periods suddenly become heavier than normal. A healthcare provider can help identify the cause of your heavy periods and recommend appropriate treatments.

Treatment Options for Heavy Periods

There are several treatment options available for managing heavy periods, depending on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Some common treatments include:

1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen can help reduce blood flow and alleviate period pain.
2. Hormonal Contraceptives: Birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and other hormonal contraceptives can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce bleeding, and help with painful periods.
3. Tranexamic Acid: This medication helps reduce menstrual blood loss by assisting with blood clotting and can be taken during periods to lessen the flow.
4. Iron Supplements: If heavy periods are causing iron-deficiency anaemia, your doctor may recommend taking iron supplements to manage the condition.
5. Endometrial Ablation: This surgical procedure removes or destroys the lining of the uterus, reducing or stopping menstrual bleeding.
6. Uterine Fibroid Embolisation: If fibroids are the cause of heavy bleeding, this procedure shrinks the fibroids by cutting off their blood supply.
7. Hysterectomy: In severe cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended as a permanent solution to heavy periods. This is usually considered when other treatments have not been effective.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes and home remedies can help manage heavy periods:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamin C to help prevent anaemia and support overall health.
• Stay hydrated to help your body cope with blood loss.
• Use a heating pad to relieve cramps and discomfort during your period.
• Track your menstrual cycle to identify any patterns and help your doctor assess your condition.

Take Back Control of Your Menstrual Health

Heavy periods can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, but there are effective treatments and management strategies available. If you’re struggling with menorrhagia, it’s important to seek medical advice to understand the underlying cause and find the most appropriate treatment for your condition. With the right support, you can regain control over your menstrual health and improve your overall well-being.

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