Heavy periods: what is the reason and what to do

Every woman’s body works taking into account individual physiological characteristics. For some, menstrual periods are completely painless and do not cause much discomfort, while other women complain of periodic pain and malaise during menstruation. This phenomenon in medicine is called menorrhagia - this is one of the symptoms of sexual dysfunction, which, if left untreated, can develop endometritis, anemia, inflammation of the uterine mucosa and reproductive problems. What determines the number of periods and is it possible to influence their release?

Normal menstruation

Of course, every woman is individual and PMS may experience differently. But still, gynecologists agree on one thing - there is a normal discharge rate; in their opinion, during menstruation the amount of blood and mucus should not exceed 150 ml. If there is more blood and it is released for about 12 days, then your periods are considered heavy.

First of all, you should not be afraid of this fact; the cause could be hormonal imbalance or severe stress, but leaving the situation uncontrolled would also be unwise. It is necessary to undergo an examination by a specialist and undergo tests in order to find out in time the cause of heavy periods and not lead to more serious problems with health and childbirth.

The most important sign hypermenstrual syndrome called copious discharge of blood, clots and exfoliated endometrium (mucus).

Other symptoms are:

• general malaise, weakness, dizziness;
• aching dull pain in the lower abdomen;
• inability to lead a normal lifestyle during menstruation;
• the need to change pads and tampons more often than every 2 hours, as well as at night;
• use of hygiene products with the highest degree of protection.

Types of menorrhagia:

• Primary menorrhagia is typical for young girls who have just started menstruating. The cause, as a rule, is unstable hormonal levels. In this situation, you should immediately consult a specialist, because heavy periods can lead to the development of anemia and polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Secondary menorrhagia occurs in adult women with an already established menstrual cycle. Hypermenstrual syndrome in this case often becomes a symptom of serious diseases.

Causes of heavy periods

In completely healthy women, occasional cases of heavy discharge may occur during menstruation. This can be explained by increased emotional stress, stress, depression, active physical activity, sudden climate change, as well as illiterate and uncontrolled use of contraceptive and hormonal medications. Physiological causes are often hormonal imbalances during adolescence or menopause.

The intrauterine device is a contraceptive method that is not suitable for all women. Heavy periods with clots are considered normal in the first three months after insertion of the IUD. If at the end of this period the cycle does not return to normal, this is a reason to seek help, as this may indicate the presence of inflammatory processes.

Other factors that can trigger symptoms of menorrhagia:

• lack of vitamins and minerals that promote blood clotting;
• inflammatory processes in the uterine cavity - fibroids, polyps, cancerous tumors;
• dysfunction of the endometrium - hyperplasia, polyps, etc.;
• pathologies of the thyroid gland, cardiovascular system;
• blood diseases;
• genetic predisposition;
• complications after childbirth and termination of pregnancy;
• liver and urinary tract diseases;
• abuse of hormonal emergency contraception.

Most girls during puberty experience discomfort associated with heavy menstruation. Considering that not everyone turns to a gynecologist with this problem, it can be argued that more than half of teenage girls suffer from hypermenstrual syndrome in the first 2-3 years after the start of discharge. This is due, first of all, to the imperfection of the hormonal system and the interruption of the relationship between the central nervous system and the female reproductive system.

The main causes of menorrhagia in girls:

• unsatisfactory psycho-emotional state and physical exhaustion (especially common in children with a high degree of responsibility, excellent students);
• chronic and infectious diseases, such as influenza or sore throat;
• mental trauma;
• lack of daily routine, proper nutrition, lack of vitamins and minerals.

Heavy periods with clots

Doctors say that there is a direct relationship between the amount of menstrual blood and its consistency. The appearance of clots indicates that blood accumulates in the uterine cavity and has time to coagulate before it comes out.

How can this phenomenon be explained:

• The presence of certain obstacles at the exit from the uterus, for example, they can be myomatous nodes that grow inside or polyps in the endometrium.
• Violation of the contractile function of the uterus. In order for the secretions to be pushed out in a timely manner, the uterine walls periodically contract. The cause of the problem is the same fibroid or incorrect functioning of the endometrium. Insufficient contraction of the uterus after childbirth indicates problems with its recovery.
• Hormonal dysfunction, in which ovulation does not occur and the egg does not mature to the end.
• It happens that clots cause blood diseases and insufficient ability to clot.

How to stop heavy periods

Women suffering from hypermenstrual syndrome, first of all, should undergo laboratory tests and be examined by a doctor to rule out the presence of infections and other diseases. But there are a number of recommendations that a woman herself is able to follow, namely:

• reduce physical activity, including sports, or completely abandon it for a while;
• do not drink alcoholic beverages and coffee;
• try to worry as little as possible;
• take a course of vitamins and microelements that strengthen blood vessels and have a beneficial effect on blood circulation;
• if the pain takes you by surprise, you can briefly apply a heating pad with cool water to your stomach or take painkillers and antispasmodics;
• A decoction of shepherd's purse or nettle helps stop bleeding.