Caffeine can affect your circulatory system, but it doesn’t cause your period to become heavier. Caffeine actually restricts your blood flow by constricting blood vessels. There are a number of causes that can make your menstrual bleeding heavy. If you’re concerned about the flow of your period, talk to your doctor to determine the cause and to find a way to resolve your dilemma.
Caffeine
Caffeine is used in some premenstrual and menstrual medications to help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with menstruating. In these types of medications, caffeine is often coupled with acetaminophen, diuretics or antihistamines, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Drugs.com notes that the combination of caffeine and aspirin is used to treat moderate to severe pain. While caffeine does constrict blood vessels and is used in some menstrual medications, it may not be the right medication for you. MedlinePlus advises women with painful menstruation to avoid caffeine. Until you know exactly how caffeine will affect your menstrual cycle, limit the amount you consume.
Causes
Heavy menstrual bleeding is also referred to as menorrhagia. Menorrhagia describes abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding. The Mayo Clinic notes that heavy menstrual bleeding is not typically something severe enough to experience a significant amount of blood loss. When you experience true menorrhagia, you will experience enough blood loss and cramping that you will not be able to maintain your usual activities. Hormonal imbalances between your estrogen and progesterone levels can cause heavy menstrual bleeding as well as uterine fibroids, dysfunction of the ovaries or polyps; copper intrauterine devices, or IUDs, can also cause heavy vaginal bleeding. Pregnancy complications, inherited bleeding disorders, cancer and certain medications can all cause heavy bleeding.
Treatment
Discussing your menstrual period with your doctor can open a variety of effective treatments. Your doctor may recommend iron supplements, oral contraceptives such as birth control or oral progesterone to help level out a hormonal imbalance. Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen may help reduce the amount of menstrual blood loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. They may also help relieve painful menstrual cramps and other symptoms such as back aches associated with your menstrual cycle. Your doctor may also recommend a hormonal IUD to release a type of hormone called levonorgesterel, which makes your uterine lining thinner and decreases cramping and menstrual blood flow. Hormonal IUDs are not made of copper and are, instead, made of plastic. In rare or extreme circumstances, your doctor may recommend surgery for serious or difficult situations.
Considerations
If your periods are so heavy you dread them every month, talk to your doctor. Taking the right medication can help ease symptoms so you can continue with your regular routine. If your doctor recommends a specific treatment and it doesn’t seem to help, let him know as you may need a different treatment or a combination of treatments to remedy your situation.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: PMS; FamilyDoctor.org Editorial Staff; Aug. 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding); Mayo Clinic Staff; June 2011
- Mayo Clinic: Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding): Causes; Mayo Clinic Staff; June 2011
- Mayo Clinic: Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding): Treatment; Mayo Clinic Staff; June 2011
- Drugs.com: Propoxyphene Compound 65 Medical Facts; Sept. 2011
- MedlinePlus: Painful Menstruation Periods; Sept. 2009
- TeensHealth: Coping With Common Period Problems; Sept. 2010
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