Some Effective Home Remedies for Heavy Periods Treatment in London

The medical term for heavy periods is menorrhagia. It refers to experiencing an unusually high or prolonged amount of bleeding during menstruation. While typical menstrual bleeding is around 80ml (less than half a cup), many women experience more than this.

So, when can periods be considered heavy? Any of these symptoms indicate a heavy period:

• Passing numerous clots
• Needing to use double protection frequently
• Changing protection more often than every four hours
• Periods causing anaemia

If you’ve always had heavy periods, you might think your flow is normal since you have nothing to compare it to. Therefore, it’s ideal to consult yourprivate gynaecologist in London to check it.

Heavy Periods Causes

Menorrhagia is characterised by frequent changes in sanitary products, passing blood clots, and extreme fatigue. You may require specialist attention if it disrupts daily activities.

• Hormonal imbalance, such as due to obesity or thyroid issues, can cause excessive endometrial buildup, leading to heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, reduces clotting proteins, contributing to heavy periods.
• Uterine fibroids, benign growths in or around the uterus, often cause heavy bleeding and clotting, detectable through various diagnostic tests.
• Uterine polyps, another benign growth type on the uterine lining, can result in heavy or irregular bleeding, impacting both menstruation and fertility.
• Endometriosis, where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, is associated with severe menstrual pain and heavy bleeding.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder, frequently leads to heavy periods and clotting, alongside potential fertility issues.
• During perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations like oestrogen-progesterone imbalance cause irregular periods and heavy bleeding.
• Endometrial hyperplasia causes the uterine lining to thicken abnormally, resulting in irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding. It requires treatment to prevent it from progressing to cancer.
• Adenomyosis, where endometrial tissue embeds in the uterine muscle, commonly causes heavy menstrual bleeding.

Fortunately, identifying the exact cause can help safe and effective heavy periods treatment in London, including natural remedies and medical interventions tailored to each condition.

Common Signs of Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia, unlike normal variations in menstrual flow, is characterised by several distinct signs:

• Periods lasting seven days or longer.
• Needing to change sanitary pads or tampons every two hours.
• Passing large blood clots during menstruation.
• Experiencing severe abdominal cramps.
• Symptoms of anaemia include tiredness, fatigue, or shortness of breath due to heavy bleeding.

If you notice changes in your menstrual flow or experience these symptoms, book an appointment with a gynaecologist.

Menorrhagia Diagnosis

You must consult a gynaecologist in London if you experience persistently heavy periods, severe pain that hinders movement or sleep, or if your periods significantly disrupt daily activities. Further symptoms like pain during sex, urination, or bowel movements during periods should also prompt a visit.

Based on your symptoms and medical history, diagnostic tests may include:

• Ultrasound scan – Detects fibroids, polyps, or other abnormalities.
• Internal swab – Tests for infections.
• Endometrial sampling – Checks for abnormalities in the womb lining cells.
• Hysteroscopy – Provides a closer examination of the womb cavity.
• Blood tests – Screens for bleeding disorders and anaemia.

Keeping a menstrual diary is beneficial. Remember to note details such as period frequency, duration, pad/tampon usage, and accompanying symptoms.

Heavy Periods Treatment in London

Gynaecologists categorise menorrhagia treatment options into medications and surgical procedures. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as overall health, the cause of heavy bleeding, future pregnancy plans, lifestyle and personal preference.

Medications for Menorrhagia

• Oral progesterone: Helps correct hormonal imbalances and manage heavy bleeding.
• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Like ibuprofen, they reduce heavy bleeding and alleviate menstrual cramps.
• Oral Contraceptives: Regulate menstrual cycles and lessen heavy bleeding.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): Temporarily reduces or stops bleeding by preventing ovulation.

Surgical Treatments for Menorrhagia

Your doctor may recommend surgical options if medications are ineffective.

• Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Clears the uterine lining after abortion-related bleeding.
• Myomectomy: Removes uterine fibroids using either abdominal surgery or laparoscopic techniques based on size and location.
• Endometrial Ablation: Destroys the uterine lining to reduce menstrual intensity, employing laser, radiofrequency or heat.
• Hysterectomy: Removes the uterus (and sometimes cervix and fallopian tubes), offering a permanent solution for severe menstrual bleeding, suitable for those not planning future pregnancies.

9 Effective Home Remedies for Heavy Periods

Are you feeling worn out, both physically and emotionally? It can be a daunting experience when suffering from heavy periods. But before you quit yourself to a life of constant pad changes, consider this: there are natural remedies that can help regulate your flow and bring back a sense of control during your period. From dietary tweaks to stress-busting techniques, these nine effective home remedies for heavy periods will help you navigate your cycle with confidence and comfort.

1. Stay hydrated to maintain blood volume. It is crucial for counteracting heavy menstrual bleeding over extended periods.
2. Incorporate magnesium-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, seafood, fruits, and legumes to balance hormones and reduce excessive menstrual flow.
3. Include iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, lentils, oysters, and tofu to prevent the worsening of heavy periods and alleviate iron deficiency anaemia.
4. Consume vitamin C-rich foods such as tomatoes, kiwis, peppers, oranges, and Brussels sprouts to aid in iron absorption and mitigate the risk of iron deficiency during menstruation.
5. Herbal teas like chamomile, cinnamon, ginger, thyme, and liquorice possess hormonal balancing properties, aiding in reducing menstrual bleeding, alleviating cramps, and regulating menstrual cycles.
6. Apple cider vinegar mixed with water is an effective remedy for reducing menstrual blood flow. It relieves menstrual cramps while also assisting in detoxifying the body.
7. Apply a cold compress to the abdomen for 15-20 minutes to constrict blood vessels, thereby reducing menstrual flow and easing discomfort associated with heavy periods.
8. Unripe papaya contains the enzyme ‘papain,’ which helps regulate uterine contractions and soothe abdominal muscles, effectively reducing excessive menstrual bleeding.
9. Omega-3 fatty acids in products like fish oil aid in hormone production, reducing excessive blood flow and preventing abnormal blood clotting during menstruation.

While these home remedies can provide much-needed relief for heavy periods, remember, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. If your periods disrupt your daily life, cause excessive pain, or last longer than a week, trust your instincts and consult a healthcare professional. They can help identify any underlying causes and recommend the best treatment.

My Final Thoughts

If you’ve been experiencing unusual heavy periods for more than two months, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. Prolonged heavy menstrual flow can lead to anaemia, although it’s typically more of an inconvenience than a serious condition.

Seeking timely medical advice and treatment can address the underlying causes of heavy bleeding. While natural remedies can help manage pain and reduce blood loss, severe menstrual bleeding requires evaluation by a gynaecologist to prevent potential impacts on your physical, psychological, and emotional well-being.