Heavy bleeding (flooding) is common in menopause as a response to changing hormone levels.
As we approach menopause it can be alarming to find that periods that were previously regular become uncharacteristically heavy, irregular and painful. They may become totally unpredictable, with intervals between bleeding either shortening or lengthening.
The nature of the flow itself may also change from moderate bleeding to a flooding or gushing that we find difficult to manage with sanitary protection. Clots happen when the uterine lining sheds increased amounts of blood. When the blood pools in the uterus or vagina, it begins to coagulate, much like it would on an open skin wound.
Heavy periods can contribute to anaemia, for more info on this condition see the discussion at the end of the article. Heavy periods can also be a symptom of certain disorders such as thyroid problems, problems with the Pill or HRT, or an IUD, high blood pressure, obesity, endometriosis, uterine polyps, fibroids or PCOS so do notify your GP of any marked change in the intensity of your periods.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic treatment has a tremendous amount to offer in managing the distress that can be part of a changed menstrual pattern. If your monthly flow has recently been increasing one of the following remedies may help a great deal in regulating the flow. Consider seeking professional homeopathic advice if symptoms are severe or well established and seem beyond the scope of self-prescribing.
Some commonly used remedies that might be considered for this condition:
Belladonna
- Indicated when there is flooding/gushing with bright red blood and clots. You might feel swollen, ultra-sensitive with headaches before and during bleeding. Severe dragging, cramping pains before the period with a general sense of congestion. Irritable and restless with the pains. Skin is hot, bright red and dry during the pains.
- Better for: warmth and resting semi-erect in bed.
- Worse for: physical effort, jarring motion, lying flat.
PhosphorusIndicated when there is dizziness, anxiety and exhaustion from blood loss. Apathetic and indifferent from low energy reserves. Tiredness leads to weepiness, depression and headaches with a heavy sensation behind the eyes. Very heavy, bright red, clotted flow.
- Better for: massage, warmth , reassurance.
- Worse from: Exertion, exposure to cold, excitement.
Kali Carb
- Indicated for persistent heavy bleeding with severe backache. Anaemic and chilly with backache and pain in the base of the spine before and during periods. Painful areas feel unbearably cold. Exhausted with bleeding, even speaking is too much of an effort. Fluid retention and a bloated abdomen.
- Better for: warmth and leading forward.
- Worse from: exposure for cold, draughts, cold in any form, pressure, touch, lying on painful area.
China
- Indicated for frequent heavy periods with vertigo and anaemia. Heavy bleeding with faintness and buzzing/ringing in the ears. Flow is dark, heavy and very clotted. Although chilly, bouts of shivering alternate with hot flushes. Exhausted, irritable, touchy and antisocial with blood loss.
- Better from: warmth, sleep, rest, firm pressure.
- Worse from: making an effort, exposure to cold, fresh air, at night.
Lachesis
- Indicated for distressing pains with very dark, clotted flow. Pains are relieved as soon as the flow begins. Depression, rage, mood-swings and severe left-sided headaches before the flow begins. Hot flushes, fainting and palpitations with flooding. Strong aversion to heat and constricting clothes. Blood may have a strong smell.
- Better from: onset of periods, cold drinks, fresh open air, eating, gentle exercise.
- Worse from: exposure to extreme heat or cold, stuffy rooms, hot bathing, cold draughts, before period begins, after sleep.
- Ipecac
- Indicated for terrible nausea (possibly vomiting) with bright red, heavy forceful bleeding. Possible steady bleeding or alternation between oozing and gushing. Craves cool air when nauseated or faint. Severe nausea is much worse from movement of any kind. Severe nausea is much worse from movement of any kind.
- Better from: keeping as still as possible, closing eyes, fresh cool air.
- Worse from: movement, eating, extreme heat or cold.
There are many other remedies which can be useful such as Aconite, Millefolium, Sabina and Secale. Seek guidance from a professional homeopath if you are not sure which remedy might be a match for your symptoms.
Herbs
Herbs can be used to nourish and tonify the body. Astringent herbs such as garden sage, lady’s mantle and raspberry leaf help to tone the uterus. Nettles are nourishing and contain iron. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla Vulgaris) tincture can be used during the 1-2 weeks before a period to prevent flooding. Use 5-10 drops of the fresh plant tincture 3 times a day for up to 2 weeks out of the month. Shepherd’s Purse is renowned as a herbal remedy for uterine haemorrhages. Witchhazel and Cinnamon can also be very effective for checking flooding.
Herbs such as Vitex Agnus Castus and Wild Yam can be used to stabilise progesterone levels. When taken daily over several months the herbal tincture of Vitex Agnus Castus (Chastretree) will stabilise progesterone shifts and decrease flooding. It can take a while for the effects to kick in so perseverance is required. Wild Yam Root tincture taken daily for the 2 weeks preceding menstruation can also supply enough progesterone precursors to help remedy flooding.
Dietary Supplements
Bioflavanoids. – Strenthen the capillaries and provide phytoestrogens – together these factors decrease flooding. Foods rich in bioflavonoids include celery, parsley, herbs, peppers, berries, pomegranates, plums, red wine, grapes, citrus fruits, soybeans, legumes, onions, leeks, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, tea, beans, apples and cocoa.
GLA Oils – A lack of prostaglandins contributes to menopausal flooding (and a surplus can contribute to menopausal flashing). Oils rich in GLA (Gammalinoleic acid) are precursors to and balancer of prostaglandin production in the body. Raising GLA levels can help you decrease your flooding rapidly and substantially. Oils which contain GLA include Borage, Blackcurrant, Evening Primrose and Flax seed. Flax Seed is also know as Linseed – this food has many health benefits but only if it is absolutely fresh – usually comes in a vacuum sealed packet.
Acupressure and Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments are extremely helpful for women with severe menopausal flooding. Daily treatments during the flooding can stop acute blood loss.
Press firmly on either of these acupressure points for one minute in every fifteen as an emergency sedative for flooding. One is located above the centre of the upper lip (and under the nose). The other is right at the top of the head.
Anaemia
If you suspect you may be anaemic (lacking in iron), check for the following symptoms which are common features of anaemia:
- Exhaustion or persistent tiredness
- Palpitations
- Breathlessness
- Pale complexion
Tissue salts
Calc phios – this tissue salt helps by supplying new blood cells.
Ferrum Phos – this tissue salt helps by its power of attracting oxygen and enriching the new blood cells after they have been supplied by Calc phos.
Getting enough Iron
Iron is an important nutrient for fewer hot flashes, less menstrual flooding, fewer headaches, better sleep with fewer night sweats, easier nerves, more energy and less dizziness.
Try to consume 2 mg or more of iron from herbs and foods each day you flood; 1 – 1.5mg daily on days when you aren’t bleeding. Expect to feel more energetic and alive within 2 weeks. Flooding is usually noticeably diminished at the next menses.
Vitamin B6 25 – 50mg daily can help with the assimilation of iron and and thus minimise anaemia from flooding and in some cases reduce flooding.
To protect against iron deficiency, include the following foods in your diet: leafy greens, molasses, dried fruits (cherries, raisins), liver, yellow/orange/red vegetables, bittersweet chocolate, wholewheat, oatmeal, brown rice, mushrooms, potatoes, honey, seaweeds, fish.
Herbs can also contain beneficial amounts of iron. Herbal sources of iron include chickweed, kelp, burdock, horsetail, black cohosh, milk thistle, echinacea, nettles, peppermint. Dandelion is a great source of iron. Dandelion leaves contain 5mg in 10z/30grams. Yellow Dock is also a rich source of iron- 20 drops of a tincture in alcohol taken in tea or water contributes more than 1mg of iron to the blood.
Please note that some foods impair the absorption of iron. Iron is depleted by: coffee, black tea, enemas, alcohol, aspirin, carbonated drinks, lack of protein, too much dairy, soy protein, egg yolks, bran and calcium supplements over 250mg.