A number of options exist for women who want relief from heavy menstrual flow.
Menorrhagia describes an unusually heavy blood flow that some women experience during their menstrual period. Menorrhagia can be caused by a number of factors, including abnormalities or a blood condition that affects multiple bodily systems. Not all women have menorrhagia but still may consider their menstrual bleeding significantly heavy. For slightly heavier bleeder, a variety of options are available to slow down the flow of a period. Solutions ranging from birth control methods to changing your eating habits can provide relief and be discussed by you and your physician.
Instructions
Birth Control
1. Research different forms of birth control using local health care clinics, the Internet or library. Oral contraceptives, injections or implanted devices offer beneficial effects of lighter periods. Pamphlets from local health care clinics can pinpoint oral contraceptives, injections or implants that patients often choose locally. Oral contraceptives contain synthetic and progesterone and estrogen factors. Oral contraception discontinues ovulation. Taking birth control pills will thicken the cervical mucus. Fertilization of the egg stops due to the hormones in oral contraceptives. Implants and birth control injections also stop ovulation and thicken the cervical mucous to prevent pregnancy.
2. Ask your physician if an oral contraceptive, injection or implant is right for you. A woman's health determines if these forms of birth control will be harmful. Tell your doctor about any history or current diagnosis of heart health, asthma, smoking or alcohol use, or medications you are on.
3. Contact your health insurance company to see if they will cover the birth control method you and your doctor choose. Many insurance companies will cover only generic equivalents of brand-name medications.
Other Remedies
4. Ask your physician about medications, vitamins or minerals that have helped others lighten their periods. Medications such as tranexamic acid and mefenamic acid are usually prescribed to reduce menstrual cramps but can alleviate heavy bleeding due to the effects they have on blood clotting. Vitamins and minerals such as A, B, C, iron and zinc have decreased menstrual blood flow. These vitamins and minerals assist the body in performing specific tasks which can include blood clotting, hormone balance or cell production. According to Taruna Oils, heavy menstrual bleeding can be caused by the deficiency of some of these vitamins and minerals.
5. Ask your physician if you should undergo tests to make sure you do not have serious problems such as uterine growths, fibrous areas or polyps. A physician may recommend surgical procedures to remove these, which can be culprits for heavy menstrual flow. A hysterectomy or endometrial ablation may be recommended by your physician for larger growths, fibrous areas or polyps.
6. Consider remedies that do not cost money and may increase overall health. Exercise, healthy eating and abstain from smoking all contribute to overall well-being. Sometimes a poorly maintained body system will react in a variety of ways, including heavier bleeding.
Tags: birth control, your physician, heavy menstrual, areas polyps, blood clotting