Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
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It's normal to experience a heavy menstrual flow occasionally. If you have periods that last longer than 7 days and cause excessive bleeding, this is called menorrhagia.[1] That sounds like a scary name, but don’t worry! You have a lot of options for treating a heavy period. Some home remedies might help control your flow and relieve your pain. However, if you regularly have heavy periods, then see your doctor to make sure you don’t have any underlying health issues causing them.
Steps
If you've spent any time searching the internet, you'll see that there are plenty of alleged home remedies and natural treatments for a heavy flow. A lot of these don’t work, but some do actually have some benefits. If you want to try some alternative remedies to find relief, then you can see if they work for you. Just make sure to ask your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you may be pregnant or are nursing, to make sure they’re safe for you.
Relieve discomfort with acupuncture. This might sound weird to you, but studies show that acupuncture could be an effective treatment for heavy periods. Accessing the right pressure points could relieve pain and also reduce heavy blood flow. Try booking an acupuncture session to see if this works for you.[2]- Make sure you visit a licensed and experienced acupuncturist so you know you’re getting the best treatment.
Take chasteberry extract to reduce bleeding. This herb might help control cramping and excessive bleeding during your period. Try taking 15 drops of liquid extract daily to see if this helps.[3]- Chasteberry is slow-acting, so it might have to build up in your system for a few months before you notice results.
- Chasteberry can cause a miscarriage, so don’t take it if there’s a chance you’re pregnant.
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Try ginger capsules to stop blood loss. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory herb and does show some success in treating heavy menstrual bleeding. Try taking it during your period to reduce your bleeding.[4]- Though there's no definitive amount of ginger to take for a heavy period, experts think it's safe to take anywhere between 170 mg and 1 g daily. Follow the dosing instructions that come with the supplement you use.[5]
Use yarrow to control blood flow. Yarrow is a traditional treatment for bleeding wounds and might help with heavy periods.[6] There are no specific dosages for managing menorrhegia, but 4.5 g per day is a common dose of yarrow, in general.[7]- Yarrow can cause miscarriages, so never use it if there's a chance you're pregnant.
Take shepherd’s purse for relief. This herb could ease contractions in your uterus to relieve pain and bleeding. This might reduce your symptoms during a heavy period.[8]- You can take 100-400 mg per day. Follow the dosing instructions on the type that you use.[9]
Your diet could have a big impact on your cycle and overall health. If you’re short on some vitamins and minerals, then it could make your menstrual flow heavier. Try following these dietary tips to see if they make you feel better.
Take vitamin A to control bleeding. There might be a link between a vitamin A deficiency and excessive bleeding during your period. One study found that women who took 60,000 international units (IU) of vitamin A for 35 days experienced improved symptoms during their periods.[10]- This will probably only help if you already have a vitamin A deficiency.
Regulate your estrogen levels with vitamin B. Since high estrogen levels may be to blame for heavy periods, then controlling estrogen could help. Vitamin B regulates your estrogen levels and might help you feel better.[11]
Get plenty of iron to prevent heavy periods. Iron is an essential nutrient that might help prevent excessive bleeding and unusually heavy periods. Follow a diet that’s high in iron to regulate your cycle. You might be able to avoid heavy periods altogether.[14]- Good sources of iron include lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, beans, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains.[15]
- Getting enough iron is also important to prevent anemia. Heavy periods put you at a higher risk for this condition.
- Take iron supplements if you don’t get enough from your diet. Don’t start taking these without asking your doctor first. Too much iron could cause abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.[16]
Have plenty of vitamin C to help your body absorb iron. While you might think of your immune system when you hear vitamin C, it could reduce excessive bleeding by strengthening your blood capillaries. It also helps your body absorb iron, so it can help you avoid anemia during a heavy period.[17]- Good sources of vitamin C include bell peppers, citrus fruits, berries, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, and squash.[18]
Dealing with a heavy period can be inconvenient, but you're in luck. There are a few easy steps you can take to manage the pain and excessive bleeding. These tips won’t shorten your period, but they can keep the bleeding under control so it doesn’t interfere with your day.
Take it easy on days where you have a heavy flow. Having a heavy period can really zap your energy. If you’re feeling drained, try resting a bit more on these days to help yourself feel better.[19]- Some people don’t want to leave their home when they have a heavy flow, but you should be able to go out as long as you’ll be near a bathroom.[20]
Put an ice pack on your abdomen to ease the flow. Take an ice pack or cold compress and hold it against your abdomen for 20 minutes at a time. This might help reduce the blood flow. You can repeat this a few times throughout the day if you need to.[21]
Keep pads or tampons with you at all times. You probably do this during your period anyway, but it’s especially important with a heavy flow. Bring some extras, since you might need to change them as often as every 2 hours.[22]
Exercise if that helps your pain. This might be the last thing you feel like doing, but exercising during your period might reduce cramping and pain. If you feel up to it, try to get some exercise and see if that helps.[23]- You don’t have to do an intense workout to feel better. Even light exercise like a daily walk might help.[24]
Wear dark clothes to prevent stains. If you’re worried that a heavy flow might bleed through your clothes, then dark outfits can help with that.[25] Some dark-wash jeans or a black maxi skirt are good options!
Put a waterproof sheet on your bed to protect your mattress. If you’re worried that bleeding at night will stain your sheets, then try using waterproof sheets during your period.[26]
Medical Takeaways
While heavy periods are tough to deal with, there are luckily some natural steps you can take to control them. With the right steps, you might be able to reduce the bleeding and pain that you experience. If these steps don’t work, then visit your doctor for a checkup. This way, you can make sure that an underlying health issue isn’t causing your heavy periods.
Expert Q&A
Tips
- If these home treatments aren’t enough, you can take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help get rid of the pain.Thanks
Warnings
- Ask your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you might be pregnant or are nursing.[27]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17734-menorrhagia-heavy-menstrual-bleeding
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077876/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077876/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27397554/
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/ginger.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077876/
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npc/yarrow.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077876/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6348798/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077876/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077876/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/expert-answers/heavy-periods/faq-20058365
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077876/
- ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077876/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279293/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17734-menorrhagia-heavy-menstrual-bleeding#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://www.mcleodhealth.org/blog/heavy-bleeding-women-frequently-asked-questions/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17734-menorrhagia-heavy-menstrual-bleeding#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279293/
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/getting-active/physical-activity-menstrual-cycle
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17734-menorrhagia-heavy-menstrual-bleeding#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17734-menorrhagia-heavy-menstrual-bleeding#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077876/
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Heavy menstrual bleeding can make everyday activities difficult, but you can help stop it naturally through home remedies and simple lifestyle changes. To reduce blood flow and alleviate pain, wrap an ice pack in a clean towel and apply it to your abdomen for 20 minutes. By icing the area every 2 to 4 hours, your blood vessels will constrict, which will decrease blood loss. You can also drink tea made from lady’s mantle or shepherd’s purse, which are herbs that are known to help ease menstruation. Make sure to eat a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet as well to keep your menstrual cycle regular. For extra iron and vitamin C, which help with blood clotting, eat plenty of vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach. To learn more from our co-author, like how to know when to seek medical treatment, scroll down.
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"I am a heavy bleeder who would like to conceive, but can't seem to because the minute I get off birth control, I bleed. I love herbs and never heard of lady slipper, but now am excited to try it! I love the information on this page, and will be buying some of the herbs mentioned."..." more
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