Question: I am 29 years old and sometimes during the first 3 days of my period I have serious bleeding and several clots. I have 2 children and opted for tubal ligation. I also have serious stomach problems and often get sick after eating. Could this be related?
Answer: There are several causes for heavy menstrual bleeding i.e. “menorrhagia”. Prima facia, it is attributed to hormonal imbalances occurring at the onset of puberty and when approaching menopause. In your case there are some possibilities which include:
- Uterine Fibroids: These are mostly non malignant and tend to grow until you reach menopause.These fibroids tend to increase the surface area of the uterus, which results in heavy bleeding. Too large fibroids can cause pressure on the surrounding organs and need to be removed surgically.
- Cervical or Endometrial polyps: Small growths on the cervix or the endometrium, which can occur in any individual. If they are bothersome, they need to be cauterized, but invariably they tend to regrow.
- Cervical Cancer: A rare possibility at your age, it is best to get a PAP smear done at least once a year to evaluate the status.
- Pelvic Inflammatory disease i.e. an infection which has spread in the pelvis. Drugs and antibiotics can be used to control the infection.
Consult your gynecologist and get a pelvic examination done, including a PAP smear and a simple ultrasound to help you detect the underlying cause.
Natural Remedies For Excessive Bleeding
- Banana flower is time tested home remedy for reducing excessive menstrual flow. Boil banana flower in water. Once boiled, take the flower out of the pot and let it cool. Eat it daily in the morning with yogurt. Banana flower contains natural progesterone like compound which helps to reduce excessive menses.
- Boil two to three areca nuts in a glass of water. After boiling let the water get cool. Strain the water and drink it once in morning regularly for few days.
- Pumpkin is beneficial for heavy bleeding. Dry the pulp of pumpkin. Add sugar as per your taste. Now eat one or two teaspoon of this dry pulp with milk or buttermilk daily.
- Drink ginger tea daily after meals. Certain constituents present in ginger helps to reduce increased menstrual flow.
- Drink daily one glass of orange juice when you have clots and heavy menstrual flow. It helps to reduce both. Vitamin C present abundantly in orange juice helps to reduce the flow.
- Coriander seeds are useful in cases of menorrhagia. Boil two teaspoon of coriander seeds in one glass of water. Strain the liquid and drink it once the water becomes cool.
- Indian gooseberry is effective in controlling heavy bleeding. Add two teaspoon of gooseberry juice and one teaspoon of mint juice in a glass of curd. Drink the content two times in a day.
- Homeopathic medicines are useful in promoting normal menstrual flow. Few homeopathic remedies such as Calc. carb, Sepia, Belladonna not only regularize menses, but also alleviate associated symptoms such as abdominal cramps, mood disturbance etc.
- Eat foods that are rich in iron. Eat green leafy vegetables, dates, etc that contain iron in its natural form. Severe bleeding and expulsion of clots can cause iron deficiency anemia. However, we are not aware that iron can contract blood vessels. Contraction of blood vessels will ultimately help to stop excessive bleeding.