Menorrhagia is heavy menstrual loss of more than 80ml/cycle or a period that lasts longer than five to seven days. While menorrhagia can occur at any age it is most common between the ages of 45-50 years. To give you some form of reference a normal menstrual flow is around 60ml/cycle and may last anywhere from two to seven days.
As most women don't calculate the amount of blood lost per cycle a guide to help you determine if you are having a heavy period includes:
Having to change your pad or tampon every hour or two.
Feeling weak, tired and unmotivated due to period.
Large clumps (clots) of blood in your menstrual flow.
If you wish to measure your loss you could try a menstrual cup thus allowing you to capture blood loss and measure your loss.
Causes of Heavy Bleeding
Heavy bleeding during peri-menopause can be a result of hormonal changes. Oestrogen's role is to thicken the endometrium lining and oestrogen levels are higher in the first half of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is higher in the second half of the cycle as it role is to assist with ensuring the lining is prepared for conception, if conception does not occurs decreasing progesterone level result in the lining of the uterus shedding. Menstruation occurs when level of both oestrogen and progesterone are low. During peri-menopause the uneven ratio of estrogen and progesterone can result in a thicker endometrium lining which leads to heavy or prolonged bleeding. This may also be accompanied to stronger, often painful cramping known as dysmenorrhea. Herbal formulas may include spasmolytics to address cramping and herbs to balance hormones and address blood loss issues. Diet and nutritional supplements may also be of assistance.
Fibroids are benign tumors that usually grow in the muscular and fibrous tissue of the uterus. Oestrogen. progesterone and aromatase are all accredited with assisting their growth. Estrogen dominance is linked to increased risk of developing fibroids. Fibroids may occur with no symptoms but may cause lower back pain, constipation and excessive and painful uterine bleeding. Researchers investigating Vitamin D have noted that women with darker skin have a higher incidence of fibroids suggesting that vitamin D may play a role in the growth of fibroids. As fibroids are more common as we age it is important to determine if they are causing excessive bleeding. To address fibroids naturally dietary and intestinal dysbiosis, sugar dysregulation, stress levels and environmental factors would all be considered to determine which supplements and herbs would best address an individuals circumstances.
Iron Deficiency
Generally speaking women have lower levels of iron than men and this is attributed to women menstruating. However excessive bleeding can result in an even lower level of iron and may lead to anaemia it is important that women experiencing heavy or prolonged bleeding get their iron levels checked.
Low iron may be corrected via dietary changes including eating iron rich foods with foods high in vitamin C to assist with absorption. Supplementation may be needed to increase levels, some iron supplements turn stools black and cause constipation in some people, this can be overcome by using a different form of iron. Herbs such as parsley, nettle and dandelion may also assist with increasing iron levels.
Menopause is a natural process, it is important to be empowered and know that there are natural products to assist you though this life phase. If your in need of assistance I am here to help just book online or if none of the times online work for you give Anita a call to work out a personalized time slot.
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