How can Heavy Menstrual Periods be controlled?

Menstrual cycle is a part of life for every woman. Most of the women face what are called as menstration problems. Some menstration problems faced by women include light periods, heavy periods, painful periods etc. A normal menstrual cycle lasts for about 5-7 days and on average 6-8 teaspoon of blood is lost during the course of period. Of course it is not the same for every woman it can vary. But when the menstrual periods last for more than 7 days and plenty amount of blood is lost then they are referred to as heavy menstrual periods or Menorrhagia.

Heavy menstrual periods may be a result of hormonal contraception, high doses of ASA or may be due to strenuous exercises. Many women can't perform their daily tasks or can't move out because of their heavy menstrual periods. But now there is no need to worry. There are many supplements and treatments available to control heavy menstrual periods.

The treatments of heavy menstrual periods also depend upon the cause. If the cause is infection it can be controlled or treated by medications. If the cause is cancer it can be treated by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. And if there is no medical problem there are other treatments for controlling heavy menstrual periods.

Some of best natural treatments and medicines for controlling heavy menstrual periods are listed below. These natural treatments control menstrual periods by balancing the hormones and building up the womb lining in case of excess oestrogen.

Vitamins

Vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C are very good at controlling heavy menstrual periods. Vitamin A protects the cell against damage and is required in production of red blood cell. It is found that women with heavy menstrual periods have the deficiency of vitamin A. Therefore supplementing your diet with vitamin A may help to control heavy menstrual periods.

Vitamin B helps liver to convert excess oestrogen into weaker and less dangerous forms. They convert Omega 6 oils into a form, which the body uses to produce beneficial prostaglandins or good type prostaglandins. Without the conversion the body will produce bad type prostaglandins, which will increase the bleeding during each period. Vitamin B6 is also required for the production of beneficial prostaglandins that help in reducing abnormal blood clotting.

By strengthening the capillaries in the body, Vitamin C can help in controlling heavy menstrual periods. Vitamin C supplements also help many women with heavy periods.

Iron

Iron deficiency may lead to heavy menstrual periods or due to heavy periods you may become iron deficient. Iron is very useful in contracting the blood vessels, which is required to slow down the blood flow during the periods. Increase the intake of iron either in the form of citrate or amino acid chelate. Vitamin C is very essential in absorption of iron. Therefore for maximum absorption, along with iron supplements you should also take vitamin C supplements. But don't take iron in the form of ferrous sulphate since the body does not absorb it easily.

The treatments of heavy menstrual periods also depend upon the cause. If the cause is infection it can be controlled or treated by medications. If the cause is cancer it can be treated by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. And if there is no medical problem there are other treatments for controlling heavy menstrual periods.

Zinc

Zinc helps in controlling heavy menstrual periods by balancing the hormones. It is also important for the healthy functioning of the reproductive system.

Essential Oils

There are some Essential oils useful for menstration problems. Essential oil like cypress is useful in controlling heavy menstrual periods. Add few drops of cypress essential oil to a compress and apply to the abdomen or combine a few drops with carrier oil and massage into the abdomen. This oil should be avoided during the pregnancy, as it is antispasmodic.

Medications

Mefenamic acid and Tanexamic acid reduces bleeding by affecting the blood clots. These medicines can reduce 50 percent of the bleeding if taken during a period. There are some side effects associated with these medicines. Another medicine for reducing heavy periods and making them regular is an oral contraceptive pill that combines oestrogen with progestron.

If even by taking these supplements and medications heavy bleeding continues it is advisable to seek medical treatment.