Heavy Periods,Period Problems,Treatments

Heavy periods

 Many women experience heavy menstrual bleeding during their periods, called menorrhagia.

 Heavy periods cause more blood loss than normal periods or may last longer than seven days. Women suffering from menorrhagia may lose up to 92% of their total fluid and tissue in the first three days of their cycle. Heavy menstruation is common in young girls who have just started their periods. Menorrhagia is often caused by a failure to ovulate, which leads to a deficiency of progesterone. Without progesterone, the uterine lining becomes unstable and periods tend to be longer and unpredictable. Toxins in the bloodstream tend to settle in the endrometrial tissue. When this tissue is shed each month, so are the toxins. Heavy periods may be a toxin-excretion technique. A deficiency in vitamin A or iron, or hypothyroidism may also cause heavy periods. Painful heavy periods may be linked to endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or the use of an intrauterine device (IUD).

A single heavy period that takes place later in the cycle may be a miscarriage. Diagnosis Menstrual problems can be diagnosed and treated by gynecologists. Most menstrual problems would be diagnosed by performing a detailed medical history (with an emphasis on menstrual history) and a physical exam, which would include a pelvic exam. Pelvic exams have two components: the manual exam and the speculum exam. During the manual exam, the doctor inserts one or two fingers into the vagina and presses his or her other hand on the lower abdomen to feel the uterus and ovaries. A speculum exam involves inserting a speculum (a metal or plastic tool for opening the vagina) to allow viewing of the vagina and cervix, and to obtain smears for Pap testing (sampling of cervical cells) or culture if an infection is suspected. Ultrasound exam, in which internal organs are visualized using sound waves, may be performed. Abnormal findings from the examination and laboratory tests may warrant laparoscopy in which a thin, wand like instrument is inserted into an incision in the belly button to visualize abdominal organs. Urine tests may be performed to diagnose pregnancy or infection. Blood tests to determine hormone levels, as well as other blood parameters, may be performed. Patient history and physical exam findings may suggest specific illnesses that would require additional laboratory testing. The patient may be asked to fill out a diary in which daily menstrual symptoms are recorded over a period of three to six months. In some cases, the patient may be referred to a psychiatrist for evaluation for PMDD.

 Treatment

There are many alternative treatments for menstrual problems. Because menstrual difficulties may be due to a serious condition, patients should consult a doctor before self-treating.

Diet Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds produced by certain plants.

 Food sources of phytoestrogens include soy products, flaxseeds, chick peas, pinto beans, french beans, lima beans, and pomegranates. Phytoestrogens can lighten menstruation and lengthen menstrual cycles. On the other hand, researchers have found that women who were fed soy-based formulas in infancy instead of cow's milk are more likely to report heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods in adult life.

PMS symptoms may be relieved by avoiding caffeine, sugar, salt, white flour, red meat, dairy, butter, monosodium glutamate (MSG), fried foods, and processed foods during the two weeks prior to menstruation. Food that help to fight PMS include steamed green vegetables, salad, beans, grains, and fruit.

 

To obtain essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) women can eat flaxseeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Herbal remedies and Chinese medicine

A variety of herbal remedies may alleviate symptoms associated with menstrual problems. These include: black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): mood swings, tension, establishing ovulation (an important source of phytoestrogens). The German Commission E, however, states that women should not take black cohosh for menstrual problems for longer than six months because of the risk of side effects.

 black haw (Viburnum prunifolium): cramps

 chamomile (Matricaria recutita): mood swings, tension, and cramps

cramp bark (Viburnum opulus): cramps

dandelion (Taraxacum dang gui): fluid retention and bloating

 dong quai (Benincasa cerifera): PMS symptoms, cramps, irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, or bleeding in between cycles

fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): irregular bowel movements

 feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium): headaches and PMS symptoms

 ginger (Zingiber officinale): cramps, irregular cycles,

 

 heavy bleeding, or bleeding in between cycles

 

goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): heavy bleeding horsetail (Equisetum arvense): heavy bleeding licorice:

 

 PMS symptoms

milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract: heavy bleeding nettle (Urtica dioica) extract: heavy bleeding

 peppermint (Mentha piperita):

 mood swings and tension raspberry tea:

 cramps, irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, or bleeding in between cycles

 red clover (Trifolium pratense):

 phytoestrogen source

 rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):cramps

shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa–pastoris: heavy bleeding

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum): depression associated with PMS

 valerian (Valeriana officinales): mood swings and tension vitex:

PMS symptoms

 wild yam  phytoestrogen source yarrow (Achillea millefolium): cramps

 Supplements

The following supplements may treat menstrual problems:

Calcium deficiency may be associated with PMS Iron supplementation can treat anemia Magnesium pidolate supplementation reduced dysmenorrhea symptoms by up to 84%, especially on days two and three Niacin may help to relieve cramps Omega-3 fatty acids deficiency is associated with dysmenorrhea pain (in one small study, patients taking omega-3 fatty acids had lower pain scores) Thiamine (vitamin B1) cured dysmenorrhea in 87% of the patients for up to two months after treatment

 Vitamin A may be useful to treat heavy bleeding in women who have vitamin A deficiencies Vitamin B complex may help hormonal function, prevent anemia, reduce water retention, and relieve stress Vitamin E may reduce mood swings and menstrual cramps 

 

  Dysfunctional and abnormal uterine bleeding Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is excessive or irregular bleeding from the uterus. It is caused by uncontrolled estrogen production that leads to excessive build up of the endometrium. Abnormal uterine bleeding is excessive bleeding during menstruation, frequent bleeding, and/or irregular bleeding. Abnormal bleeding can be caused by fibroids (noncancerous uterine growths), endometriosis (when endometrium spreads outside of the uterus), uterine infections, hypothyroidism, clotting problems, intrauterine devices (IUD), or cancer.

Allopathic treatment

The treatment for amenorrhea depends upon the cause. Primary amenorrhea may require hormonal therapy. Patients with dysfunctional or abnormal uterine bleeding may be prescribed iron supplements to treat anemia. Naproxen sodium (Aleve) reduces excessive blood loss. Oral contraceptives are often prescribed to treat abnormal bleeding. High doses of estrogens may cause vomiting, which means that antiemetics (drugs to prevent vomiting) may also be necessary. Excessive bleeding may require hospitalization for observation and treatment. Primary dysmenorrhea is usually successfully treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); aspirin is not strong enough to be effective. NSAIDs are numerous and include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), Naproxen (Aleve), and fenamates (Meclomen). Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may be used if NSAIDs fail. Treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea involves treating the causative condition and may involve medications or surgery. Because the cause(s) of PMS are unclear, treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms. With regard to PMDD,

 

 medications that have been reported to be effective in treating it include the tricyclic antidepressants and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Effective treatments other than medications include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), aerobic exercise, and dietary supplements containing calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.

 Expected results Most menstrual problems can be successfully treated using conventional or alternative treatments.

 Prevention

Avoiding sodium and caffeine may reduce some menstrual symptoms. Regular moderate aerobic exercise or yoga is often beneficial for menstruation difficulties. Getting yearly pelvic exams and Pap smears will help to identify problems before they become advanced.

Other treatments for menstrual problems include: Acupressure. Acupressure can relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve circulation. Acupuncture. Treatment is associated with improvement or cure of dysmenorrhea and PMS and decreased use of pain medications. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) panel concluded that acupuncture may be a useful treatment for menstrual cramps.

 Aromatherapy.

Massage with the essential oils rose, ylang-ylang, bergamot, and/or geranium oils for mood swings; lavender, sandalwood, and clary sage oils for menstrual cramps; and chamomile, cypress, melissa, lavender, and jasmine oils for irregular menstruation or amenorrhea.

Biofeedback. Weekly biofeedback therapy for 12 weeks led to significant reduction in PMS symptoms. Chiropractic. Spinal manipulation can help to ease cramps. Exercise. Regular, moderate aerobic exercise reduces or eliminates menstrual pain, improves PMS, reduces the amount of menstrual bleeding, reduces the risk for endometriosis, and reduces cyclic breast pain and cysts.

Yoga stretching can relieve back and thigh pain. Homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies include: lachesis or sepia for PMS, cimicifuga, colocynthis, or magnesia phosphorica for cramps, and pulsatilla or aconitum for irregular menstruation or amenorrhea. Hydrotherapy. Soaking in a hot tub or using a moist heating pad relaxes uterine muscles which relieves cramping. Reflexology. Ear, hand, and foot reflexology led to a significant decrease in PMS symptoms that lasted for several months following treatment. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS). In four small studies using TENS for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, 42%–60% of the patients experienced at least moderate relief of symptoms. TENS worked faster than naproxen and there was less need for NSAIDs.        

   The Product:  The Manufacturer of this product tells us as follows "Imagine a long-term birth control you don't have to think about every day, every month, or every year for up to five years. Birth control that's reversible* when you want it to be. That's Mirena®, a safe and 99.9% effective hormone-releasing intrauterine contraceptive that stays with you through different stages of your life. In addition, we are told that "In clinical studies, the most common side effects with Mirena included: Menstrual changes Lower abdominal pain (cramps) Acne or other skin problems Back pain Breast tenderness Headache Mood changes Nausea Ovarian cysts have been diagnosed in about 12% of Mirena users. In most cases, these cysts disappeared spontaneously during 2 to 3 months' observation. Women who have, or have had, breast cancer should not use hormonal therapy."   Not every woman experiences problems. Not every woman is miserable, but you should be aware that the possibility exists that this product will change your life in a very unpleasant way. Hundreds of women have reported severe side effects not reported by the manufacturer of this product. CHRONIC fatigue CONSTANT bleeding (up to 9 months) Heavy bleeding and clotting SEVERE Lower abdominal pain (cramps) SEVERE joint and pelvic pain SEVERE Acne or other skin problems DEBILITATING Back pain SEVERE bloating SEVERE weight gain SEVERE Headache SEVERE Mood changes and wood swings Constant Nausea Loss of hair Vaginal Dryness SEVERE depression and feeling of hopelessness Decreased Libido Increased body hair Dry skin Incontinence and constipation Many many more .

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Drug Interactions

Mirena Drug Interactions

Mirena (levonorgestrel) is known to interact with the following drugs: 

 Drug Interactions with Mirena (levonorgestrel).  Major Interactions acitretin , Agenerase , amprenavir , bexarotene , bosentan , etretinate , fosamprenavir , Fulvicin P/G , Fulvicin U/F , Grifulvin V , Gris-PEG , Grisactin 250 , Grisactin 500 , Grisactin Ultra , Griseofulicin , Griseofulvic , griseofulvin , griseofulvin microsize , griseofulvin ultramicrosize , Lexiva , Soriatane , Soriatane CK , Targretin , Tegison , Telzir , tizanidine , Tracleer , Zanaflex

Moderate Interactions acarbose , acetoHEXAMIDE , Aerolate III , Aerolate JR , Aerolate SR , Amaryl , aminoglutethimide , aminophylline , aminophylline extended release , amobarbital , Amytal Sodium , Anturane , Apidra , Apidra OptiClik Cartridge , aprepitant , Aquaphyllin , armodafinil , Asmalix , Atapryl , atazanavir , Bronkodyl , Busodium , butabarbital , butalbital , Butisol Sodium , carbamazepine , carbamazepine extended release , Carbatrol , Carbex , Cardizem , Cardizem CD , Cardizem LA , Cardizem Monovial , Cardizem SR , Cartia XT , CellCept , Cerebyx , chlorproPAMIDE , Choledyl , Choledyl SA , Clopine , clotrimazole , clozapine , Clozapine Synthon , Clozaril , colesevelam , conivaptan , cycloSPORINE , Cytadren , dasatinib , Denzapine , Depacon , Depakene , Depakote , Depakote ER , Depakote Sprinkles , Di-Phen , DiaBeta , Diabinese , Diflucan , Dilacor XR , Dilantin , Dilantin Infatabs , Dilantin Kapseals , Dilantin-125 , Diltia XT , diltiazem , diltiazem 24 hour extended release , diltiazem extended release , Diltiazem Hydrochloride CD , Diltiazem Hydrochloride SR , Diltiazem Hydrochloride XR , Diltiazem Hydrochloride XT , divalproex sodium , divalproex sodium extended release , Dymelor , efavirenz , Eldepryl , Elixophyllin , Emend , Emend 3-Day , Emend for Injection , Emsam , Epitol , Equetro , EXUBERA , EXUBERA Combination Pack 12 , EXUBERA Combination Pack 15 , EXUBERA Kit , FazaClo , felbamate , Felbatol , FK506 , fluconazole , fluvoxamine , fluvoxamine extended release , Fortamet , Fortovase , fosaprepitant , fosphenytoin , Gengraf , glimepiride , glipiZIDE , glipiZIDE extended release , GlipiZIDE XL , Glucophage , Glucophage XR , Glucotrol , Glucotrol XL , Glumetza , glyBURIDE , glyBURIDE micronized , Glynase PresTab , Glyset , Humalog , Humalog KwikPen , Humalog Pen , Humulin L , Humulin N , Humulin N Pen , Humulin R , Humulin R (Concentrated) , Humulin U , hypericum perforatum , Iletin II Lente Pork , Iletin II NPH Pork , Iletin II Regular Pork , Iletin Lente , Iletin NPH , Iletin Regular , insulin , insulin analog , insulin aspart , insulin aspart protamine , insulin detemir , insulin glargine , insulin glulisine , insulin inhalation, rapid acting , insulin isophane , Insulin Lente Pork , insulin lispro , insulin lispro protamine , Insulin Purified NPH Pork , Insulin Purified Regular Pork , insulin regular , insulin zinc , insulin zinc extended , insulin, lente , insulin, NPH , insulin, ultralente , Invirase , itraconazole , Januvia , Jumex , Ketek , Ketek Pak , ketoconazole , Lamictal , Lamictal Blue , Lamictal CD , Lamictal Green , Lamictal Orange , lamotrigine , Lantus , Lantus OptiClik Cartridge , Lantus Solostar Pen , lapatinib , Lente insulin , Levemir , Levemir FlexPen , Levemir InnoLet , Levemir PenFill , Luminal , Luvox , Luvox CR , Mebaral , mephobarbital , metformin , metformin extended release , miconazole , Micronase , Mifeprex , mifepristone , miglitol , modafinil , Monistat I.V. , Mycelex Troche , Mycobutin , mycophenolate mofetil , mycophenolic acid , Myfortic , Mysoline , nateglinide , nefazodone , nelfinavir , Nembutal , Nembutal Sodium , Neoral , nevirapine , nilotinib , Nizoral , Norvir , Norvir Soft Gelatin , Novolin L , Novolin N , Novolin N Innolet , Novolin N PenFill , Novolin R , Novolin R Innolet , Novolin R PenFill , NovoLog , NovoLog FlexPen , NovoLog PenFill , NPH insulin , Nuvigil , Orinase , oxcarbazepine , oxtriphylline , oxtriphylline extended release , pentobarbital , phenobarbital , phenylbutazone , Phenytek , phenytoin , phenytoin extended release , Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt , Prandin , Precose , Priftin , primidone , Prograf , protamine zinc insulin , Provigil , Quibron-T , Quibron-T/SR , Rapamune , regular insulin , ReliOn/Novolin N , ReliOn/Novolin R , repaglinide , Respbid , Reyataz , Rezulin , rifabutin , Rifadin , Rifadin IV , rifampin , rifapentine , Rimactane , Riomet , ritonavir , RU-486 , Sandimmune , saquinavir , saquinavir mesylate , secobarbital , Seconal Sodium , selegiline , Selgene , Serzone , sirolimus , sitagliptin , Slo-Bid Gyrocaps , Slo-Phyllin , Slo-Phyllin 125 , Slo-Phyllin 80 , sodium valproate , Solfoton , Sporanox , Sprycel , St. John's wort , Starlix , sulfinpyrazone , Sustiva , T-Phyl , tacrolimus , Tasigna , Taztia XT , Tegretol , Tegretol XR , telithromycin , Theo-24 , Theo-Dur , Theo-Dur Sprinkles , Theo-Time , Theo-X , Theobid , TheoCap , Theochron , Theoclear L.A.-130 , Theoclear L.A.-260 , Theoclear-80 , Theolair , Theolair-SR , theophylline , theophylline 24 hr extended release , theophylline extended release , Theovent , Tiazac , Tol-Tab , TOLAZamide , TOLBUTamide , Tolinase , Trileptal , troglitazone , Truphylline , Truxophyllin , Tykerb , Ultralente insulin , Uni-Dur , Uniphyl , valproic acid , Vaprisol , Velosulin BR , VFEND , Viracept , Viramune , voriconazole , Welchol , Zaponex , Zelapar

Minor Interactions acebutolol , Actos , alcohol , alcohol, ethyl , Amerge , atorvastatin , Blocadren , carvedilol , carvedilol extended release , Coreg , Coreg CR , Crestor , Crixivan , Dehydrated Alcohol , delavirdine , ethanol , Ethyl Alcohol , etravirine , Frova , frovatriptan , Inderal , Inderal LA , indinavir , InnoPran XL , Intelence , labetalol , Levatol , Lipitor , Lopressor , metoprolol , metoprolol extended release , metoprolol succinate , Metoprolol Succinate ER , metoprolol tartrate , naratriptan , Normodyne , penbutolol , pioglitazone , propranolol , propranolol extended release , Rescriptor , rosuvastatin , Sectral , timolol , Toprol-XL , Trandate , zolmitriptan , Zomig , Zomig-ZMT Back.

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