Excessive menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia – also known as dysfunctional uterine bleeding, or DUB – is characterized by menstrual flow so heavy that it interferes with your usual activities. It can also cause nutritional deficiencies and anemia. Getting enough of certain nutrients may help reduce or eliminate your symptoms. Ask your doctor about the right approach for you.
Menorrhagia
Signs that your menstrual bleeding is outside the normal range include soaking through a pad or tampon in an hour or less; needing more than one form of sanitary protection at a time, such as a tampon and a pad; changing your pad or tampon during the night; blood clots in the menstrual blood; and periods lasting longer than a week. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition has several causes including hormonal issues and problems with the reproductive system. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Iron
Heavy bleeding can lead to iron loss and, in some cases, to iron-deficiency anemia. Fatigue, lightheadedness or shortness of breath may indicate anemia from blood loss. If you have low iron levels or are anemic from heavy menstruation, your doctor will probably recommend an iron supplement. Anemia may also cause excessive menstrual bleeding, as it interferes with the reproductive tissues’ response to hormonal signals. Dietary iron can be found in lean red meats, brewer’s yeast, molasses, eggs, beans, raisins, spinach and poultry. Taking iron with vitamin C, and separate from calcium supplements, can help your body better absorb dietary and supplemental iron.
Vitamins
Several vitamins can contribute to the prevention and treatment of menorrhagia. Vitamin A helps to support and strengthen endometrial and reproductive tissues. Vitamin E is important to the body’s use and storage of vitamin A. Vitamins of the B complex may contribute to the body’s ability to control and activate estrogen. Vitamin B-6 may also help relax muscles. Vitamin C is key to tissue repair, blood vessel and capillary strength and tone, which may help control excessive blood flow. Ask your doctor to recommend the right nutrients and doses for you.
Essential Fatty Acids
Your body turns essential fatty acids, or EFAs, like gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, into compounds called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins derived from plant-based EFAs like GLA are involved in muscle contraction, pain response, bleeding and inflammation. Supplementing with a GLA-rich EFA like evening primrose oil may help relieve menstrual pain and heavy bleeding. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 2 to 8 g a day of evening primrose oil. Choose a supplement containing 8 percent GLA.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding); Mayo Clinic Staff; 2011
- “Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association”; Menorrhagia: A Synopsis of Management Focusing on Herbal and Nutritional Supplements, and Chiropractic; Anna B. Livdans-Forret, et al.; December 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Iron; Steven D. Ehrlich; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Evening Primrose Oil; Steven D. Ehrlich; 2008
- “Clinical Nutrition Insight”; A Healthy Menstrual Cycle; Joseph L. Mayo; July 1998
