How to stop menstrual bleeding: medicine, surgery and nutrition

The treatment of menstrual bleeding can be done with drugs such as oral contraceptives, use of an IUD, and taking iron and folic acid associated with it.

However, in addition to these options, there are some simple precautions with food that can help to reduce discomfort and improve the woman's well-being.

In the most severe cases of menorrhagia, when the woman has already lost a lot of blood, she can be admitted for a blood transfusion to receive red blood cells and evaluate the possibility of surgery. When the cause is cancer, the removal of the uterus can be considered.

Remedies for menstrual bleeding

The remedies that the gynecologist can indicate for the control of menstrual bleeding can be:

• Oral contraceptives or IUDs - intrauterine device, to try to regulate menstruation and decrease blood flow; Iron + folic acid supplements to ensure the body's daily iron requirement, preventing or fighting anemia; Hemostatic agents, such as aminocaproic acid, to balance the consistency of the blood.

Contraceptives can be changed after 3 months of use, if they do not decrease the menstrual flow.

When the blood test is normal, the doctor can only clarify the woman's condition and order ultrasound tests to try to identify the cause of the bleeding.

Medical treatment

If the remedies are not enough to stop the heavy menstruation, the gynecologist can indicate the curettage, intra-uterine Foley tube, or the ligation or embolization of the uterine arteries.

If this cause is not found, but heavy and prolonged menstruation remains, it is important to take care of the diet, consuming more iron, to prevent anemia, which may arise.

Surgery to remove the uterus

Surgery to remove the uterus can be indicated for women who are unable to stop menstrual bleeding even following all medical guidelines, and who do not wish to become pregnant, and therefore this should be the last treatment option.

Learn more about the removal of the uterus.

Food care

These precautions must be followed daily until complete resolution of menstrual bleeding that can last for many days or even months. So it is recommended:

1. Drink more fluids

Drinking 2 to 3 liters of water or unsweetened tea a day is important to avoid becoming dehydrated. Orange juice, pure, without sugar is particularly suitable and can be taken 3 to 4 times a day, because it contains minerals that can help keep blood pressure under control, preventing the feeling of dizziness or fainting.

2. Eat more iron

Increasing the consumption of iron-rich foods, such as red meats, beans and beets, is necessary to combat anemia that is already in place or prevent it from setting in. Iron-containing foods should be consumed daily, if possible with every meal to prevent iron levels from getting too low in the blood.

Some recipes rich in iron are citrus fruit juice beaten with parsley, orange juice, carrots and beets, and beetroot leaves stew. See more foods indicated in: Foods rich in iron.

Signs of improvement

The signs of improvement in menstrual bleeding are a decrease in the amount of blood lost through the vagina, menstruation without clots and the absence or decrease in the severity of anemia. These signs of improvement can appear 1 to 3 months after starting treatment.

Signs of worsening

Signs of worsening may arise if treatment is not carried out correctly, in which case the bleeding may become even more intense or have blood clots, worsening anemia. In this case, the woman may become very pale, without strength and find it difficult to concentrate. When presenting these symptoms the doctor may order a blood test to check the amount of iron in the body, and to evaluate the possibility of hospitalization.

Complications that may arise

The complication that prolonged bleeding can cause is the development of iron deficiency anemia. However, when it is caused by serious changes such as cancer, it can put a woman's life at risk.