Excessive menstrual bleeding may be caused by a number of factors, and a woman should consult her doctor to eliminate any underlying causes of persistent heavy bleeding before attempting to treat the condition. Heavy menstrual cycles can be very painful and may even interfere with a woman's ability to participate in normal daily activities. There are various natural and hormonal options available for treating heavy menstruation.
The first step a woman can take to stop menstrual bleeding is to visit a physician to rule out any health problems that may be causing excessive bleeding. A physician will typically perform a series of tests to rule out issues such as cancer, polyps, abnormal hormone levels, and pelvic irregularities. Once a woman has been diagnosed, her physician can recommend various treatment options.
If polyps are found during examination, then the doctor will likely recommend that they be removed as soon as possible. The menstrual cycle usually returns to normal within two months after the polyps are removed. If cancer is found in a biopsy, it may be treated with exploratory surgery, chemotherapy, or by performing a hysterectomy.
Hormonal treatments may stop menstrual bleeding if a doctor determines that the patient's hormonal levels are abnormal. Abnormal hormone levels can be caused by conditions as common as irregular ovulation, and are generally treated with hormone therapy. Birth control pills and birth control injections tend to drastically reduce menstruation, and in some cases hormone therapy will stop menstruation altogether.
If a doctor is unable to 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 menstruation cycles. These women may want to try increasing their vitamin K intake. 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 aids the body in blood coagulation, which is a necessary component to slow bleeding.
There are also several herbal remedies to stop menstruation, including herbal infusions of lady's mantle or shepherd's purse. Herbal teas tend to be bitter, so adding a bit of honey or milk may make the tea more palatable.