Heavy Menstruation (Menorrhagia) Doctors call heavy menstrual blood loss menorrhagia. It needs to be diagnosed by a doctor to rule out a variety of potentially serious underlying conditions that sometimes cause increased menstrual bleeding.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Once women with menorrhagia have had serious underlying causes ruled out, they need to be tested for iron deficiency—a condition diagnosed with simple blood tests. Since blood is rich in iron, blood loss can lead to iron depletion. If an iron deficiency is diagnosed, many doctors will recommend 100-200 mg of iron per day, although recommendations vary widely.
The relationship between iron deficiency and menorrhagia is complicated. Not only can the condition lead to iron deficiency, but iron deficiency can lead to menorrhagia. Supplementing with iron decreases excess menstrual blood loss in women who have no other underlying cause for their condition.1 2 Iron supplements should only be taken by individuals with iron deficiency.
Women with menorrhagia may be deficient in vitamin A. Many women taking 25,000 IU of vitamin A twice per day for fifteen days have been reported to show significant improvements and a complete normalization of menstrual blood loss.3 However, women who are or could become pregnant should not supplement with more than 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg) per day of vitamin A.
Years ago, when some women used intrauterine devices (IUD) for birth control, vitamin E at 100 IU per day for two weeks was found to be help relieve menorrhagia caused by the IUD.4 The cause of IUD-induced menstrual blood loss is different from other menorrhagia, therefore, it’s possible that vitamin E supplements might not help with menorrhagia not associated with IUD use.
Both vitamin C and bioflavonoids protect capillaries (small blood vessels) from damage. In so doing, they might protect against the blood loss of menorrhagia. In one report, fourteen of sixteen women with menorrhagia improved when given 200 mg vitamin C and 200 mg bioflavonoids three times per day.5
Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual supplement for complete information.) Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, polycythemia, and iron-loading anemias (such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia) are conditions that involve excessive storage of iron. Supplementing iron can be quite dangerous for people with these diseases. Only individuals who have been diagnosed with iron deficiency should take iron supplements. Supplemental doses required to overcome iron deficiency can cause constipation.
Women who are or could become pregnant should take less than 10,000 IU per day of vitamin A to avoid the risk of birth defects. For other adults, intake above 25,000 IU per day can—in rare cases—cause headaches, dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, bone problems, and liver damage.
Some individuals develop diarrhea after as little as a few thousand milligrams of vitamin C per day, while others are not bothered by ten times this amount. However, high levels of vitamin C can deplete the body of copper, an essential nutrient. It’s prudent to ensure adequate copper intake at higher intakes of vitamin C; copper is found in many multi-vitamin/mineral supplements.
Herbs that may be helpful: With its emphasis on long-term balancing of a woman’s hormonal system, vitex is not a fast-acting herb. For premenstrual syndrome or frequent or heavy periods, vitex can be used continuously for four to six months. Women with amenorrhea and infertility can remain on vitex for twelve to eighteen months, unless pregnancy occurs during treatment.
Many people take 40 drops (in a glass of water) of the concentrated liquid herbal extract in the morning. Vitex is also available in powdered form in tablets and capsules, again to be taken in the morning.
Cinnamon has been used historical for the treatment of various menstrual disorders, including heavy menstruation.
6The medicinal use of false unicorn root is based in Native American tradition, where it was recommended for a large number of women’s health conditions, including lack of menstruation (amenorrhea), painful menstruation, and other irregularities of menstruation, as well as to prevent miscarriages.
7 Steroidal saponins are generally credited with providing false unicorn root’s activity. Modern investigations have not confirmed this, and there is no research yet about the medical applications of this herb.Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual herb for complete information.) Side effects are rare using vitex. Minor gastrointestinal upset and a mild skin rash with itching have been reported in less than 2% of the women monitored while taking vitex. Vitex is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It should not be taken together with hormone therapy.
Some individuals develop allergies and dermatitis after exposure to cinnamon. Therefore, only small amounts should be used initially in persons who have not previously had contact with cinnamon, and anyone with a known allergy should avoid it. Chronic use may cause inflammation in the mouth. The concentrated oil is more likely to cause problems.
No adverse effects have been reported with the use of false unicorn. Its long history of use in pregnant women suggests it may be safe for these individuals, but no studies have confirmed or denied it.
Checklist for Heavy Menstruation (Menorrhagia) References:
1. Samuels, AJ. Studies in patients with functional menorrhagia: the antimenorrhagic effect of the adequate replication of iron stores. Israel J Med Sci 1965;1:851.
2. Taymor ML, Sturgis SH, Yahia C. The etiological role of chronic iron deficiency in production of menorrhagia. JAMA 1964;187:323-7.
3. Lithgow DM, Politzer WM. Vitamin A in the treatment of menorrhagia. S Afr Med J 1977;51:191-3.
4. Dasgupta PR, Dutta S, Banerjee P, Majumdar S. Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) in the management of menorrhagia associated with the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices (ICUD). Internat J Fertil 1983;28(1):55-6.
5. Cohen JD, Rubin HW. Functional menorrhagia: treatment with bioflavonoids and vitamin C. Curr Ther Res 1960;2:539.
6. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods,Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 168–70.
7. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991, 520–22.
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It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.