Are you one of the unlucky women that says to themselves: “why is my period you so heavy?” Don’t worry, every woman experiences this at least once in her life, and some people are simply part of the unlucky group experiences heavier bleeding each and every month.
We’re going to talk about why you experience a heavy period, and then discuss how to make your period lighter.
Why Does Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Occur?
Heavy bleeding is very hard to measure. Women simply do not have a way to actually measure their period, and a lot of women don’t realize that they have an extraordinarily heavy period because it seems normal to them.
No one wants to discuss this information in detail with their friends.
In most cases, the average menstrual cycle will occur every 28 days and last 4 days (plus or minus 2 – 3 days), depending on the woman. During this time, you’ll lose approximately 2-3 tablespoons of blood at one time.
This is not an extraordinarily large amount of blood, and a heavy cycle can be just 4 – 5 tablespoons of blood, which isn’t much of a concern health-wise. But there’s an issue when your cycle starts to interfere with your body’s natural functions. It’s not normal to experience:
- Frequent running to the bathroom to change your tampon or pad.
- Immense pain or discomfort.
- Periods that last longer than seven days.
There’s actually a name a heavy period: menorrhagia. This is an actual condition, and the signs that you may be suffering from menorrhagia, include:
- Your average period is longer than 7 days.
- You change tampons or pads 6-7 times per day.
- You’re becoming anemic.
- Menstrual cramps are very painful.
- You suffer from blood clots.
Blood clots during periods may be a sign that it’s time to talk to your doctor. Menstrual cramps that become too painful can be caused by excess bleeding. When this happens, the uterus begins to contract, causing you to suffer from excess pain.
These symptoms are all indications that you have a heavy period.
Note: Anemia will need to be diagnosed by a doctor, and you may need medication to help you combat this condition.
If the pain of your menstrual cycle is very severe, it’s important to talk to your gynecologist about the issue and have a thorough exam done to determine the cause of your pain.
There are several other causes for having a heavy period which need to be diagnosed by your doctor, including:
- Infection
- Weight fluctuation
- Uterine cancer
- Uterine fibroids
Regular checkups with your OB/GYN are recommended for women of all ages.
How to Make Your Period Lighter
If you want to ensure that you have a really light period that’s normal in flow, it is best to talk to your gynecologist. This is the medical professional that will help you determine the best route to get rid of your heavy period.
But there are other ways that don’t involve divulging these personal details to another person.
1. Birth Control Pills
Many women will use birth control pills not only as a contraceptive, but as a way to lighten their period. These pills will contain hormones that will prevent ovulation from occurring, and bleeding is reduced by the 64% – 69% on average.
This is a rather safe and effective way to lighten your period.
2. Hormonal IUDs
Many women will be able to reduce their heavy periods by having an intrauterine device placed in their body. This device is inserted into the uterus, and releases hormones into the body. FDA approved, this is an excellent way to reduce blood flow by 71% – 94%.
If you’re looking for tips on how to stop heavy periods, you should know that IUDs are one of the most extreme methods available. But they’re also very effective.
3. NSAIDS
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, NSAIDS, can help lighten flow. You’ll likely need to take a higher dose of this medicine, and taking these pills three times per day will be required. The first method that most people recommend, and this can reduce your menstrual flow by 28% to 49%.
You should not take these medications if you’re already on medicine that thins your blood, or you have a bleeding disorder.
It’s recommended that you talk to your doctor first before taking any medication.
NSAIDS can be found in any pharmacy, and a prescription is not required. Please keep in mind that you will want to adhere to dosage recommendations that will be found on the back of the bottle. If you are currently taking any other medication, make sure that NSAIDS will not conflict with any medication that you currently take.
Well, here is a great resource that tells you how to lighten it naturally.
Very few women ask themselves, “why is my period so light?,” but there are some lucky women who have a light flow every month. Using one of the methods above, you will be able to make your period lighter. Keep in mind, your menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones in the body, and most remedies will require these hormones to combat your heavy bleeding.
