How to identify and relieve intense menstrual flow

Since early adolescence, women are used to dealing monthly with bleeding and other effects of menstruation. Living with this physiological characteristic and knowledge of one's body help in the perception of possible gynecological disorders, which may have symptoms of cycle and menstrual flow.

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

According to gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Alfonso Massaguer, director of the Mother Clinic, what usually causes people to notice these aspects is the need to change the pad more often than usual and feelings such as tiredness, discomfort and fatigue, which may also be signs of anemia.

How to identify excessive flow

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 losses over 80 ml per day or flow duration over seven days are considered dysfunctions," warns the doctor. In such cases, it is necessary for a specialist to be consulted and follow-up done, as changes in menstrual flow may be due to hormonal variations, chronic diseases, gynecological disorders such as uterine fibroid and polyps, or even from diseases in the blood system and / or use of medicines ?, exemplifies.

Also read: 12 Factors That Affect Female Fertility And You Didn't Imagine

8 measures to ease flow discomfort

Whether due to a gynecological disorder or a physiological peculiarity, intense menstrual flow can cause various discomforts and disorders, such as pain, decreased quality of life and even work performance. To deal with these problems with less difficulty or even to reduce them, there are some things you can try:

1. Make warm compresses on the belly area;
2. Use oversized tampons, night pads or menstrual collectors;
3. Maintain a well-balanced diet rich in iron and natural sugars (originating 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 painkillers prescribed by your doctor.

However, Massaguer warns that "the normalization of the condition depends mainly on the cause of bleeding, and may require surgical treatment in some cases, hormone therapies or the use of medications."

Natural Methods to Regulate Menstrual Flow

During periods of intense flow, gynecologist and obstetrician Paula Fettback recommends that medications that affect the coagulation system in any way be avoided. Already Dr. Alfonso Massaguer states that there are "natural methods that can be tried, but always with medical advice, especially because of chronic and gynecological diseases that manifest through excessive menstrual bleeding and require follow-up."

Taking into account the observations of the specialists, any natural treatment should be supervised by a physician. Therefore, before using any of the 10 methods listed below, you need to consult your trusted gynecologist!

1. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, iron and omega-3;
2. Drink lady's tea;
3. Bet on ginger tea with honey;
4. Dilute 2 grams of mustard seed powder in a glass of milk and take 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. Eat still while fasting;
6. Make a coriander seed tea and consume three to four times a day;
7. Add cinnamon to your diet;
8. Add natural currant juice with mint to your daily life;
9. Include banana blossom in your menu;
10. Take aloe vera juice.

While the above tips may be beneficial and help regulate intense menstrual flow, Dr. Paula points out that there is no scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of any of them. • Herbal medicines may aid in symptomatology by providing temporary relief of symptoms.However, a specialized clinical evaluation should always be performed for correct diagnosis?

Also read: 12 Facts About Menstruation You Need To Know

Clinical treatments for heavy menstrual flow

Even in the face of natural alternatives that pose little or no health risk, it is critical to hear the opinion of a trusted expert on the condition. According to Dr. Renato de Oliveira, Cryogenesis Gynecologist, it is important in these cases, in addition to a good clinical history and physical examination, to perform laboratory tests to evaluate the hormonal part; can renal function markers, liver injury markers, coagulogram, ultrasound, diagnostic hysteroscopy, computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance also help in 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 mitigation. In cases of hormonal disorders, for example, the IUD may be one of the solutions. The levonorgestrel? Releasing type tends to block menstruation in 75% of women in the first year of use, thus making it a good choice when the patient has difficulty taking daily pills and does not want the subdermal implant or the quarterly injectable methods ?, explains the doctor.

There are also situations in which surgical intervention is necessary, in general, according to the expert, 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 in the table does not replace a consultation with your trusted doctor.

5 questions answered by gynecologists

In addition to discomforts, changes that intensify menstrual flow can raise questions and concerns. Before seeking medical advice, you may be looking for answers; Therefore, doctors Dr. Paula Fettback and Dr. Alfonso Massaguer answered six recurring questions on the subject.

1. Does intense flow cause any harm to health?

Dr. Alfonso: Yes. Excessive bleeding can lead to chronic anemia and all 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 be due to hormonal imbalances of the ovaries and other hormones, myomatosis, polyps, hyperplasia, systemic diseases such as coagulation disorders, among others.

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

Dr. Paula: Yes, clots can often form, which often causes some strangeness. Changes associated with some coagulation disorder or neoplasms may also cause excessive bright red active bleeding.

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

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

There are cases where contraceptive use can reverse the situation, but there are situations that even require surgical intervention.

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

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

Treat Your PMS (April 2024)