Think about it. Most women undergo a menstrual period once in a month for about more than half of their average lives. This makes it one of the most common shared experiences on earth! However, every period cycle varies.
In fact, not all women get periods while some get them for way too long. Did you know that there are women who have menstruated all year round? Sounds painful, right? But it is a reality.
The bottom line? There is no such thing as ‘normal’ menstruation. Hence, we decided to put together a list of home remedies that you can turn to, when you are facing prolonged periods!
Home Remedies to Stop Prolonged Periods
There is so much pain and discomfort that comes with one’s periods. However, having a prolonged period can make everything feel so much worse. While it is advisable to get it checked by a doctor, you can try some home remedies to stop prolonged periods naturally. Here are some tips that might help:
1. Iron
Heavy blood loss results in iron deficiency. On the flip side, chronic iron deficiency can also cause heavy bleeding. Consult your doctor regarding adding iron or iron supplements to your diet. It’s best to obtain nutrients in your diet. Only if it does not help, add in a supplement. You can add the following iron-rich foods to your diet:
- Parsley
- Green Peas
- Spinach
- Beetroot
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can play a big role in reducing heavy periods naturally. This is because vitamin C actively aids iron absorption in the body. You can ask your doctor to recommend a vitamin C supplement, but only if you cannot cover the daily intake in your diet. There are tons of foods you can add to your diet to increase your vitamin C consumption. They are:
3. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is required for red blood production. Hence, a deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to heavy periods. Vitamin A is also required for the optimal oestrogen levels in your body. You can add the following vitamin A-rich foods to your diet:
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
- Red bell pepper
- Broccoli
- Lettuce
- Grapefruit
4. Ginger
According to studies, ginger can help reduce the level of blood loss during periods. Ginger can lower prostaglandin production in your body and is anti-inflammatory in nature. Since ginger is also a warming food, it further helps to relieve cramps. Before you start any herbal treatment, consult your doctor to figure out if it will suit you or not.
5. Shepherd’s Purse
Shepherd’s purse, a flowering plant in the mustard family, is quite a common home remedy for heavy menstrual flow. There is more anecdotal evidence than scientific evidence; however, it is said that this herb can halt blood flow. In fact, it is said that it is useful for all kinds of bleeding, such as nosebleeds and postpartum haemorrhage. All you need to do is mix a teaspoon of shepherd’s purse with hot water and drink 3-4 cups in a day.
6. Tamarind
Tamarind can help regulate blood circulation. Therefore, it is an effective home remedy for heavy blood flow. Moreover, tamarind is rich in antioxidants which help reduce high cholesterol levels and heavy bleeding. You can combine honey, tamarind, and water as a natural remedy. Mix the ingredients in a blender and drink it once a day.
7. Mustard
Mustard seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which help to regulate oestrogen levels in the body. This is a great home remedy for hormonal imbalances. It ultimately helps to regulate the menstrual flow. You can try adding mustard seed powder to your diet.
8. Water
Besides all the herbal interventions, you can try this simple tip. Increasing your fluid intake can help decrease the volume of blood you lose. Drinking plenty of water will help reduce cramps and make your periods pass faster. This is because water helps ensure that blood doesn’t thicken.
Pro Tips and Tricks to Deal With Prolonged Periods
Besides home remedies to stop prolonged periods and treatments, you might want to make your period more bearable. These tips will help to make your periods more manageable:
1. Menstrual Cup
This is a small silicone cup that you need to insert into the vagina. It will catch all the blood coming from the uterus. It can hold more blood than a pad or tampon. Moreover, it can be very comfortable as you don’t feel anything inside. It is also reusable and eco-friendly. You need to wash it in between uses.
2. Period Panties
This absorbent underwear helps to back up tampons or periods so that you can avoid leaks. You can even wear them without a pad or tampon. They are more comfortable than periods and tampons too.
3. Heating Pad
A heating pad helps to loosen the contracted muscles in your abdomen. This can help provide relief from period cramps.
4. Exercise
When you exercise, you warm up your muscles. When your muscles are warm, they loosen up from their contracted state. This helps ease the pain and cramping. Moreover, exercise releases endorphins which can help boost your mood.
Lifestyle Changes to Stop Prolonged Periods
- Drinking more water throughout the day helps in maintaining a healthy blood volume and hydrating your body. If you experience prolonged bleeding, it may help decrease blood volume.
- Placing an icepack on your tummy for about 20 minutes several times throughout the day can help regulate your blood flow, managing prolonged period concerns.
Why Are My Periods So Heavy?
In most cases, heavy periods are medically known as menorrhagia. This implies if you have a heavy flow, you need to change your sanitary products every 1-2 hours. It may also include severe and unbearable pain that hinders your productivity.
It would be best to visit a doctor to determine the reason for your heavy menstruation. You may be experiencing one of the following disorders:
1. Hormonal Problems
A normal menstrual cycle entails a balance between oestrogen and progesterone hormones. These are the hormones that contribute to the shedding of the lining in your uterus. If this balance is disturbed, you might experience heavy shedding and bleeding. You might have hormonal disorders such as PCOS or thyroid issues.
2. Growths in the Uterus
Some people get polyps (small, benign growths) on the lining of their uterus. It is also possible to have fibroids (small-to-large benign tumours) that grow within the uterus. Both these growths can lead to heavy or prolonged periods.
3. Non-Hormonal IUDs
Many women use a type of birth control called intrauterine devices or IUDs. These can be either hormonal or non-hormonal. The non-hormonal variations can potentially cause heavy periods.
4. Complications of Pregnancy
Sometimes, an embryo might attach itself to places outside of the uterus. The foetus cannot grow here, leading to heavier bleeding during periods. A miscarriage can also result in heavy periods.
5. Cancer of the Reproductive System
Certain cancers such as that of the ovaries, uterus, or cervix may lead to heavy periods. However, this is rare.
6. Certain Medications
Some medicines may contribute to heavy periods, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications for kidney or liver disease may also lead to heavier menstrual flow.
Speak With Your Doctor
There is a chance that home remedies may not work to stop prolonged periods. You don’t have to worry. Professional, medical help exists and you will be better equipped to diagnose and treat menstrual flow concerns after speaking with your gynaecologist. Performing targeted tests and expert guidance can help you arrive at the best possible treatment for your condition.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you are experiencing heavy bleeding, it is best to visit a doctor immediately. If you have been experiencing it for a prolonged period, it is even more reason to get yourself checked.
Your doctor will do a general check-up regarding your health, followed by medical tests to identify the issues. Several treatments are available when a health issue is responsible for heavy periods.
Summing Up on Home Remedies to Stop Prolonged Periods
If you have had heavy periods for a long time, it is best to get checked out by a healthcare professional. While you can try these home remedies to stop prolonged periods, it is vital that you find out the underlying cause. Once you identify the root issue, you will be able to address and fix it.
FAQs
How Do You Stop a Prolonged Period Naturally?
Understandably, not everyone wants to rely on medication to control their heavy blood flow. You can try easy home remedies for relief. For example, you can consume a strand of saffron with honey. You can also drink apple cider vinegar to help balance hormones in your body. Flaxseeds are also helpful as they help regulate oestrogen levels. Flaxseed tea has hormone-balancing properties, which help to reduce blood flow.
How Do You Stop Prolonged Periods Immediately?
Your best bet to stop prolonged periods immediately is through hormonal birth control. This allows you to regulate your period better. You can also exercise and keep your weight in check to reduce menstruation-related problems.
Can Ginger Stop Periods?
Yes, ginger is a commonly used home remedy. It is based on anecdotal evidence, but it is said that ginger helps to relieve cramping and pain. This is because ginger contains zingibain, an enzyme protecting the body from inflammation.
Does Lemon Stop Periods?
It is believed that lemon or lime juice can help control your period. Its high acidic content plays a part in delaying your period. Consuming lime juice just before your period can help push it by a few days and even make you have a lighter flow. Moreover, it also helps to relieve discomfort and pain during your periods.
