Also known as menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem among women. In fact, about one-third of women seek treatment for it. Heavy menstrual bleeding can interfere with a woman’s lifestyle and lead to pain and anemia, which occurs when the blood doesn’t have enough healthy blood cells.
How To Combat Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that heavy bleeding is defined by the need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger. If you are living with heavy menstrual bleeding, know that there are ways you can effectively treat this condition and improve your quality of life. Here at Raleigh OB/GYN Centre, we recommend the following treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding.
1. Diet
When experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, taking a look at your diet is a good place to start. Drinking a lot of water, along with eating a diet high in iron and vitamin C, may help keep heavy periods and associated symptoms at bay. Some foods high in iron and vitamin C to consider adding to your diet include brussel sprouts, broccoli, strawberries, lean beef, beans, tofu, and spinach. Additionally, try drinking an additional 4 to 6 extra cups of water each day when dealing with increased blood loss through menstruation.
2. Medications
Oral contraceptive medications, as well as hormonal IUDs and pills, may reduce bleeding. They work by restoring the correct balance of hormones and making periods more regular. Birth control methods may include the pill, patches, rings, or a birth control shot. Other medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, can improve menstrual cramps and reduce blood loss.
3. Fibroid Removal
If your heavy menstrual bleeding is the result of fibroids, your issue can be treated by shrinking them. There are a number of fibroid removal procedures we may suggest, including a surgical procedure known as myomectomy or uterine artery embolization.
4. Endometrial Removal
Endometrial removal involves removing or thinning the endometrial lining to alleviate heavy bleeding. If we determine that an endometrial removal such as endometrial ablation or endometrial resection tissue removal is right for you, you should not become pregnant.
5. Dilation and Curettage
Dilation and curettage, or D&C, removes tissue from the uterine lining in order to reduce menstrual bleeding. In a D&C, the cervix is opened, and special tools are used to scrape or suction the tissue. You may require multiple D&C treatments if your heavy bleeding reoccurs.
6. Hysterectomy
If you do not have the desire to get pregnant and your heavy menstrual bleeding persists, a hysterectomy may be an option. A hysterectomy completely stops your menstrual cycles and prevents you from being able to conceive a child.
7. Exercise
Although working out during your period may be the last thing on your mind, getting your body moving can help with menorrhagia. The exercise does not have to be strenuous— yoga, walking, and pilates are all great options. Ensure you are hydrating to replace the water lost during exercise.
Here at Raleigh OB/GYN, prior to designing a treatment plan for you, we will take a number of factors into consideration. These factors include your medical history and overall health, the cause of your heavy menstrual bleeding, your tolerance for certain medications and procedures, how the condition affects your lifestyle, and your future childbearing plans. Our women’s health team understands how uncomfortable it can be to live with heavy menstrual bleeding. Therefore, we are committed to helping each and every patient with this condition find the relief they deserve. If you are facing menorrhagia, call us at (919) 636-3712 or schedule an appointment at our office today.
