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Monday, 29 September, 2025
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a condition that affects millions of women worldwide, and in India, it's more common than many realise. Also called menorrhagia, this medical concern can turn a monthly cycle into a troubling, life-affecting ordeal. Let’s dive into causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and the most effective heavy menstrual bleeding treatment, all while making the content engaging, informative, and easy to follow.
What Is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
Heavy menstrual bleeding (also called menorrhagia) refers to prolonged or excessive menstrual blood loss. Medically, it's defined as losing more than 80 ml of blood per cycle or having periods that last longer than 7 days. However, for many women, the real sign is when bleeding disrupts their daily lives, needing to change pads or tampons every hour, avoiding travel, or experiencing extreme fatigue.
Symptoms of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Recognising the menorrhagia symptoms early can help you take the right steps.
Common signs include:
- Bleeding lasting more than 7 days
- Needing to change pads/tampons every 1–2 hours
- Passing large blood clots (larger than a coin)
- Feeling tired, weak, or short of breath
- Waking up at night to change protection
If you experience any of these, it may be time to investigate further.
Common Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
There are several causes of heavy bleeding during periods, and identifying the root cause is essential for proper treatment.
1. Hormonal Imbalances
Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can thicken the uterine lining, leading to heavy bleeding during the period. This is often linked with broader hormonal imbalance symptoms in women.
2. Uterine Fibroids or Polyps
Non-cancerous growths often cause heavy periods with blood clots and irregular bleeding.
3. Adenomyosis
This condition thickens the uterine wall and causes intense cramps with heavy periods after 40 with clots.
4. Bleeding Disorders
Undiagnosed conditions like von Willebrand disease may require heavy bleeding tablets or more advanced care.
5. Medications
Pelvic inflammatory disease or endometritis can contribute to homoeopathic medicine for heavy bleeding during periods, being considered as an alternative supportive remedy. Some drugs (like anticoagulants) may exacerbate bleeding—identifying these is crucial in how to stop heavy menstrual bleeding with clotting approaches.
6. Pregnancy Complications
Miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies often present with jelly-like blood clots during the period; it is a normal concern.
7. Uterine or Cervical Cancer
Uterine or cervical cancer can show up as excessive menstrual bleeding; early detection saves lives.
How Is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Diagnosed?
A visit to the gynaecologist typically involves a combination of:
- Detailed medical history and symptom review
- Pelvic examination
- Blood tests to check for anaemia or clotting issues
- Ultrasound to visualise fibroids or other abnormalities
- Endometrial biopsy if needed
This helps confirm a menorrhagia diagnosis and rule out serious conditions.
What to Do if You Have Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
Gentle First Steps You Can Try at Home
- Keep a menstrual diary, noting pad/tampon use and duration of bleeding.
- Stay hydrated and rest when needed.
- Include iron-rich foods or supplements to manage fatigue and anaemia risk.
- Apply a heating pad for cramps and body aches.
Knowing When It's Time to See a Gynaecologist
Seek medical advice if:
- You soak through period pads/tampons every 1–2 hours.
- You pass large blood clots frequently.
- You feel dizzy, weak, or faint.
- Your periods consistently disrupt daily activities or sleep.
Essential Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What could be the underlying cause of my heavy periods?
- Do I need specific tests or scans?
- What treatment options are suitable for me?
- Will this affect my fertility?
- Are there lifestyle changes I can adopt to help manage symptoms?
If you've ever wondered, "My period only lasted 2 days, but it was heavy," should I worry? the answer is yes: unusual patterns need medical attention.
For advanced care, consult a gynaecologist in Bangalore who can provide tailored solutions.
Treatment Options for Menorrhagia
A comprehensive look at how to control heavy bleeding during periods and available treatment options for menorrhagia:
Lifestyle and dietary changes
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin C, and folate to combat blood loss and to avoid foods that cause heavy periods.
- Stay hydrated and practice how to stop heavy bleeding during periods: home remedies like warm compresses
- Consider how to control heavy bleeding during periods naturally by exercising regularly to improve hormonal balance.
- Limit alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods, which may worsen symptoms.
- Practice stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises.
Non-Surgical Options
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen are used to reduce blood loss and pain
- Tranexamic acid helps with clotting
- Hormonal birth control to regulate cycles
- Iron supplements for low haemoglobinheavy menstrual bleeding
- Hormonal IUDs that reduce uterine lining thickness
Surgical Options
- Endometrial ablation to destroy the uterine lining
- Myomectomy to remove fibroids
- Hysterectomy as a last resort
Such measures complement medical treatments and aid overall well-being. For specialised support, a women's hospital in Bangalore provides both holistic and clinical options..
TL;DR: Quick Recap
- Heavy periods = >80 ml blood loss or >7 days long
- Causes: hormones, fibroids, adenomyosis, medications, or underlying conditions
- Symptoms: clots, fatigue, frequent pad changes, cramps
- Diagnosis: Blood tests, ultrasound, biopsy
- Treatment: Medications, hormonal IUDs, surgery
- Prevention: Track cycle, iron-rich diet, reduce stress
These steps help alleviate menorrhagia and support wellness during your cycle.
Conclusion
Heavy menstrual bleeding isn’t just a monthly annoyance; it can seriously impact your health and quality of life. But you're not alone, and help is available. If you’ve experienced unusually heavy flow, irregular bleeding, or debilitating cramps, consult your doctor promptly. A skilled gynaecologist in Bangalore can help identify the root cause and guide you through effective menorrhagia treatment options.
Your health matters. Early recognition, timely medical guidance, and mindful self-care can transform your relationship with your cycle, and your life.
FAQs
1. Is passing clots during periods normal?
Small clots are normal, but if they're larger than a coin, consult a doctor.
2. Can heavy menstrual bleeding affect fertility?
Yes, if it's caused by fibroids or hormonal issues. Timely menorrhagia treatment options can preserve fertility.
3. Can I use birth control for heavy periods?
Yes. Hormonal contraceptives and IUDs are often recommended for the treatment of heavy periods.
4. What foods help with heavy periods?
Iron-rich foods like spinach, legumes, lean meat, and vitamin C-rich fruits improve energy and reduce anaemia risk.
5. Is heavy bleeding after menopause normal?
No, it’s unusual and is considered not normal to bleed heavily post menopausal. It requires immediate medical attention to understand the cause.
