Periods or menstruation is a part and parcel of women’s wellbeing. A period is instrumental in a women’s reproductive journey and helps in the shedding of the lining of the uterus so that pregnancy can happen in the next cycle. A period is not only a depiction of a woman not getting pregnant but is also important to help get pregnant in the next cycle.
A healthy menstrual cycle that lasts between 3 to 7 days long with manageable cramps and bleeding is normal and expected. Anything abnormal may require help such as Rio heavy flow pads or a hormone-releasing IUD or sometimes even medicines such as birth control pills to help with the abnormal condition.
Abnormality in Menstruation
What classifies as abnormal is heavy menstrual bleeding and the lack of bleeding or skipped periods. A series of skipped periods or low bleeding may be indicative of disorders such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which may cause the lack of periods in women.
Another scenario is heavy menstrual bleeding in which the woman bleeds heavily and unmanageably for several days with severe cramping. Heavy periods are common amongst women and some studies suggest that women of color bleed more heavily than others.
Indian women are prone to heavy menstrual bleeding because they have a naturally thicker uterine lining, which sheds more blood than average women worldwide.
Medical aids such as pads for heavy periods like the Rio Heavy Flow pads, hormone-releasing IUD (Intrauterine Device), or even birth control pills provide relief from these kinds of situations. A good sanitary napkin that is devised to take care of women in heavy bleeding is more suited than over-the-counter regular sanitary napkins which are prone to leakage and staining.
A hormone-releasing IUD is more suited to regulate hormones in the body and therefore lessen the menstrual flow and make it more manageable. Birth control pills can regulate the hormones in the body and make menstruation less of a nightmare for some women.
Seeking help from a gynecologist is the best option for those who have severe blood flow throughout their periods. Based on the condition and the health of the woman, a gynecologist can best suggest a method that can help with the heavy flow and pain associated with this condition.
For some, this disorder is classified as Menorrhagia – a condition in which a woman suffers from excessive blood loss throughout her menstruation and has severe pain that causes excessive discomfort.
There is a marginal possibility of women qualifying for this disorder as more women are just heavy bleeders and not prone to Menorrhagia. Either way, a doctor can help in understanding the same.
Causes of Heavy Menstrual Flow
Apart from suffering from Menorrhagia, some other causes can induce heavy menstrual flow as well:
1. Polyps or Cysts
Unusual growth such as polyps, cysts, and even certain types of cancers of the uterus or cervix can cause heavy menstrual flow.
2. IUD Devices
Non-hormone-releasing IUDs can mess with the hormone balance and cause heavy periods. Opt for a hormone-releasing IUD which helps in balancing these hormones.
3. Hormonal Imbalance
Women who have an imbalance of reproductive hormones or thyroid problems tend to have heavier periods and bleeding with pain.
4. Endometriosis
A condition where the lining of the uterus is growing and shedding outside the uterus. The normal shedding of the layer causes blood to pool and cause inflammation.
