Home Remedies for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding, medically known as menorrhagia, is characterized by abnormally heavy or prolonged periods.

Some of the most common symptoms and signs include menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days, the need to change your sanitary pad or tampon every 2 to 3 hours repeatedly, menstrual flow with large blood clots, severe and continuous cramping in the lower abdomen during a period, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, mood swings and extreme weakness.

This problem can affect any woman of childbearing age. However, young adolescents who have recently started menstruating and older women approaching menopause tend to be more susceptible to this problem.
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Being overweight, using certain medications such as blood thinners and having a hereditary bleeding disorder also put you at a higher risk.

There are many possible causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, including hormonal imbalance in the body, fibroids or noncancerous tumors of the uterus, uterine polyps, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, use of blood thinners and a side effect of using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.

It can also happen due to medical conditions like adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and other conditions that can prevent normal blood clotting.

Heavy menstruation can affect your daily activities, as well as your emotional state and social life. Moreover, it can cause serious health problems like iron-deficiency anemia.

As the treatment will depend on the underlying cause, it is suggested to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Plus, you can opt for some dietary changes and simple home remedies.

home remedies for heavy menstrual bleeding

Here are the top 10 home remedies for heavy menstrual bleeding.
1. Cold Compress

If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, try using a cold compress. The cold temperature will cause vasoconstriction, which means constriction of the blood vessels. This will help reduce the flow of blood as well as pain in the lower abdomen.

    Put a few ice cubes in a thin towel and tie it properly.
    Place it over your abdomen for 15 to 20 minutes.
    Lie down for some time and try to relax.
    If needed, repeat the remedy every 4 hours for as long as the symptoms continue.

2. Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses is another effective remedy to control heavy bleeding. Being rich in iron, it aids in the production of red blood cells and may help regulate the amount of blood lost during menstruation. In addition, it helps reduce blood clots and soothe the muscles of the uterine walls to reduce pain.

    Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses to a cup of warm water or milk. Drink it once daily.
    Another option is to add ½ tablespoon of blackstrap molasses to a glass of lemongrass tea. Drink it once in the morning and once at night before going to bed.

Follow either of these remedies for a few months to notice improvement in your condition.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar

You can also try apple cider vinegar to overcome the problem of heavy menstrual flow. It works as a tonic to flush toxins out of your body and maintain hormonal balance. It can even be helpful in treating symptoms like cramping, headaches, irritability and fatigue.

    Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.
    Drink this solution 3 times a day during the menstrual cycle for best results.

4. Red Raspberry

Red raspberry leaves are beneficial for women suffering from heavy menstrual flow. They contain tannins that help strengthen the uterine muscles. In addition, it helps reduce abdominal pain.

    Add 1 tablespoon of dried red raspberry leaves to a cup of hot water.
    Cover and steep for about 10 minutes.
    Strain and drink this tea up to 3 times daily.
    Start drinking this tea a week before your cycle is due and throughout your period.

5. Cayenne

To get relief from excessive menstrual flow, you can also try cayenne pepper. It can help balance the blood flow in the body. Moreover, it helps maintain hormonal balance and relieve symptoms of heavy bleeding.

    Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne powder to a glass of warm water.
    Add a little honey.
    Drink this 2 or 3 times a day during your cycle.

You can also take cayenne supplements once daily, but only after consulting your doctor.
6. Coriander Seeds

According to Ayurveda, coriander seeds can help stop heavy menstrual cycles. It can help improve uterine functioning and balance female hormones in the body.

    Add 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds to 2 cups of water.
    Boil it until the quantity reduces by half.
    Strain, then add a little honey.
    Drink it while it is still warm, 2 or 3 times a day during your monthly cycle.