Heavy menstrual flow shouldn't be a shame, but you have to admit that it can be very annoying. If you have to face this problem every month, it's a good idea to start learning to deal with this heavy menstruation. That way, you will feel more confident and comfortable during your menstrual days.
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Method 1 of 4: Coping With Health Problems
Step 1. Discuss your menstrual problems with your doctor
If you are bothered by heavy periods, talk to your doctor to find a solution. Your doctor may prescribe medication (usually the contraceptive pill) to reduce menstrual blood flow if that's the right choice for you. Before seeing your doctor, have information about the frequency and duration of your periods, as well as how often you need to change pads or tampons in a day.
Sometimes a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) can help with heavy menstrual flow. However, it also depends on the type used. The hormonal IUD can increase blood flow
Step 2. Have a blood test to check the balance of hormones in the body
Sometimes, intense blood flow can be caused by a hormonal imbalance. Ask your doctor to check your hormone levels if you have to deal with heavy periods every month. This test can be done with a simple blood test. Your doctor may prescribe medication (usually a contraceptive pill) to regulate hormonal imbalances.
Step 3. Get a test to check for a uterine tumor if this heavy menstrual problem has occurred recently
Uterine polyps or fibroids are benign tumors that can develop in the uterus and cause heavy blood flow. This problem usually appears around your 20s and 30s. If your periods have been normal in the past and become heavier over time, talk to your doctor about the possibility of a benign tumor in the uterus.
Another condition, called adenomyosis, also causes intense menstrual flow and painful cramps. This problem is more common in middle-aged women who have had children. So, consult a doctor about the possibility of adenomyosis if you fall into this category
Step 4. Consider other health conditions as possible causes of heavy menstrual problems
Some women do experience heavier periods than others. However, in some cases, it is caused by a health problem, which can be diagnosed through a physical exam, ultrasound, biopsy, or some other type of procedure. If you want to understand the reason behind your heavy periods, consult your doctor to check the following possibilities:
- Hemorrhagic disorders inherited from parents; You may have had several episodes of heavy bleeding in the past, outside of menstruation
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Kidney or liver problems
- Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries (rare)
Step 5. Watch out for anemia
Women with very heavy menstrual periods are more likely to be anemic. Excessive blood loss can reduce iron levels in the blood. In this case, you may feel tired or exhausted, and may also experience other symptoms such as pale skin, sore tongue, headache, dizziness, or tachycardia. If you think you have anemia, ask your doctor to check your blood iron levels.
- Prepare for blood loss by taking a multivitamin that contains iron, or ask your doctor if you should take an iron supplement.
- You can also benefit by eating iron-rich foods, such as red meat, seafood, spinach, fortified cereals and breads.
- Consume enough vitamin C to improve the body's ability to absorb iron. Eat foods such as oranges, broccoli, green vegetables, and tomatoes.
- If you feel dizzy or your heart beats fast every time you stand up, it could be a sign that you have low blood volume. Try to consume more fluids, including something salty, such as tomato juice or salted broth.
Step 6. Talk to your doctor if your periods are delayed, irregular, or very heavy
Menstruation is considered very heavy if you have to change pads or tampons up to 9-12 times during your period. Menstruation duration and intensity varies from woman to woman, but some issues suggest that you should consult a doctor to find out what's going on. Make an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist if you experience any of the following problems:
- Menstruation is delayed, even though you were experiencing it regularly before.
- Menstrual period longer than 7 days.
- The blood flow is so intense that you'll need to change your pad or tampon every one to two hours.
- Experiencing cramps that make you weak.
- Regular menstrual cycles become irregular.
- You have bleeding between periods.
Step 7. Seek emergency medical help if you develop symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
Remember to change tampons every 8 hours or less. Using a tampon for too long can increase your risk of infection or toxic shock syndrome. This syndrome can be a serious medical problem. So, go to the hospital or see a doctor right away if you use tampons and develop symptoms of toxic shock syndrome such as:
- Headache
- Sudden fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A skin rash, similar to sunburned skin, on the hands or feet
- Muscleache
- Mental confusion
- Seizure
Method 2 of 4: Feel More Confident and Comfortable
Step 1. Monitor your menstrual cycle
Record the first day of your period, the intensity of your daily blood flow, the last day of your period, and how you feel each day. These notes will help you predict your next menstrual cycle so you will be better prepared. The average cycle lasts about 28 days, but this varies from woman to woman. The cycle can last from 21 to 35 days in adult women, or 21 to 45 days in adolescent girls. View your notes and check the duration of the last three menstrual cycles by counting the number of days between one menstrual period and the next. The average of the last three months will help you know when your next menstrual cycle will occur.
- You have to wait long enough for your menstrual cycle to become regular. The first few months or even the first year of menstruation may be very inconsistent.
- It can be helpful to take these notes with your doctor or gynecologist if you want to discuss heavy periods with them.
Step 2. Bring enough pads or tampons for a day
Keep enough pads or tampons in your bag or backpack for a day's necessities. You may need to carry more pads than other women because the high blood flow makes you need extra protection. If you need to change your pad, ask permission to go to the bathroom. You already have everything you need in your bag.
If people start asking why you're going back and forth to the bathroom, simply say that you've been drinking too much water. You can also say, "I'm not feeling well today," or something vague
Step 3. Keep extra pads in some hiding places
Store extra tampons, pads, and panty liners in your car, school locker, bag, or extra compartment in your backpack. That way, you won't run out of supplies even if you're bleeding more profusely than usual.
- You can also prepare a small travel kit containing some pads and tampons, ibuprofen pills for cramps and even some spare underwear, just in case.
- If you want to go without a bag or backpack, keep 1-2 pads or tampons in your hiding place. It won't take up much space and will help you for at least a few hours.
- If you run out of supplies, you can go to the nearest pharmacy or supermarket to buy sanitary napkins. In addition, the UKS may also have supplies. Some schools may have a free sanitary napkin program.
Step 4. Treat cramps with over-the-counter medications
Oftentimes, girls who have very heavy periods also need to deal with painful cramps. The use of analgesics can help with this problem. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and paracetamol (Feminax) are medications that can reduce pain. Take one tablet as soon as you feel the first symptoms, and repeat the dose regularly for 2-3 days or until the cramping subsides.
- If you always have painful cramps, be sure to start taking the medication as soon as your menstrual cycle begins.
- For more severe cramps, your doctor may prescribe a stronger analgesic, such as Ponstan.
- Follow the doctor's instructions or the instructions for use on the packaging when taking the drug. If you have any health problems, it's best to talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
Step 5. Treat cramps with natural remedies
If you don't want to take painkillers for cramps, try natural remedies such as taking a warm bath or placing a hot water bottle on your stomach. Divert your attention by reading an interesting book or filling out a crossword puzzle so you don't think about the discomfort you feel. Raise your legs and rest. Some other ideas for dealing with cramps naturally include:
- Go for a walk or do light exercise, such as yoga.
- Meditate to reduce stress.
- Avoid caffeine.
Method 3 of 4: Keeping Clean
Step 1. Change pads as often as possible
Normal menstrual flow requires an average of 3-6 pads or tampons per day, but women with heavy periods may need to change pads every 3-4 hours (or so). Over time, you'll understand your menstrual flow and be able to better predict how often you should change your pads.
Step 2. Learn to use various menstrual products
If you have heavy periods, using pads may make you nervous or dirty. No one really cares whether you use pads or not, but if you feel uncomfortable, try another product. Tampons and menstrual cups can help you feel drier throughout the day and may be a more comfortable option if you're an active person. You can even swim during heavy flow days as long as you change tampons regularly as needed.
- Consider using a menstrual cup. Some models have a much larger capacity than pads or tampons and you don't need to carry any supplies throughout the day.
- Many girls initially have difficulty using tampons and menstrual cups. So, don't be shy if you experience the same thing. If you need advice on using this product, ask your mother, other female relatives, friends, or doctors.
Step 3. Use the right product for your menstrual blood flow
Tampons and pads come in various forms and levels of protection. So, make sure you use a product that suits your heavy menstrual flow. “Super” tampons and “nighttime” pads offer a higher level of protection for clothes and sheets. If you don't have pads for the night (they are usually longer and thicker), try using two at bedtime, one in the front and one in the back of the pants.
Method 4 of 4: Coping With Accidents
Step 1. Remain calm in case of leakage
Sometimes, leaks can occur. In fact, almost every woman has experienced it. If menstrual blood leaks into the sheets, wash them in cold water and put them in the washing machine immediately. If the leak gets into the underwear, try washing them separately or with other dark colored clothes), or just throw them in the trash at the end of the day. The worst thing that can happen is bloodstains on trousers or skirts, but you can work around this by tying a sweater around the waist, or, if you can't, go home early. When you get home, you can shower, change clothes, and enjoy the rest of the day stress-free.
Talk about the leak with a trusted person. Remember that 50% of people in this world have to deal with menstruation. So it's possible that a woman you know has had a leak problem. Don't be shy about talking about the situation and how you feel
Step 2. Wear dark pants and underwear during menstruation
If you've had an "accident," prepare for your next menstrual cycle by wearing black underwear and trousers. If there is a leak, the bloodstain will not be clearly visible. You can even prepare some special black underwear to be worn during menstruation only.
Step 3. Double your protection
Using more than one type of menstrual product can be an effective way to minimize the risk of leakage. For example, if you occasionally leak while using a tampon, double your protection with panty liners or pads. This way, you'll have extra protection if you can't change your tampon in time.
Menstrual pants (Thinx brand) can also be a good additional protection for menstrual cups or tampons. Menstrual pants are designed to absorb menstrual blood, can be washed and reused. These special pants can hold the equivalent of a volume of blood that can be absorbed by to 2 or 3 tampons/pads, depending on the model. You can buy it over the internet
Step 4. Increase alertness
Make it a habit to "check the situation" every 1-2 hours. Go to the bathroom between classes, or during breaks at work. Check the condition of your underwear and pads, and do a toilet paper test if you use a tampon. If you find blood on the tissue after urinating, there's a good chance the tampon might leak.
Step 5. Cover the sheets with a towel
Spread dark towels over the sheets to protect them, and the mattress, from accidental leaks. You can also use special pads for the night that are equipped with wings. This kind of product offers more protection against leakage.
Tips
- You may experience a slight stinging sensation in the vaginal area if you use a tampon. This usually happens when you remove your tampon too early (while it's still dry), or when you experience such a heavy flow that you need to change it frequently. If this stinging is bothering you, try switching to a pad for a few hours. In addition, changing tampons with special pads for the night can give the vagina a chance to rest.
- Talk to a trusted person about your menstrual problems. Discuss the problem of heavy periods and how you feel with a friend if you feel comfortable. You can also talk about it with your mother or other older relatives as they are likely to have been in a similar situation.
