The Impact Of Heavy Periods On Conceiving & How To Manage It

Menorrhagia, or abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, can have serious consequences for a woman’s quality of life and fertility. They experience excessive menstrual bleeding that gives rise to a myriad of health complications for the individual.

Heavy menstrual bleeding may result in problems including anaemia, extreme discomfort, and incapacity to perform daily tasks might arise as a result of these protracted and heavy menstrual periods. Anaemia, characterised by extreme weariness and weakness, can result from excessive blood loss. In addition, the severe discomfort brought on by very heavy periods might interfere with daily activities and lower the quality of life.

It is crucial to comprehend how heavy periods affect fertility, as well as how heavy period cycles affect pregnancy chances. Women can overcome these obstacles and achieve their reproductive and health goals by investigating appropriate management solutions.

A] Impact Of Heavy Period On Fertility

Pregnancy is affected by your period flow, regularity, and period cycle. A heavy flow may occur due to some underlying medical complications that lead to difficulty in getting pregnant or continuing a pregnancy.

These complications include uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, endometriosis, inflammatory disease of the pelvis, or a hormonal imbalance. So, it is necessary to identify if your period flow is heavy or normal, especially if you are planning to get pregnant. Listed below are some ways you can identify heavy periods:

• A pad or tampon will soak just within an hour of blood flow.
• Require waking up during the night to replace the sanitary pad.
• Expelling of blood clots bigger than the size of a quarter.
• Menstruation that lasts longer than seven days.
• Anaemia symptoms like dizziness, tiredness, and short breath.

B] How To Manage Heavy Periods While Trying To Conceive

Period cycle and pregnancy are very closely related. It is unpleasant to have monthly periods, but if you are trying to conceive, it is more challenging. And each woman’s experiences with periods are different, like some may consistently experience heavy periods, some may have very short periods, and others might experience periods longer than usual but light flow.

Regardless, here are some points on how to manage heavy flow:

1. Take Prescription Non-Hormonal Medication 

If you are actively seeking to conceive and encountering intense menstrual periods, seeking prescribed interventions can be beneficial. Through a thorough medical consultation and a personalised prescription, you can explore the option of utilising non-hormonal medications such as tranexamic acid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) either individually or in combination.

Additionally, if the underlying cause of the heavy flow is attributed to a fibroid, women may consider oral medications that effectively target the fibroid without compromising their fertility.

2. Change In Diet

Intense blood loss often leads to a heightened desire for red meat. While it is advisable to opt for lighter meat options such as fish and chicken, reducing the consumption of heavier meats like pork or beef can contribute to lighter menstrual periods. In cases of iron deficiency, incorporating abundant leafy green vegetables, vitamin C-rich foods, and iron supplements into your diet is crucial.

Another dietary modification to consider is increasing fibre intake, which aids in eliminating surplus hormones from our bodies, thus promoting hormonal equilibrium. To achieve a fibre-rich diet, prioritise the consumption of fruits, cucumbers, beans, and other foods abundant in dietary fibre.

If you are seeking information on foods that may enhance fertility, we invite you to explore our blog: Foods That Can Increase Fertility in Women.

3. Avoid Estrogens

Exposure to elevated levels of oestrogen from external sources can stimulate excessive growth in reproductive organs. Xenoestrogens, which are chemical compounds that mimic oestrogen within the body, can be found in various everyday items such as beauty products, hair dyes, pesticide-contaminated meals, and household cleaning products. 

Overconsumption of environmental oestrogen can result in a thickened uterine lining and lead to heavy menstrual periods. To promote better health, it is advisable to minimise exposure to xenoestrogens by opting for products that utilise natural alternatives.

4. Take Doctor-Approved Supplementary Nutrients

To address deficiencies resulting from significant blood loss, many women turn to supplements as a means of replenishment. Essential supplements that can be considered include vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and blackstrap molasses. These supplements boast high concentrations of vital nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, among others. Certain supplements can aid in managing heavy bleeding and hormonal imbalances. Diindolylmethane (DIM), for instance, lowers hormone levels in the body and facilitates the natural elimination of excess oestrogen.

Additionally, herbs possessing astringent properties can help reduce menstrual bleeding. However, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before incorporating any supplement, ensuring the appropriate dosage, necessity, and potential side effects specific to your body.

5. Stay Active And Maintain A Healthy Weight

Women who do regular exercise and are active are less likely to suffer from menstrual pains, cramps, and mood swings. Usually, they have regular periods with fewer complications. Exercise also plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy weight. Both being overweight as well as underweight are not good signs. Do some gentle exercises to improve blood circulation in the body. You can try a casual walk in the park or yoga to start with.

However, if you experience heavy bleeding, you should avoid strenuous exercise during the periods. Being active and a healthy weight will benefit you in many ways, including regular periods with less pain.

Apart from heavy bleeding, If you are actively attempting to conceive and suspect that you may have successfully conceived, you can refer to our early pregnancy symptoms guide to check and then visit your gynaecologist or find one in your area.

Conclusion

Hopefully, we answered many of your questions, like What causes irregular periods? The answer to which is clearly factors such as lifestyle, underlying medical conditions, weight, and diet. 

While actively trying to conceive, it is recommended to adhere to the aforementioned suggestions to address heavy periods and promote fertility. It is important to allow your body sufficient time to adapt to these changes. However, if the issue persists and you experience concerns regarding your menstrual cycles and ability to conceive, it is advisable to seek medical advice. A doctor will be able to identify the underlying cause and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

If you want to learn more about chances of pregnancy during periods, especially heavy periods, follow our website. You can also get in touch with us today if you are experiencing any women’s health issues.

Neha Goel

Neha Goel, a Psychology alumna and MBA graduate from CASS Business School, London, brings together her expertise as a Reiki Practitioner and Practice Manager. She integrates psychology and business strategies to foster holistic well-being and personal development.