Cause

• Heavy bleeding can result from a variety of causes, such as an intrauterine device, Depo Provera, fibroids, polyps, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, hormone imbalances, hypothyroidism, blood clotting disorders, anticoagulant medications and stress. About half the time, however, no cause can be found.
  
  If a woman is dealing with heavy bleeding, it is important she visit her doctor. If there is a significant problem, a solution can be sought. But as long as it's not related to a significant health problem, she could choose not to pursue treatment.
  
  

How a Woman Can Determine if She Has Heavy Bleeding

• A woman has heavy bleeding and needs to see a physician if she has to change her sanitary protection several times a night, she has to change sanitary protection every hour over consecutive hours, she has to use napkins and towels or even adult diapers, she passes significant clots of blood, she becomes anemic and/or she has prolonged menstrual bleeding (more than seven days).
  
  

Treatment

• There are a variety of treatments for heavy bleeding. Depending on the situation, a doctor may prescribe drugs such as tranexamic acid, which can cut blood loss by half. The birth control pill is another commonly prescribed option, as is hormonal medications such as progestogen. GnRH agonists are another option that stop the ovaries from functioning. Surgery, such as a hysteroscopy, hysterectomy or a dilation and curettage, also has proved helpful. Balloon therapy is a recent development that is used to remove the uterine lining.
  
  In terms of coping with heavy bleeding, pain medications, such as ibuprofen, are useful, as is an iron supplement.
  
  

Natural Aids

• In addition to whatever medical solutions may be pursued, there are some alternatives that may be helpful. It is essential to visit with a health care provider about any additional treatment options.
  
  Vitamins such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K have been found to impact bleeding. Taking a supplement for these vitamins may be helpful.
  
  Cinnamon tea made with hot water and a cinnamon stick or four drops of cinnamon bark tincture has been helpful for some women, as has nettle tea. Hot water with 1/8 tsp. of cayenne pepper is another option. Also, 1 to 2 tsp. of dried yarrow tea consumed two to three times a day may help.