Heavy menstrual bleeding, commonly referred to as menorrhagia, is one of the main symptoms in the reproductive population. Not only does it interfere with daily activity and work life, but it also causes discomfort in life in general. From a clinical point of view, menorrhagia is defined as heavy bleeding from the vagina that needs changing sanitary products every hour or less for more than seven days, and impairs daily life. “It may also be described by the passage of big blood clots and signs of fatigue or the feeling of not being able to breathe after heavy blood loss,” explained Dr Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals.
According to Dr Badiger, various underlying causes lead to heavy menstrual bleeding – a few of the most common ones include an imbalance in hormones. “Estrogen or progesterone, or the lack of their proper balance, can cause the buildup of uterine tissue, which, when shed, results in heavy menstrual bleeding. Other common causes of heavy menstrual bleeding include conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disease, and the absence of ovulation when the egg does not release as expected,” he added.
Heavy bleeding every month can lead to deficiency of iron or anemia, a life-threatening condition
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Experts believe one of the most serious consequences of heavy bleeding is the deficiency of iron - anemia, a condition where there is not enough iron in your body to make healthy red blood cells. Over time, if heavy bleeding goes above and beyond normal blood loss, heavy bleeding will deplete iron stores and result in symptoms that include:
While specific medications may be necessary, Dr Badiger has issued the following small life changes that can support symptoms and promote menstrual well-being:
Iron foods should be consumed, including leafy greens, legumes, lean meats, seeds, and fortified cereals. These help to recover from iron lost due to heavy flow and aid in maintaining hemoglobin in the body. Foods rich in vitamin C improve iron absorption.
Proper hydration will not only compensate for lost blood volume but also support dizziness and tiredness during heavy flow.
Healthy weight maintenance combined with regular activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps in the maintenance of hormonal balance.
Stress is one of the factors that might alter hormonal balance and the menstrual cycle. Yoga, meditation, and proper sleep habits are examples of practices that one might engage in to manage stress.
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