Have you ever wondered how to stop period bleeding from being so heavy? You might be one of the 20% of women who experience heavy periods, technically known as menorrhagia. Some heavy periods only last a few days while other women experience heavy periods that can surpass a week in length. Interestingly enough, half of the women who have menorrhagia don’t know they have it. In some cases, it could just be how your body operates but in other cases heavy periods may signify an underlying condition.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the following signs mean you suffer from heavy periods and may want to talk to a trusted medical professional:
- Periods that last more than 7 days
- Waking up to change your pad or tampon during the night
- Soaking through a pad or tampon in as little as one hour
- Blood clots the size of a quarter or larger
What is Menstrual Bleeding?
Menstrual bleeding occurs once in every normal 28-day cycle. Menstruation is a completely normal and healthy part of being a woman. There is no way to stop bleeding completely and some women naturally bleed more than others. That being said, if there is an underlying condition causing you to question how to stop period bleeding from being so heavy, you may want to contact your doctor.
Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
There are many conditions and hormonal imbalances that cause heavy bleeding. Allow us to break down some of the more common causes of menorrhagia.
Hormonal imbalances
The two main hormones responsible for your period are estrogen and progesterone and when these important components become unbalanced, it can result in irregular periods as well as menorrhagia. Hormonal changes may cause your uterine lining to grow thicker than normal, which means you’ll bleed more as this lining sheds.
Uterine fibroids or polyps
Uterine fibroids and polyps are non-cancerous growths on the uterus. These growths may be as tiny as a speck or as large as a full grown fruit. As fibroids grow larger they will cause more discomfort and cramping, as well as heavier bleeding. Luckily, fibroids can be surgically removed.
Endometriosis
If you have endometriosis, you will likely experience abnormal period pain in conjunction with heavy periods. With endometriosis, the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus—known as the endometrium—grows outside of your uterus. This typically impacts your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis. At the end of your cycle, all of this additional tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds - causing more severe and painful periods. Yet, this tissue cannot easily exit the body like tissues that grow on your uterus, causing it to become stuck and create cysts called endometriomas.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID is an infection in at least one, but possibly more, reproductive organs including your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible, as untreated PID can cause scar tissue and abscesses to form in the reproductive tract, resulting in potentially permanent damage. Spotting, heavy bleeding, and painful periods are all possible signs of PID.
Certain Medications
Heavy menstrual bleeding can be caused by certain medications including antidepressants, anticoagulants, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, tamoxifen, and hormonal contraceptives. In addition, certain herbs may cause heavier periods including ginseng, danshen, and chasteberry.
Thyroid Disorders
Heavy flow is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. That’s because the disorder can prevent ovulation from occuring, therefore causing the endometrium to shed and cause excessive bleeding. Women with thyroid disorders may also experience more frequent menstrual periods or periods that last longer than 7 days.
How to Stop Period Bleeding: Top Ways to Manage or Reduce Period Bleeding
Of course, you can’t stop period bleeding completely unless you’re pregnant or going through menopause. Yet, if you are experiencing excessively heavy periods there are some things you can do to help manage or even reduce blood flow.
Period underwear
Period underwear is the number one way to manage the effects of heavy periods. Our highest level of absorbency undies provide coverage and comfort with our patented, multi-layer Leak-Loc® system, which gives you front-to-back leak protection.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle and dietary changes may help reduce your flow. Try eating more lean meats to ensure you are getting enough iron and protein. In addition, avoid eating too many saturated fats like butter and cream. Drink more water and limit your intake of salt and caffeine.
Birth control
Birth control helps regulate hormones, making them one of the most effective ways to control heavy bleeding. In addition, they cause the uterine lining to be thinner which results in less shedding and blood with each cycle.
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Using NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) may help reduce menstrual bleeding as well as menstrual cramps.
How to Stop Period Bleeding: When to Seek a Medical Professional
If you are regularly experiencing heavy periods or having periods that last more than 7 days, it’s important to reach out to a medical professional to ensure there are no underlying issues. In fact, if you have any concerns at all about your period, it’s never a bad idea to seek medical help. You know your body best and can sense when something is not right.
For many women, heavy periods are just a part of life. Thankfully, Proof® period underwear is here to help you manage heavy menstrual bleeding so that it doesn’t get in the way of your busy life or much-needed sleep. Our leakproof undies can be worn day or night; on their own or paired with other forms of period protection.
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