Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Ways to Stop Menstrual Bleeding?

Simone Lawson
Simone Lawson

Excessive menstrual bleeding may be caused by a number of factors, and a woman should consult her doctor to eliminate any underlying causes of persistent heavy bleeding before attempting to treat the condition. Heavy menstrual cycles can be very painful and may even interfere with a woman's ability to participate in normal daily activities. There are various natural and hormonal options available for treating heavy menstruation.

The first step a woman can take to stop menstrual bleeding is to visit a physician to rule out any health problems that may be causing excessive bleeding. A physician will typically perform a series of tests to rule out issues such as cancer, polyps, abnormal hormone levels, and pelvic irregularities. Once a woman has been diagnosed, her physician can recommend various treatment options.

Heavy menstrual cycles may be very painful and may be caused by a variety of factors.
Heavy menstrual cycles may be very painful and may be caused by a variety of factors.

If polyps are found during examination, then the doctor will likely recommend that they be removed as soon as possible. The menstrual cycle usually returns to normal within two months after the polyps are removed. If cancer is found in a biopsy, it may be treated with exploratory surgery, chemotherapy, or by performing a hysterectomy.

Hormonal treatments may stop menstrual bleeding if a doctor determines that the patient's hormonal levels are abnormal. Abnormal hormone levels can be caused by conditions as common as irregular ovulation, and are generally treated with hormone therapy. Birth control pills and birth control injections tend to drastically reduce menstruation, and in some cases hormone therapy will stop menstruation altogether.

Hormonal treatments like birth control may help stop menstrual bleeding.
Hormonal treatments like birth control may help stop menstrual bleeding.

If a doctor is unable to find an underlying cause for heavy menstrual bleeding, there are several natural ways to stop menstrual bleeding. Some women are naturally prone to heavy bleeding and long menstruation cycles. These women may want to try increasing their vitamin K intake. This can be done by taking daily vitamin K supplements in addition to adding salads made with romaine lettuce or cabbage to the weekly diet. Vitamin K aids the body in blood coagulation, which is a necessary component to slow bleeding.

There are also several herbal remedies to stop menstruation, including herbal infusions of lady's mantle or shepherd's purse. Herbal teas tend to be bitter, so adding a bit of honey or milk may make the tea more palatable.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

I have never tried herbal teas for irregular menstrual cycles, do they really work? I suffer from heavy, long and extremely painful periods. My gynecologist put me on birth control which works but I don't want to be on them indefinitely.

bear78

I'm not a doctor or anything, but I don't think that all types of heavy periods have to be treated. The duration and heaviness of periods also have to do with genetics. I have long and heavy periods but so does my mom and every other women on that side of my family. My periods have always been this way and I've never worried about it. I just try to avoid stress as that can make the bleeding last longer.

If someone normally has light periods and then suddenly starts getting heavy periods, then it's a sign that something is wrong. It's a good idea to see a doctor to stop heavy menstrual bleeding in that case.

serenesurface

I had a long menstrual cycle and excessive menstrual bleeding a few years ago, along with weight gain, depression and fatigue. I saw my doctor and had a blood test done to check my hormones. It turned out that I had hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormones. I was put on synthetic thyroid hormone pills and my menstrual bleeding returned to normal soon after that.

Most cases of excessive menstrual bleeding are probably due to a hormone imbalance or some type of underlying chronic condition.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Heavy menstrual cycles may be very painful and may be caused by a variety of factors.
      By: lukasmajercik
      Heavy menstrual cycles may be very painful and may be caused by a variety of factors.
    • Hormonal treatments like birth control may help stop menstrual bleeding.
      By: cristi180884
      Hormonal treatments like birth control may help stop menstrual bleeding.
    • A woman should consult with a doctor before attempting to treat excessive menstrual bleeding.
      By: asierromero
      A woman should consult with a doctor before attempting to treat excessive menstrual bleeding.
    • Heavy menstrual cycles may interfere with a woman's ability to participate in daily activities.
      By: picsfive
      Heavy menstrual cycles may interfere with a woman's ability to participate in daily activities.
    • There are various natural and hormonal options available for treating heavy menstruation.
      By: Vlad Ivantcov
      There are various natural and hormonal options available for treating heavy menstruation.