(How is heavy bleeding treated?) 20 Top Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding

Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding: Until recently I have suffered from a condition called “menorrhagia.”

The symptoms are basically extremely heavy menstrual bleeding accompanied by the passing of tissue.

It looks like a large blood clot, but is actually the lining of the uterus).

And sometimes heavy abdominal, back, or leg cramping.

Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding:

Vaginal bleeding that is not related to your normal period is called abnormal uterine bleeding.

This condition may indicate pregnancy or a number of other conditions.

Because a physical exam and other tests are required to determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.

You will need to see your doctor as soon as possible.

To treat abnormal uterine bleeding, there are several different treatment options.

And your doctor can help you to choose the best one for you.

Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding:

1. See a doctor as soon as possible.

If you are having abnormal uterine bleeding.

Then see your physician as soon as possible.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding can be the result of many different conditions ranging from not serious to life threatening.

Some possible reasons why you may be having abnormal uterine bleeding may include:

• Celiac disease
• Certain types of cancer
• Endometriosis
• Gonorrhea
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Pregnancy
• Stopping birth control pills
• Vaginitis
• Uterine polyps or fibroids

2. Ask your doctor about a low-dose contraceptive.

A common early treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding is a low-dose contraceptive that contains synthetic estrogens and progestin.

This medication should help to normalize your menstrual cycle and decrease your menstrual flow.

Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for a low-dose contraceptive if this option appeals to you.

• Keep in mind that low-dose contraceptives should be taken for a short time unless you want to use the drug to prevent pregnancy as well.

3. Try a higher dose estrogen therapy for heavy bleeding.

If you have abnormal uterine bleeding that is heavy.

Then higher doses of estrogen may be necessary to normalize your cycle.

Keep in mind that there are significant risks associated with these drugs.

4. Do not use these medications if you:

• Have recently given birth
• Smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day and you are over 35 years old
• Have a personal or family history of breast cancer, liver disease, blood clots, migraines, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, heart disease, diabetes, or high triglyceride blood levels.

5. Look into progesterone-only treatments.

Progesterone (or a synthetic progestin) may be used on its own in women who cannot or do not want to take estrogens.

Progesterone may also be used if a previous treatment.

Using oral contraceptives did not help to control the bleeding.

Or if lab tests show that progesterone levels are low.

Progesterone may be given in the form of a pill, an IUD intrauterine device) or as an injection.

• Keep in mind that progesterone alone will not prevent pregnancy.
• If you want to prevent pregnancy, then you will need to take another contraceptive as well.

Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding:

6. Try tranexamic acid.

This treatment, prescribed by your doctor, is neither a contraceptive nor a hormone.

Tranexamic acid tablets are taken when heavy bleeding begins and will help the blood in your womb to clot, potentially reducing blood loss by 29 – 58%.

• You may wish to use tranexamic acid in combination with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

7. Consider male androgen if other treatments are not successful.

In some rare cases where bleeding does not respond to any other treatment.

Your doctor may recommend a male androgen called Danazol to control abnormal uterine bleeding.

Danazol should not be used if you are pregnant or breast feeding and this drug will not prevent pregnancy either.

There are also some serious risks associated with this drug, including:

• Stroke
• Liver disease
• Increased pressure in the brain

Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding:

8. Ask about dilation and curettage.

Dilation and curettage has been successful at temporarily halting abnormal bleeding for some women.

During this procedure, your cervix is dilated so that the doctor can scrape out excess tissue from your uterus.

The tissue may also need to be analyzed to determine if it is abnormal in any way.

• This procedure is not a permanent fix.
• It can help provide the diagnosis and temporarily stop the bleeding.
• But it will not address the underlying cause of the abnormal bleeding.
• This procedure is performed under anesthesia so you will not feel it or be aware of what is happening.

9. Discuss surgical options.

In some rare cases, the only way to stop abnormal uterine bleeding is by surgical means.

There are two options that are common for this condition.

• Endometrial ablation. Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus.
• But does not remove the uterus itself. This procedure should stop abnormal bleeding, but you may continue to have light periods after the procedure. Most women are not able to get pregnant after the procedure, but birth control is still recommended if you want to be certain that you will not become pregnant.
• Hysterectomy. In a hysterectomy, the entire uterus is removed. This procedure will make it impossible to have periods or to become pregnant. It will stop abnormal uterine bleeding, but it is a major surgical procedure.

10. Tell your physician about any alternative therapies you are using.

It is important to see your physician about abnormal uterine bleeding no matter what.

However, if you wish to try some natural treatments to stop the abnormal bleeding.

Then make sure that your physician is aware of what you are doing.

• Keep in mind that even though a medicine is natural.
• It can still cause side effects and interact with prescription medications.
• “Natural” does not always mean “safe.“

11. Consider combination herbal products.

There are some combination herbal products that may help to stop abnormal uterine bleeding.

These products attempt to balance out your hormones.

But they have not been proven to be effective.

Also, keep in mind that because these products are not as potent as hormones.

They may take longer to work.

Talk to your physician before you try taking any herbal supplements for abnormal uterine bleeding.

Some popular products include:

• ProSoothe which contains vitamin B6, chaste tree, wild yam, dandelion, bupleurum, and ginger.
• Slow Flow which contains vitamins A, C, and K1, bioflavonoids, ginger, cranesbill, periwinkle, yarrow, life root and shepherd’s purse.
• Progensa 20 which is a bio-identical progesterone cream that also contains evening primrose oil, burdock root, chamomile, ginseng, lavender, and grape seed extract.

12. Look into liver support products.

Taking a liver support product may also help to stop abnormal vaginal bleeding because the liver metabolizes hormones.

By supporting your liver, you may be able to achieve hormonal balance naturally.

And stop the abnormal bleeding. Milk thistle and dandelion root may help to support the liver.

• Milk thistle. You can take milk thistle as a capsule, but you should ask your doctor first.
• Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use as well.
• Dandelion root. You can also drink roasted dandelion root tea to support the liver.
• Make sure that you check with your doctor first.

Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding:

13. Drink ginger tea.

Ginger tea may help to increase anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

Which may lead to a reduction in abnormal uterine bleeding.

Try drinking a commercial ginger tea or mince one teaspoon of fresh ginger and steep it in boiled water for about 10 minutes.

Drink three to four cups of ginger tea per day.

You can also add honey and/or lemon as needed.

• Do not exceed more than four grams of ginger per day, including food sources.

14. Increase your iron intake.

Getting enough iron in your diet will not treat abnormal uterine bleeding.

But it may help to prevent anemia from blood loss.

Eat two servings of iron-rich foods per day such as:

• Red meats
• Beans
• Dark leafy green vegetables (spinach, chard, mustard greens, and broccoli)
• Raisins

15. Take a vitamin C supplement.

Getting enough Vitamin C will not stop abnormal uterine bleeding.

But it may help to support your health by keeping your blood vessels strong.

Take 250 to 500 mg of vitamin C every day or just eat more vitamin C-rich foods such as:

• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Strawberries
• Peppers
• Cantaloupe

Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding:

16. Use bio-identical hormone treatments with extreme caution.

Bio-identical hormones are man-made hormones that are supposed to match natural human hormones on a chemical and molecular level.

They may be made from either animal hormones that have been altered using chemicals or they may be 100% synthetic hormones.

Bio-identical hormones are not as potent as commonly prescribed hormones, but may have fewer side effects.

• You still need a prescription for bio-identical hormones, so talk to your doctor if you are interested in this option.
• Bio-identical hormones are not regulated by the FDA. While they may contain FDA–approved ingredients, the final product has not been approved by the FDA. They have not been proven to be safe or effective.
• Be particularly wary of compounded hormones. Depending on where there are compounded, you may not even be sure how much hormone or what hormone you are receiving.
• Try to be patient. Finding the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding and stopping it can take some time.

Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding:

17. What you can do

To prepare for your appointment:

• Ask if there are any pre-appointment instructions. Your doctor may ask you to track your menstrual cycles on a calendar, noting how long they last and how heavy the bleeding is.
• Write down any symptoms you‘re experiencing, and for how long. In addition to the frequency and volume of your periods, tell your doctor about other symptoms that typically occur around the time of your period, such as breast tenderness, menstrual cramps or pelvic pain.
• Write down key personal information, including any recent changes or stressors in your life. These factors can affect your menstrual cycle.
• Make a list of your key medical information, including other conditions for which you‘re being treated and the names of medications, vitamins or supplements you‘re taking.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor, to help make the most of your time together.

Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding:

18. For menorrhagia, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• Are my periods abnormally heavy?
• Do I need any tests?
• What treatment approach do you recommend?
• Are there any side effects associated with these treatments?
• Will any of these treatments affect my ability to become pregnant?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to help manage my symptoms?
• Could my symptoms change over time?

Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions that occur to you during your appointment.

19. What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did your last period start?
• At what age did you begin menstruating?
• How have your periods changed over time?
• Do you have breast tenderness or pelvic pain during your menstrual cycle?
• How long do your periods last?
• How frequently do you need to change your tampon or pad when you‘re menstruating?
• Do you have severe cramping during your period?
• Has your body weight recently changed?
• Are you sexually active?
• What type of birth control are you using?
• Do you have a family history of bleeding disorders?
• Do your symptoms limit your ability to function? For example, have you ever had to miss school or work because of your period?
• Are you currently being treated or have you recently been treated for any other medical conditions?

Story of Treating Heavy Bleeding:

20. Medications

Medical therapy for menorrhagia may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), help reduce menstrual blood loss. NSAIDs have the added benefit of relieving painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
• Tranexamic acid. Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) helps reduce menstrual blood loss and only needs to be taken at the time of the bleeding.
• Oral contraceptives. Aside from providing birth control, oral contraceptives can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce episodes of excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Oral progesterone. The hormone progesterone can help correct hormone imbalance and reduce menorrhagia.
• Hormonal IUD (Liletta, Mirena). This intrauterine device releases a type of progestin called levonorgestrel, which makes the uterine lining thin and decreases menstrual blood flow and cramping.

If you have menorrhagia from taking hormone medication, you and your doctor may be able to treat the condition by changing or stopping your medication.

Conclusion