Menorrhagia treatment
Menorrhagia treatment is complicated but very significant. Personalized menorrhagia treatment is centered on certain factors, such as:
- Woman’s overall health condition and health history
- The origin and seriousness of the menorrhagia
- Woman’s acceptance of particular medications, medical procedures, and treatments
- The probability of your menstruation getting less intense soon
- Women’s upcoming fertility expectations
- Consequences from the heavy periods that women experienced on their daily routine
- Woman’s personal preferences
Medications for heavy periods
In most cases, women can begin with medications:
- If a woman plans to conceive in the next few months, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aka NSAID, may be a good option. However, NSAIDs are less effective than hormonal treatments in heavy menstrual bleeding.
- If a woman may want to conceive in the future but not so soon, hormonal birth control, an IUD, progestin pills, or a progestin shot could be a good option.
- If a woman has no desire to develop pregnancy in the future, she can safely use any of the medical treatments described above. Hormonal birth control (including IUDs) and antifibrinolytic drugs are probably the most effective medical treatments.
Your doctor will likely recommend treatment with one or more drugs first. If these treatments don’t reduce bleeding enough, surgical treatment may be an option.
The most commonly used medications for menorrhagia are:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NSAIDs group of pharmaceutical drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), help diminish menstrual flow. These medications are also valuable due to their capability to alleviate menstrual cramps.
Tranexamic acid.
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) helps lessen the volume of blood loss during a period and should only be taken at the time of blood loss.
Oral contraceptives.
In addition to giving birth control pills, oral contraceptives can help stabilize menstrual cycles in general (frequency, regularity, blood flow, etc.) and thus reduce the length and frequency of intense or extended menstrual bleeding episodes.
Oral progesterone.
Progesterone can help adjust hormonal discrepancies and diminish menorrhagia. Progestin pills – norethindrone acetate (brand name: Aygestin) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (brand name: Provera) are also an option. Progestin pills are sometimes recommended for people who don’t ovulate regularly. They may be prescribed 5 to 14 days each month or continuously (every day).
Hormonal IUD (Liletta, Mirena).
These IUDs infuse in a woman’s bloodstream a type of progesterone known as levonorgestrel, which thins out the internal lining of the uterus and lowers menstrual flow and constricting.
Suppose a woman is suffering from extreme menstrual bleeding triggered by consuming hormonal pills in most cases. In that case, her physician can manage this medical condition by changing or stopping her daily regimen.
If anemia is due to menstrual bleeding, a physician may advise taking iron supplements repeatedly to keep blood hemoglobin within normal limits. If iron levels are low but not yet anemic, you can start taking iron supplements rather than waiting until you become anemic.
Surgical approaches for menorrhagia treatment.
A woman’s medical condition may require interventional menorrhagia treatment if pharmaceutical treatment is ineffective. The most pervasive types of interventional menorrhagia treatment options are:
Dilation and curettage (D&C).
During dilation and curettage surgeries, the OBGYN practitioner opens (dilates) the cervix of the uterus and then scrapes or vacuums the internal lining of the uterus to lessen the menstrual bleeding. Although this treatment is standard and often effectively deals with acute bleeding, a woman may need further D&C surgeries if heavy periods recur.
Uterine artery embolization.
If fibroids cause menstrual bleeding, uterine artery embolization aims to diminish the uterus fibroid(s) by obstructing the uterine arteries and blocking the uterine blood source. While performing the uterine artery embolization, an OBGYN surgeon injects a catheter through the femoral artery and directs it to the uterine blood vessels.
Focused ultrasound surgery.
Focused ultrasound surgery is similar to uterine artery embolization procedures, and it aims to treat the hemorrhage triggered by fibroids by minimizing the size of fibroids. Focused ultrasound surgery utilizes ultrasound to extinguish fibrous tissues. No cuts and openings are necessary for this technique.
Myomectomy.
The myomectomy method implies the surgical removal of uterine fibroids. Subject to the fibroids’ size, quantity, and position, the OBGYN practitioner may decide to perform myomectomy using open abdominal intervention, through several tiny cuts (laparoscopic), or through the vagina and cervix uteri (hysteroscopy).
Endometrial ablation.
Endometrial ablation obliterates the internal lining of the uterus. This treatment utilizes a laser, radio waves, or heat spread over the endometrium to wipe out the tissues.
After this treatment, women frequently experience noticeably lighter menstrual bleeding. Pregnancy after this treatment, however, may be associated with various problems. If a woman has undergone an endometrial ablation, functional and continuous contraception is advised up until menopause.
Endometrial resection.
During this procedure, a gynecologist utilizes an electrosurgical device as a wire loop to scrape the internal lining of the uterus that produces bleeding. Both endometrial ablation and endometrial resection help women with extremely heavy periods. Pregnancy options after this procedure are questionable and usually not recommended.
Hysterectomy.
A surgical approach that aims to remove the uterus and cervix, aka Hysterectomy, is an irreparable treatment that triggers permanent infertility and ends menstruation. A gynecologist performs this surgery and requires general anesthesia and further hospitalization. Supplementary amputation of the ovaries can begin early menopause.
Many of the interventional practices are accomplished in outpatient facilities. Although, if a woman’s general condition requires general anesthesia, it is expected that she will be able to come back home later in the day. Abdominal myomectomy or hysterectomy, however mandatory, requires a post-surgery hospital stay for observation.
When excessive menstrual bleeding is a symptom of an underlying medical ailment, such as thyroid disorder, adrenal deficiency, etc., appropriate management of the primary disease frequently results in a decline in blood loss.
What is menorrhagia?
The definition of menorrhagia is pretty straightforward. Menorrhagia means excessive menstrual bleeding. Even though heavy periods are a widespread medical condition, most women do not encounter so severe blood loss that it can be labeled as menstrual bleeding.
Women who experience excessive menstrual bleeding cannot carry out typical daily routines because of the enormous blood loss often associated with severe menstrual cramps. There are many effective treatments for menorrhagia. This condition shouldn’t be left alone. Talk to your OBGYN if you believe you are losing too much blood.
What causes heavy periods?
At some point in the menstrual cycle, if an ovum is not inseminated, the inside layer of the uterus leaves the uterus while bleeding. This is called a period.
Some hormonal instabilities or diseases of endocrine glands that affect the ovaries and uterus can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding. Those hormonal issues are the major causes of heavy periods.
Other illnesses or bleeding disorders such as Hemophilia A and B, Factor II, V, VII, X, or XII deficiencies, and Von Willebrand’s disease can also become the causes of heavy periods.
Some types of disproportion between estrogen and progesterone frequently refer to causes of heavy periods.
Uterus conditions that may cause heavy periods are:
- Fibroids (non-cancerous)
- Tumors (malignant or benign)
- Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
- The use of an intrauterine device (IUD)
Further medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, kidney and liver disorders, malignancy, or blood illnesses can also cause heavy periods.
While sometimes the causes of heavy periods are unidentified, the most frequent causes of menorrhagia can be categorized as follows:
Hormonal imbalance.
For the duration of a regular menstrual cycle, stability between the estrogen and progesterone hormones regulates the progress of the uterus lining, which is coming off during menstruation. If there is a hormonal imbalance, the lining of the uterus develops excessively and is eventually rejected by heavy menstrual bleeding.
Some other medical conditions can cause hormonal disparities, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, overweight, insulin resistance, and hyper and hypothyroid disorders.
Ovarian dysfunction.
If ovaries do not release an ovum during a menstrual cycle, which usually happens in the case of PCOS, a woman’s reproductive system does not generate progesterone as it would for the duration of a regular menstrual cycle. Lack of progesterone deficiency increases hormonal discrepancy and can develop in menorrhagia.
Uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are benign uterus tumor that develops throughout the maternity phase. This condition can cause menstrual bleeding that is stronger than average or lengthier.
Polyps.
Polyps are small, non-threatening tumors in the uterus lining that can trigger severe or prolonged bleeding periods.
Adenomyosis.
Adenomyosis is the condition that arises when the endometrial secretors invade the muscles of the wall of the uterus, frequently triggering heavy and aching periods.
Intrauterine device (IUD).
Extremely severe menstrual bleeding is a recognized side effect of non-hormonal contraceptive intrauterine devices. OBGYN practitioners can help to plan other treatment alternatives.
Complications of pregnancy.
A single, profuse, delayed period may result from a pregnancy loss. One more cause of intense bleeding during pregnancy involves an abnormal placenta positioning, aka placenta previa.
Cancer.
Uterine and cervical cancer can trigger extreme menstrual bleeding, especially if a woman is postmenopausal or has had an atypical Pap smear.
Hereditary bleeding disorders.
Some bleeding conditions, such as Von Willebrand syndrome, can trigger abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Medicines.
Several pharmaceutical drugs, including anti-inflammatory medicines, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and anticoagulants such as warfarin or enoxaparin, can lead to intense or protracted menstrual bleeding.
Menorrhagia symptoms
Menorrhagia symptoms don’t cause any confusion. It’s all about heavy bleeding during a period. Often, however, the signs of menorrhagia may be comparable to signs of other medical ailments.
The most common menorrhagia symptoms are:
- The necessity to use one or more hygienic pads or tampons every hour for more than a few consecutive hours
- The necessity to use doubled-up hygienic pads to control blood flow
- The necessity to wake up two or more times to change sanitary pads during the night
- Bleeding that lasts longer than a week – some ladies call it a constant period
- Discharging of blood clots that are larger than a quarter in size
- The necessity to limit regular performances due to severe bleeding that is frequently combined with crams
- Signs of anemia, such as tiredness, weakness, drowsiness, chilliness, or shortness of breath
The differential diagnosis for menorrhagia
OBGYN practitioners will almost certainly inquire about your medical history. Also, OBGYN may recommend keeping a diary of the days with bleeding and the days without bleeding, as well as records of how severe the discharge was and what sanitation actions were necessary to keep it under control.
OBGYN practitioner will carry out a physical examination and may suggest one or more exams or procedures, such as:
- Blood tests.
- Pap smear.
- Endometrial biopsy.
- Ultrasonic
- Sonohysterography
- Hysteroscopy
Natural treatment for menorrhagia
When serious issues such as cancer, miscarriage, etc., are ruled out, natural balancing of hormones becomes the most effective and safe approach. Let’s discuss.
Heavy period diet – an essential part of any menorrhagia treatment
Blood glucose increase is commonly linked to increased hormonal signs such as premenstrual syndrome and crampy periods. This happens because the body identifies frequent rise and fall in blood glucose levels as anxiety, pressure, and stress. The food you consume also impacts the intensity of gut irritation, which is believed to be traumatic for your body.
A straightforward whole-food nutrition regimen without provocative or processed foods, for example, the Mediterranean diet, can help diminish severe menstrual bleeding. Eating whole food reduces the causes of hormonal disparities by improving your gut well-being, lowering inflammation, and maintaining your blood glucose stable.
Home remedies for heavy periods – the most common menorrhagia treatment
Additionally to taking traditional treatment recommended by your physician, several home remedies for heavy periods can help lessen symptoms and alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding. Systematic analyses have shown that women can normalize heavy menstrual bleeding using home remedies and everyday routine modifications such as altering diet and workout regimes.
Some ladies also use other home remedies for heavy periods, for example, the consumption of turmeric and pineapple, even though there is no exact evidence that these approaches are successful.
This section of the article illustrates the use of home remedies for heavy periods and their effectiveness in healing heavy menstrual bleeding.
Reduce stress
Scientists suggest that raised levels of emotional tension are linked to heavy menstrual bleeding.
Finding ways to reduce stress levels can help females to manage their menstrual cycle consistency, stability, and quality. Escaping from stressful circumstances and coping with family or the environment can help.
When pressure and anxiety cannot be averted, participate in events that limit the influence of stress on your body.
Meditation
Meditation is a simple and affordable approach to lessen anxiety and pressure at home or at the workplace. Since chronic stress triggers heavy periods, reducing the stress level can lessen the amount of blood loss.
Researchers indicate that meditation can alleviate various negative consequences of chronic stress.
Bring your weight to normal as a part of menorrhagia treatment
Variations in body weight can impact a woman’s menstrual cycle.
For example, insufficient nutrition in a woman’s diet may cause periods to become sporadic or even stop altogether. The woman’s body demands some fat to produce hormones that control the menstrual cycle, so gaining weight if you are too skinny may improve your cycle.
Correspondingly, being obese can cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Losing weight can make a female’s menstrual bleeding more controllable.
Maintaining a healthy balance between height and weight is vital for women’s well-being.
Acupuncture for heavy periods – an ancient Chinese natural menorrhagia treatment
Acupuncture, as a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an old oriental treatment that proved highly useful in different conditions of a woman’s reproductive system, including heavy period treatment. TCM has been helping to control female periods for over 2,500 years. Heavy menstrual bleeding is frequently found in early perimenopause when hormone quantities vary, progesterone amounts decline, and estrogen concentrations grow. Acupuncture fixes additional estrogen that triggers heavy periods.
Homeopathic remedies for heavy periods – the #1 natural menorrhagia treatment
Homeopathic menorrhagia treatment is useful, highly effective, and safe. Homeopathic remedies for heavy periods are recommended during menstruation based on “like cures like.” Homeopathic remedies for heavy periods can cure many females suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding. To ensure that a female gets appropriate homeopathic treatment, there are some key aspects to consider. The number one thing to observe is the color of menstrual blood. It could be
- light red,
- pale,
- dark, or
- brown/black.
The second important criterion of menstrual bleeding is the fluidity of the blood
- Blood contains fluid,
- Blood contains mainly clots or
- Blood contains fluid and clots.
Another characteristic to consider is whether the blood flow is dripping, spraying, or something else or whether there is hemorrhaging coupled with pain. These are essential things to consider before proposing homeopathic remedies for heavy periods. The homeopathic doctor will also ask about supplementary signs such as sickness, vomiting, diarrhea or unformed stool, and headaches or migraines associated with periods to choose homeopathic remedies for heavy periods correctly.
The most popular homeopathic remedies for heavy periods are:
Premenstrual problems such as swelling of one or both limbs, water retention, and bloating frequently suggest the need for this homeopathic medication. The female may be experiencing uncomfortable and clumsy feelings and keep dropping objects because her hands feel inflamed and swollen. Looseness of the bowels that occurs around the time of menses indicates this homeopathic remedy.
PMS with drowsiness, nervousness, and exhaustion indicate the need for this Calcarea Carbonica. The female may experience water retention, weight gain, sensitive breasts, upset stomach, and headaches. The menstrual bleeding frequently starts ahead of time and lasts for too long, from time to time, with a flow of vivid reddish blood. General trembling with sweaty hands and feet and desires for desserts and eggs are additional signs of Calcarea.
Females needing this homeopathic remedy are typically robust and need a remarkable physical and emotional opening. Signs of PMS in those women incorporate congestion, migraines, hot flashes, and noticeable bad temper, frequently with intense feelings of skepticism or possessiveness. When the menstrual bleeding starts, a woman becomes more sensitive and aggressive. Also, women who would benefit from Lachesis experience intolerance to tied apparel, especially around the waist or neck. These women will never wear sweaters with turtlenecks or any choking jewelry.
Pre-menstrual syndrome with cravings for sweets indicates the need for Lycopodium. An upset stomach with gas bloating is frequently noticed. These women commonly feel worse in the second part of the day, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Periods may be delayed, followed by heavy bleeding that lasts a few more days. In need of this homeopathic remedy, women frequently appear concerned about something and experience a lack of confidence. However, these ladies can be grouchy and domineering around family members. The wish to be alone but with somebody in the same apartment or house is another hint for Lycopodium.
The woman who would benefit from Natrum muriaticum typically seems shy to others, but she is passionate and sensitive. Those ladies may experience severe unhappiness and feel lonesome. Depression, rage over modest things, and the need to be isolated from crying are often noticed when the Natrum Muriaticum is required. Menstrual difficulties can accompany migraines or back pain, which improves when lying on something hard or pressing a complex object into a sore spot. Salt hunger, intense thirst, and a tendency to worsen after sun exposure are other indications for this remedy.
This drug can be helpful for many conditions related to hormonal changes and is often helpful for girls who have recently started their period. PMS is typical of irritability, moodiness, and tearfulness. Your menstrual bleeding may be delayed or stopped if you feel sick, nauseous, and weak. Too much heat or shortness of breath worsens the situation, and fresh air can bring relief. Menstruation’s timing, amount, and nature vary, as does a woman’s mood when Pulsatilla is the remedy. A woman is usually emotional and needy. She needs a lot of attention and comfort.
Indications for this remedy include severe premenstrual irritability (which causes other people to “walk on the balls”) and cramping pains with sinking sensations during menstruation. A woman may feel as if her uterus is being pushed out and need to sit or cross her legs. Women of this type will likely be worse from solid emotions or excitement and better in the open air.
This remedy may be indicated when a woman has an irregular period with constricting pain extending to the rectum or the area above the tailbone. Women tend to be impatient, irritable, and easily offended. Colds and constipation are also common. Mental tension, anger, physical exertion, stimulants, pungent foods, and alcohol can worsen matters. Heat and rest often help.
This remedy alleviates severe and painful menstruations with dark red clots and pain that radiates to the thighs.
Indications for this remedy are painful, delayed, or suppressed menstruation, sometimes with a feeling that the pelvic floor is weak or the uterus is sagging. The woman may feel irritable and sad, lose interest in marital and family relationships for the time being, and wish to be left alone. Dampness, sweating, and housework can make symptoms worse. Warmth and movement, especially dance, often brighten a woman’s gaze and restore some energy.
Menstrual bleeding with heavy flow and cramps, along with feeling tired and weary, cold, and even vomiting and diarrhea, are indications for the use of this remedy. Your periods can start too early and last too long. Discomfort is often worse at night and even in wet, cold weather. Hot drinks, exercise, or bowel movements can make the situation worse. Relief will come from small meals, cold drinks, and wrapping yourself in warm clothes or blankets.
In addition to our clinical experience in treating menorrhagia, extensive research in Germany and the UK has confirmed the use of homeopathic remedies for heavy periods. Safe, simple, and natural homeopathy is especially beneficial for women because it is the only medical system that understands the emotional and psychological support critical to recovery. Gentle yet effective, it offers a painless and long-lasting solution to any menstrual problem.
Natural Menorrhagia Treatment in Philadelphia
If you are one of those women who suffer from chronic heavy periods and need natural help to manage the excessive bleeding and avoid complications like fatigue, pain, anemia, etc., contact Philadelphia Holistic Clinic (267) 284- 3085 and schedule a holistic assessment with Dr. Tsan In the clinic, we have various specialists who would help you get rid of this problem and possibly cure you once and for all. Our clinic is universal, and we offer all forms of holistic treatments in one place. Scan the QR code below to book your appointment.