How To Reduce Bleeding During Periods?
Want to reduce bleeding during your period? Discover practical tips, home remedies, and medical treatments to manage heavy menstrual flow and find greater comfort.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Main Article
Menstruation is a natural part of a woman's life, but heavy bleeding during periods (medically known as menorrhagia) can be uncomfortable, exhausting, and sometimes even alarming. If you experience prolonged or excessive bleeding, you’re not alone—many women face this issue. The good news is that there are ways to manage and reduce heavy menstrual bleeding effectively.
What Is Considered Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
Normal menstrual bleeding lasts 3 to 7 days, with an average blood loss of 3040 ml (about 23 tablespoons). Heavy bleeding is when:
You need to change pads or tampons every 12 hours for several hours.
You pass large blood clots (bigger than a quarter).
Your period lasts longer than 7 days.
You feel fatigued, dizzy, or short of breath (signs of anemia).
If this sounds familiar, it’s important to understand why it’s happening and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Heavy Periods
Several factors can contribute to excessive bleeding:
Hormonal Imbalance: Irregular estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to excessive thickening of the uterine lining.
Uterine Fibroids or Polyps: These noncancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavier and longer periods.
Adenomyosis: The growth of the uterine lining into the uterine wall can result in painful and heavy bleeding.
Endometriosis: Uterine tissue growing outside the uterus can lead to severe pain and increased menstrual flow.
Thyroid Disorders: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can sometimes cause heavier periods.
Blood Clotting Disorders: Conditions like von Willebrand disease can impair blood clotting, leading to heavier menstrual bleeding.
Certain Medications: Blood thinners and some hormonal treatments can potentially worsen menstrual flow.
Consult Top Gynecologist for medical treatment and tips
How to Reduce Heavy Bleeding Naturally
If your heavy periods are not due to a serious medical condition, these lifestyle and dietary changes may help:
Iron-Rich Foods: Consume leafy greens, lean meats, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, nuts, and seeds to prevent anemia.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, or coconut water to stay hydrated and reduce bloating.
Vitamin C: Increase intake through oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli to improve iron absorption.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Incorporate turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids (from fish and flaxseeds) to reduce inflammation and cramping.
Limit Irritants: Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can worsen bloating and dehydration.
Moderate Exercise: Engage in light activities like walking, yoga, or swimming to improve circulation and potentially reduce heavy bleeding.
Heat Therapy: Apply a heating pad or warm water bottle to your lower abdomen to ease cramps and potentially reduce flow.
Medical Treatments for Heavy Periods
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medical treatments can help:
Hormonal Birth Control: Pills, patches, or IUDs regulate hormones and reduce bleeding.
NSAIDs: Ibuprofen or naproxen can decrease blood loss by 20-50% and alleviate pain.
Tranexamic Acid: This medication helps reduce blood clotting and lighten heavy flow.
Iron Supplements: Prescribed by a doctor if anemia is present.
Surgical Options (Severe Cases): Endometrial ablation removes the uterine lining; hysterectomy (uterus removal) is a last resort.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if:
✔ You soak through a pad/tampon every hour for several hours.
✔ Your periods last longer than 7 days.
✔ You feel dizzy, weak, or short of breath (signs of anemia).
✔ You pass large blood clots frequently.
✔ You experience severe pain that disrupts daily life.
Get Expert Help with Apollo 24|7
If heavy periods are affecting your quality of life, consult a gynecologist for personalized advice. You can book an online consultation or schedule a lab test through Apollo 24|7 for quick and expert guidance.
Conclusion
Heavy periods can be frustrating, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Simple diet changes, hydration, and light exercise can make a difference. If needed, medical treatments are available to help manage the condition effectively. Listen to your body—if bleeding is excessive or causing distress, seek medical advice. Your health and comfort matter! Would you like to schedule a consultation or learn more about managing heavy periods? Visit Apollo 24|7 today for expert care.
Consult Top Gynecologist
Consult Top Gynecologist for medical treatment and tips
Dr. Rani Bhat
Gynaecological Oncologist
20 Years • MBBS, MS (Obs & Gyn), MRCOG (UK), Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology (Singapore) Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Hong Kong) Diploma in Gynaecological Operative Endoscopy (France)
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru
(25+ Patients)
Dr Rani Bhat
Gynaecological Oncologist
20 Years • MBBS, MS (Obs & Gyn), MRCOG (UK), Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology (Singapore) Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Hong Kong) Diploma in Gynaecological Operative Endoscopy (France)
Banglore
Apollo Cancer Centres HSR Layout, Banglore
Dr. Rupashree Dasgupta. Gynaecological Oncology
Gynaecological Oncology & Robotic Surgery
26 Years • MD(Gold Medalist, CMC Vellore), DGO(Gold Medalist, CMC Vellore),DNB, MRCOG(London), MBBS(FOGSI Gold Medalist in Gynaecology).Specialist in Advanced Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery, UICC Fellowship in Gynae Oncosurgery(BARTS Cancer Institute, LONDON), da Vinci certified training as ROBOTIC CONSOLE Surgeon(USA), Fellowship Gynae Oncosurgery(TMC, Kolkata)
Kolkata
Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata
(350+ Patients)
Dr. V R N Vijay Kumar
Surgical Oncologist
9 Years • MBBS, MS (Gen. Surg.), DNB (Surg. Onco.)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Dr Bhawna Garg
Gynaecological Oncologist
26 Years • MBBS, MS, (PGI MS ROHTAK) FELLOWSHIP GYNECOLOGY ONCOLOGY, (CANCER INSTITUTE CHENNAI)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Consult Top Gynecologist
Dr. Rani Bhat
Gynaecological Oncologist
20 Years • MBBS, MS (Obs & Gyn), MRCOG (UK), Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology (Singapore) Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Hong Kong) Diploma in Gynaecological Operative Endoscopy (France)
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru
(25+ Patients)
Dr Rani Bhat
Gynaecological Oncologist
20 Years • MBBS, MS (Obs & Gyn), MRCOG (UK), Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology (Singapore) Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Hong Kong) Diploma in Gynaecological Operative Endoscopy (France)
Banglore
Apollo Cancer Centres HSR Layout, Banglore
Dr. Rupashree Dasgupta. Gynaecological Oncology
Gynaecological Oncology & Robotic Surgery
26 Years • MD(Gold Medalist, CMC Vellore), DGO(Gold Medalist, CMC Vellore),DNB, MRCOG(London), MBBS(FOGSI Gold Medalist in Gynaecology).Specialist in Advanced Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery, UICC Fellowship in Gynae Oncosurgery(BARTS Cancer Institute, LONDON), da Vinci certified training as ROBOTIC CONSOLE Surgeon(USA), Fellowship Gynae Oncosurgery(TMC, Kolkata)
Kolkata
Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata
(350+ Patients)
Dr. V R N Vijay Kumar
Surgical Oncologist
9 Years • MBBS, MS (Gen. Surg.), DNB (Surg. Onco.)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Dr Bhawna Garg
Gynaecological Oncologist
26 Years • MBBS, MS, (PGI MS ROHTAK) FELLOWSHIP GYNECOLOGY ONCOLOGY, (CANCER INSTITUTE CHENNAI)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
