By Leen Randell
Updated: Oct 1, 2024
Over Bleeding During Periods: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations
Over bleeding during periods, also known as menorrhagia, refers to abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding that can last for more than 7 days, exceeding the typical 3-5 days.
This condition can be caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, or other underlying health issues. Excessive bleeding can lead to anemia, fatigue, and weakness, negatively impacting overall health and daily life. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies such as shepherd's purse, blue cohosh, and ginger can be used to reduce bleeding and alleviate cramps.
However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if taking medications or experiencing severe symptoms, to ensure safe and effective use.
This article explains in detail what are the causes of over bleeding during periods, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.
What are the main causes of over bleeding during periods?
The main causes of over bleeding during periods are hormonal imbalances, particularly an excess of estrogen, which can cause the uterine lining to grow too thick and lead to heavy bleeding.
Other causes include the presence of polyps or fibroids in the uterus, which can cause bleeding irregularities and increase blood loss. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and thyroid disorders, can also lead to over bleeding. Furthermore, the use of certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, can disrupt hormone levels and contribute to heavy bleeding.
Research has also shown that genetic predisposition, with a family history of heavy menstrual bleeding, can also increase the risk of over bleeding.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance, particularly an excess of estrogen and a deficiency of progesterone, can lead to over bleeding during periods as it disrupts the normal menstrual cycle and causes the uterus to shed its lining in excess.
- Fibroids: Uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths in the uterus, can cause over bleeding during periods by interfering with the normal shedding of the uterine lining and increasing the size and blood supply to the uterus, leading to heavier menstrual flow.
- Polyps: Endometrial polyps, growths on the lining of the uterus, can cause over bleeding during periods by increasing the surface area of the uterus and promoting the growth of the uterine lining, leading to heavier menstrual flow.
- Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis, a condition in which endometrial tissue grows into the uterine muscle, can cause over bleeding during periods by increasing the size and blood supply to the uterus and disrupting the normal menstrual cycle, leading to heavier menstrual flow.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy, particularly miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, can cause over bleeding during periods as the body's hormone levels increase and the uterus prepares for implantation, leading to heavier menstrual flow.
- Stress: Chronic stress can cause over bleeding during periods by increasing the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and lead to heavier menstrual flow.
- Infections: Infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause over bleeding during periods by causing inflammation and irritation in the uterus and fallopian tubes, leading to heavier menstrual flow.
- Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid disorders, particularly hyperthyroidism, can cause over bleeding during periods by disrupting the body's hormone balance and leading to an increase in estrogen production, which can cause heavier menstrual flow.
- Anemia: Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, can cause over bleeding during periods as the body's iron stores are depleted, leading to a decrease in the production of hemoglobin and an increase in menstrual flow.
- Certain Medications: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory medications, can cause over bleeding during periods by increasing the risk of bleeding and disrupting the normal menstrual cycle.
What are the primary medicinal plants used for over bleeding during periods?
The main medicinal herbs used for over bleeding during periods are Vitex agnus-castus, Angelica sinensis, Ginkgo biloba, Trifolium pratense, Cimicifuga racemosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Crataegus monogyna, Hypericum perforatum, Angelica archangelica.
Vitex agnus-castus is used to regulate hormonal imbalances that contribute to heavy bleeding by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Angelica sinensis is known to have anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties that help to reduce menstrual blood loss and promote tissue repair. Ginkgo biloba and Trifolium pratense have been shown to improve blood flow and reduce clotting factors, while Cimicifuga racemosa and Paeonia lactiflora exhibit antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that ease uterine cramps and reduce bleeding.
Additionally, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Crataegus monogyna, Hypericum perforatum and Angelica archangelica are used to alleviate hormonal imbalances, promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant effects to address over bleeding during periods.
- Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus helps with over bleeding during periods due to its ability to regulate hormonal balance and reduce androgenic influence on the uterus, leading to a decrease in menstrual flow.
- Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis helps with over bleeding during periods due to its rich content of ferulic acid and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to reduce uterine contractions and alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not directly help with over bleeding during periods, but its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to overall uterine health and reduce menstrual cramps and discomfort, which can be associated with heavy bleeding.
- Trifolium pratense: Trifolium pratense, also known as red clover, helps with over bleeding during periods due to its isoflavone content, particularly formononetin and biochanin A, which have estrogenic properties and can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding.
- Cimicifuga racemosa: Cimicifuga racemosa, also known as black cohosh, helps with over bleeding during periods due to its ability to regulate hormonal balance, particularly estrogen and progesterone levels, which can help reduce menstrual flow and alleviate symptoms of heavy bleeding.
- Paeonia lactiflora: Paeonia lactiflora, also known as peony root, helps with over bleeding during periods due to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce uterine contractions and alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with over bleeding during periods due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce menstrual cramps and discomfort, and its ability to stabilize and regulate hormonal balance.
- Crataegus monogyna: Crataegus monogyna, also known as hawthorn, does not directly help with over bleeding during periods, but its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to overall uterine health and reduce menstrual cramps and discomfort, which can be associated with heavy bleeding.
- Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, helps with over bleeding during periods due to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce uterine contractions and alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Angelica archangelica: Angelica archangelica, also known as wild celery, helps with over bleeding during periods due to its rich content of ferulic acid and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to reduce uterine contractions and alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding.
What are the main herbal preparations used for over bleeding during periods?
The main herbal preparations used for over bleeding during periods are Decoction, Capsules, Tincture, Gel, Cream, Suppository, Salve, Poultice, Ointment, Suppositories.
Decoction of herbs like Uluhe (Aloe perryi), Sida acuta and Cyperus rotundus has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that help to reduce menstrual bleeding and alleviate symptoms. Capsules containing herbs like Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Crinum jageticum have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation. Tincture of herbs like Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora and Rehmannia glutinosa are used to tonify the uterus and improve blood flow.
Suppositories containing herbs like Hemidesmus indicus, Asparagus racemosus and Withania somnifera are used to provide localized relief and reduce bleeding.
- Decoction: A decoction of dried roots of Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, helps with over bleeding during periods by providing soothing and protective effects on the mucous membranes of the uterus, reducing inflammation and promoting healing, which in turn helps to stop excessive bleeding.
- Capsules: Capsules containing dried leaves of Crataegus monogyna, also known as hawthorn, may help with over bleeding during periods by improving blood vessel tone and reducing menstrual blood loss due to its vasoprotective and antispasmodic properties.
- Tincture: A tincture of dried roots of Rubia tinctorum, also known as madder, may help with over bleeding during periods by stimulating the uterus and improving blood clotting due to its antifibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Gel: A gel of dried leaves of Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort, may help with over bleeding during periods by providing a protective barrier on the mucous membranes of the uterus, reducing inflammation and promoting healing, which in turn helps to stop excessive bleeding.
- Cream: A cream of dried roots of Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, may help with over bleeding during periods by providing a soothing and protective effect on the mucous membranes of the uterus, reducing inflammation and promoting healing, which in turn helps to stop excessive bleeding.
- Suppository: A suppository of dried roots of Achillea millefolium, also known as yarrow, may help with over bleeding during periods by stimulating the uterus and improving blood clotting due to its antifibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, which in turn helps to stop excessive bleeding.
- Salve: A salve of dried leaves of Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, may help with over bleeding during periods by providing a soothing and protective effect on the mucous membranes of the uterus, reducing inflammation and promoting healing, which in turn helps to stop excessive bleeding.
- Poultice: A poultice of dried roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, may help with over bleeding during periods by providing a soothing and protective effect on the mucous membranes of the uterus, reducing inflammation and promoting healing, which in turn helps to stop excessive bleeding.
- Ointment: An ointment of dried roots of Trifolium pratense, also known as red clover, may help with over bleeding during periods by stimulating the uterus and improving blood clotting due to its antifibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, which in turn helps to stop excessive bleeding.
- Suppositories: Suppositories of dried leaves of Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, may help with over bleeding during periods by providing a soothing and protective effect on the mucous membranes of the uterus, reducing inflammation and promoting healing, which in turn helps to stop excessive bleeding.