How to identify and relieve heavy menstrual flow

Since their early teens, women are used to dealing with monthly bleeding and other effects of menstruation. Living with this physiological characteristic and knowing one’s own body helps in the perception of possible gynecological disorders, which may have as symptoms changes in the cycle and menstrual flow.

One of the main indicators, which can be more easily perceived by women, is the intensification of the flow. Changes such as a greater volume of bleeding, a large amount of clots or a flow of seven (or more) consecutive days are easily noticed by comparison with previous periods.

According to gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Alfonso Massaguer, director of Clínica Mãe, usually what makes people notice these aspects is the need to change the tampon more often than normal and sensations such as tiredness, malaise and fatigue, which can also be signs of anemia.

How to identify excessive flow

The increased intensity of menstrual flow can be divided into two categories, which identify abnormal blood loss. The first of these, called menorrhagia, occurs at regular intervals, while hypermenorrhea concerns bleeding at irregular intervals.

“By definition, blood loss above 80 ml per day or the duration of the flow over seven days are considered dysfunctions”, warns the doctor. In such cases, it is necessary that a specialist be consulted and a follow-up is carried out, as changes in menstrual flow “may be due to hormonal variations, chronic diseases, gynecological conditions, such as uterine fibroids and polyps, or even from diseases in the blood system and/or medication use”, he exemplifies.

8 measures to ease discomfort with the flow

Whether due to some gynecological disorder or a physiological peculiarity, heavy menstrual flow can cause various discomforts and disorders, such as pain, decreased quality of life and even income at work. To deal with these annoyances with less difficulty or even to reduce them, there are some measures that can be tested:

1. Make hot compresses in the belly region;
2. Use oversized, overnight pads or menstrual cups;
3. Maintain a well-balanced diet, rich in iron and natural sugars (from fruits);
4. Avoid consuming caffeine;
5. Drink a lot of water;
6. Do aerobic or stretching exercises;
7. Take a rest;
8. In case of pain, take pain relievers prescribed by your doctor.

However, Massaguer warns that “the normalization of the condition depends above all on the cause of the bleeding, and surgical treatment may be necessary in some cases, hormonal therapies or the use of medication”.

Natural methods to regulate menstrual flow

During periods of heavy flow, gynecologist and obstetrician Paula Fettback recommends avoiding medications that affect the clotting system in some way. Dr. Alfonso Massaguer says that there are “natural methods that can be tried, but always with medical advice, mainly because of chronic and gynecological diseases that manifest themselves through excessive menstrual bleeding and require follow-up”.

Taking into account the experts’ observations, any natural treatment should be supervised by a physician. Therefore, before making use of any of the 10 methods listed below, it is necessary that you consult your trusted gynecologist!

1. Consume foods rich in vitamin C, iron and omega-3;
2. Drink alchemyl tea;
3. Bet on ginger tea with honey;
4. Dilute 2 grams of mustard seed powder in a glass of milk and take it once a day;
5. Mix 10 pieces of tamarind with 5 prunes in 500 ml of water. Let the preparation rest overnight and, in the morning, strain and add honey to the liquid. Ingest it while fasting;
6. Make a coriander seed tea and consume it three to four times a day;
7. Add cinnamon to your diet;
8. Add natural currant juice with mint in your daily life;
9. Include banana flower in your menu;
10. Drink aloe vera juice.

While the above tips can be beneficial and help regulate heavy menstrual flow, Dr. Paula recalls that there is no scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of any of them. “Phytotherapics can help with symptoms, providing temporary relief from symptoms. However, an expert clinical evaluation should always be performed for correct diagnosis,” she warns.

Clinical treatments for heavy menstrual flow

Even in the face of natural alternatives, which offer little or no health risk, it is essential to hear the opinion of a trusted expert on the condition. According with the doctor. Renato de Oliveira, gynecologist at Criogenesis, it is important, in these cases, “in addition to a good clinical history and physical examination, that laboratory tests are carried out in order to evaluate the hormonal part; Renal function markers, liver damage markers, coagulogram, ultrasound, diagnostic hysteroscopy, CT and MRI can also help with the diagnosis.”

From the medical evaluation, in view of the diagnosis, some clinical treatments can be given according to the needs of each woman, always prioritizing the cure of the cause of the intense flow and not just its alleviation. In cases of hormonal disorders, for example, the IUD can be one of the solutions. The releasing type of levonorgestrel “tends to block menstruation in 75% of women within the first year of use, therefore making it a good choice when the patient has difficulty taking daily pills and does not want the subdermal implant nor the quarterly injectable methods”, explains the doctor.

There are also situations in which surgical intervention is necessary, generally speaking, according to the specialist, of those in which “failures in clinical treatment, anatomical distortions or the suspicion or confirmation of cancer” occur.

For a better view of the relationships between causes and treatments, see the table below:

It is worth remembering that the information provided in the table does not replace a consultation with your trusted doctor.

5 questions answered by gynecologists

In addition to discomfort, changes that intensify menstrual flow can generate doubts and concerns. Before seeking medical advice, you may be looking for answers; That’s why doctors Dr. Paula Fettback and Dr. Alfonso Massaguer responded to six recurring questions on the subject.

1. Does the intense flow bring any harm to health?

Dr. Alfonso: Yes. Excessive bleeding can lead to chronic anemia and all of its symptoms. More extreme cases may even require hospitalization, invasive procedures and blood transfusions.

2. What are the causes of heavy menstruation?

Dr. Paula: These conditions may result from hormonal imbalances in the ovaries and other hormones, fibroids, polyps, hyperplasia, systemic diseases such as clotting disorders, among others.

3. Can changes in flow affect the appearance of blood?

Dr. Paula: Yes, clots can often form, an aspect that often causes a certain strangeness. Changes associated with a clotting disorder or neoplasms can also cause excessive bright red active bleeding.

4. What are the most indicated treatments and medications in cases of heavy flow?

Dr. Paula: A medical evaluation can, in addition to making the correct diagnosis, adequately treat the cause of the excessive flow and, consequently, avoid worsening the condition.

There are cases in which the use of contraceptives is capable of reversing the condition, but there are also situations that even require surgical interventions.

5. Does heavy menstruation influence a woman’s fertility?

Dr. Alfonso: Heavy menstruation can be due to some conditions related to female fertility, such as hormonal imbalances in the ovaries, pituitary and thyroid, for example. In addition to gynecological conditions that can influence fertility in some cases.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.