Do You Suffer from Heavy Periods?

Although a perfectly natural part of living, periods are an unpleasant and often painful experience for many. If you have a very heavy menstrual flow, your time of the month poses additional challenges.

Producing a higher amount of blood than average during your menses requires planning and organization. As you may have to change your sanitary products every few hours, and you must ensure you are properly supplied to prevent bleeding through clothes. Losing a lot of blood during your period may cause you to feel unwell, while hormonal changes can induce pimples or acne.

Tips for Managing Heavy Periods

Thankfully, there are a number of things that can be done to make your menstrual flow more manageable. For example, constantly needing to change sanitary products is both expensive and disruptive to your day. Consider changing to a menstrual cup, which is made of soft silicone and sits in the vaginal canal to catch blood. Not only do they hold more fluid than a pad or tampon, they are reusable and better for the environment.

Wearing tampons overnight is not recommended due to a small risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome. Even pads that are designed to be worn in bed may shift out of place or are uncomfortable. Available online, absorbent underwear called “period panties” may reduce leakage and stop you from waking up as often in the night.

Sleep is very important if you are affected by a heavy period. Your body expends a lot of energy replacing lost blood, so don’t be afraid to rest if you feel tired. Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, can reduce pain from cramps and help manage stress levels.

Losing lots of blood during your period reduces iron levels in the body. Taking supplements during your time of the month replenishes these lost nutrients and prevents anemia. Keep a good intake of vitamin C to aid in the absorption of iron.

Speak to Marietta OB/GYN About Treatment Options

While these tips may make your time of the month more comfortable, they will not reduce flow or address any underlying issues. Marietta OB/GYN in Georgia can rule out conditions like uterine fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease. We can also discuss hormonal contraceptives that may reduce symptoms or stop your period completely.

Contact Marietta OB/GYN today to arrange an appointment.