Excessive menstrual bleeding can be caused by a number of factors, and a woman should see her doctor to rule out any underlying cause of persistent heavy bleeding before attempting to treat the condition. Heavy menstrual cycles can be very painful and can even interfere with a woman's ability to participate in normal daily activities. There are several natural and hormonal options available to treat heavy menstruation.
The first step a woman can take to stop menstrual bleeding is to visit a doctor to rule out any health issues that may be causing excessive bleeding. A doctor will usually run a series of tests to rule out problems such as cancer, polyps, abnormal hormone levels, and pelvic irregularities. Once a woman has been diagnosed, her doctor may recommend various treatment options.
If polyps are found during the exam, your doctor will likely recommend that they be removed as soon as possible. The menstrual cycle usually returns to normal within two months after polyps are removed. If cancer is found on a biopsy, it can be treated with exploratory surgery, chemotherapy, or by performing a hysterectomy.
Hormonal treatments can stop menstrual bleeding if a doctor determines that a patient's hormone levels are abnormal. Abnormal hormone levels can be caused by such common conditions as irregular ovulation, and are usually treated with hormone therapy. Birth control pills and birth control injections tend to dramatically reduce menstruation, and in some cases, hormone therapy will stop menstrual bleeding altogether.
If a doctor can't 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 menstrual cycles. These women can try to increase their intake of vitamin K. 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 helps the body in blood clotting, which is a necessary component to slow bleeding.
There are also various herbal remedies to stop menstrual bleeding. Many women find that herbal infusions from Lady's Mantle or Shepherd's Purse, which can be brewed and drunk like tea, can be helpful in slowing or stopping menstrual bleeding. Herbal teas tend to be bitter, so adding a little honey or milk can make the tea more palatable.