Periods can be a difficult time for women. And the problem is exacerbated when it is accompanied by weakness, fatigue, and heavy menstrual discharge. Nearly 9 to 14 out of 100 women suffer from heavy periods. But menorrhagia or prolonged menstrual bleeding is a period that lasts longer than five to seven days. This is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying gynecological disorder.
Unfortunately, heavy bleeding or menorrhagia is more common than you think among Indian women. A research study conducted by Tabassum Kotagasti of the National Institute of Unani Medicine in Bangalore, India, found that among 7471 gynecological patients, 18.23 percent were suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding with incidences of menorrhagia being the highest (33 percent). The prevalence of menorrhagia was most noticeable between the ages of 25 and 34 years. The treatment varies as per the underlying cause but in most cases, patients turn to surgical procedures like hysterectomy to cure menstrual issues. However, Ayurvedic treatment is a better alternative as it does not affect the reproductive or general health of women. What’s distinct about Ayurvedic medicine is how it takes a holistic approach towards menstrual problems. Rather than arresting heavy flow temporarily through hormones or DNC, what Ayurveda does is correct the underlying pathology and successfully treat conditions like heavy bleeding. The unique herbal formulations and basic concepts not only target the root cause of the condition but also improve the immunity of the patient’s overall reproductive system to prevent a recurrence. The best part is, the natural herbs help the body achieve a balanced hormonal state without any side effects. What is Considered ‘Heavy’ Menstrual Bleeding? Women experience a blood flow between 10 to 80 milliliters during 2 to 7 days while the average amount of blood expelled during menstruation is 35 milliliters. When the volume exceeds 80 milliliters, it is categorized as very heavy bleeding or menorrhagia. While this might not sound life-threatening, numerous women report losing up to 500 milliliters of blood. Not only can this lead to severe iron deficiency and hospitalization, but it is also a recipe for disaster as clothing becomes blood-soaked. Think of it this way: A soaked regular tampon or pad has a holding capacity of 5 milliliters while super tampons hold 10 milliliters. Thus, 80 milliliters of blood equates to 16 fully soaked regular tampons or 8 fully soaked super-tampons throughout the entirety of one menstrual cycle. So, imagine the discomfort women who suffer from excess bleeding feel during their periods. What are the Reasons for Heavy Bleeding in Periods? The medical term for heavy flow is menorrhagia while Ayurvedic texts term it as ‘Raktapradara’ or ‘Asrigdara’ derived from ‘Asrik’ meaning blood and ‘dara’ indicating heavy flow. Hormonal Imbalance The condition is prevalent in women across all age groups but witnessed more frequently in young teens and perimenopausal women. In both instances, heavy bleeding occurs due to hormonal imbalance – namely, the overproduction of estrogen and insufficient progesterone levels. These two hormones are responsible for regulating the functioning of the vagina by thickening the uterine lining, but that lining is shed at the time of menstruation. When the normal hormonal equilibrium of the body is disrupted, excessive endometrium development takes place. The tissues that line the uterus start getting implanted outside the uterus – a process called Endometriosis – and result in menorrhagia. Doshas When you fast for an extended period, the probability of Vata and Pitta doshas increase in the body. These two doshas along with raktadhatu are the main culprits of menorrhagia, back pain, and fatigue aside. Too much sexual indulgence also increases Vata Dosha while Pitta – which is analogous to menstrual blood – rises due to the intake of spicy, salty, heavy, pungent, and fermented food. You should also avoid foods with deep penetrative natures like asafoetida, mustard, garlic. Steer clear of activities that cause stress and tension, and do not overexercise. Ovarian Issues Sometimes, no ovulation occurs and the body fails to produce the progesterone hormone. This prompts the development of menorrhagia. Polyps Polyps are small growths present in the lining of the uterus that often lead to heavy bleeding. Adenomyosis This is a condition where the glands from the endometrium get embedded in the uterine muscles leading to painful periods and unusually heavy bleeding. Uterine Fibroids At the time of pregnancy, many women develop uterine fibroids that cause heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle. Thyroid Disorders Women with hypothyroidism or slow thyroid are at a higher risk of developing menorrhagia. Intrauterine Device The use of certain forms of birth control devices and contraception like intrauterine devices is one of the major reasons behind pregnancy complications and menorrhagia in some women. Medication In many instances, women who use medication like anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants suffer from hormonal imbalances, thereby leading to heavy bleeding. What Factors Increase the Severity of Menorrhagia? Certain actions and activities are responsible for triggering menorrhagia or causing the symptoms of the condition to worsen over time. They include:
Opt for Ayurvedic treatment options if you experience:
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