Herbs and Vitamins to Reduce Heavy Menstruation

Heavy menstruation is called menorrhagia, a condition in which monthly menstrual flow is heavier than normal, lasts longer and interferes with daily activities. Excessive menstrual bleeding may be associated with a deficiency in one or more vitamins or nutrients, and you may be able to take vitamins and herbs to reduce heavy menstruation. It is important to consult your health care provider to determine if you have a vitamin deficiency or other condition that is causing excessive menstrual bleeding.

Herbs
Folk medicine suggests a number of herbs to reduce menstrual bleeding. Some of these herbs for heavy menstruation include agrimony, lady's mantlem, nettles, shepherd's purse, vervain and yarrow. Ayurvedic herbs such as ashoka, patranga and lodhra have traditionally been used to treat menstrual disorders, including menorrhagia. Other Ayurvedic herbs such as priyangu, nagakeshara and Alexandrian laurel are used to treat bleeding disorders, and may also be prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors to treat excessive menstrual bleeding. Chinese herbs for heavy menstruation include peony root, phellodendri, rehmannia and wolfberry root, and wormwood. These herbs for heavy menstruation often come in an herbal combination called Qing Jing Tang.

Iron
Whether or not iron deficiency causes heavy menstruation is unclear, but excessive menstrual bleeding does result in a loss of iron that can cause fatigue, irritability, weakness and decreased immune function. Taking iron supplements may help reduce the symptoms of iron deficiency associated with heavy menstruation. Eating iron-rich foods such as beans, eggs, leafy greens and meat can also combat iron deficiency. Women with moderate menstrual flows can also benefit from supplementing their iron intake during menstruation. Vitamin C promotes your body's absorption of iron, and also boosts your immune system, so increasing both your iron and Vitamin C intake may help reduce heavy menstruation.

Vitamin K
According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, excessive menstrual bleeding may be a symptom of Vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K deficiency is unusual in adults, but can be caused by disorders such as biliary obstruction or cystic fibrosis that interfere with absorption. Poor nutrition and a diet lacking in vegetables may also contribute to a Vitamin K deficiency. A Vitamin K supplement called phytonadione with a dose between 5 and 20 mg may be used to treat Vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K can also be obtained by eating green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli.

Vitamin A
A study published in the South African Medical Journal found a significant correlation between vitamin A deficiency and excessive menstrual bleeding, and 92% of women with menorrhagia found improvement in their condition after being treated with vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, can be obtained naturally through green leafy vegetables, carrots, yellow vegetables such as squash, and fruits such as papayas and oranges. High levels of Vitamin A can be toxic in rare cases, so consult a doctor or nutritionist before supplementing a suspected Vitamin A deficiency.

Heavy menstruation may be a symptom of a more problematic disorder such as endometriosis, anemia or a hormone imbalance such as excessive estrogen. Thyroid problems may also cause excessive menstrual bleeding. Talk to your health care provider to see if she suspects that a medical condition is responsible for your heavy menstruation. Herbs and vitamins to reduce heavy menstruation may improve your condition, but additional treatment or lifestyle changes may be necessary to treat the underlying problem. Always consult a qualified nutritionist or herbalist to ensure you are taking the right vitamins and herbs for heavy menstruation.

Sources:
Cohen BJ Gibor Y, Anemia and menstrual blood loss, Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey

Larry E. Johnson, MD, PhD, Vitamin K, The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library

Lithgow DM, Politzer WM., Vitamin A in the Treatment of Menorrhagia, South African Medical Journal

Wei Liu, Treating Irregular Periods with Chinese Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Page

Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies For Menorrhagia Or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Holistic Herbalist

Rodale, Herbs for Health and Healing: Heavy Periods, Mother Nature