How to Deal With a Heavy Period

Having heavy menstrual periods on a regular basis is known in the medical industry as menorrhagia. The length of an average period should be 5 to 7 days, and the amount of blood lost during that week should only be 1 to 2 ounces. If your periods are heavy though, they usually last for longer than 7 days, and the blood lost could be up to 30 ounces.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Make an appointment to see your gynecologist for an exam to make sure your heavy menstrual periods are not a symptom of another medical problem Heavy periods can be a symptom of hormone imbalances, problems with your thyroid, ovary problems or fibroids in your uterus.
2. Get a blood test. Have your doctor check the iron count in your blood to make sure you are not anemic. Anemia can sometimes cause heavy periods and prolonged heavy periods can lead to anemia.
3. Allow yourself extra rest during your periods once your doctor has ruled out other health problems. Your body is under stress, and you are losing extra blood when your periods are heavy. You can handle the strain better if you get extra rest.
4. Eat a healthy diet and take your multivitamin. Do this all month long, not just during the heavy period. A balanced diet and a vitamin helps your body to replace what it looses.
5. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated when you have your period.
6. Take ibuprofen according to package directions to help control the pain associated with your period. It is better not to take aspirin, because aspirin thins your blood and can lead to heavier bleeding.
7. Apply moist heat to your abdomen for relief from cramps. A hot water bottle or a heating pad with the moist heat option is a good choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using cloth menstrual pads instead of the plastic and paper ones for comfort. Wearing a tampon is never a good idea if your periods are long and heavy as that increases your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome.
• Get up and move around even if you don't feel like it. Mild exercise such as taking a walk is good for relieving period symptoms.