Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is the medical term for abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It can interfere with a woman’s physical, emotional, and social quality of life.

Causes of Menorrhagia

• Hormonal Imbalance: Disruption in the balance of estrogen and progesterone.
• Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus.
• Polyps: Small, benign growths on the lining of the uterus.
• Adenomyosis: The tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD): Especially non-hormonal IUDs.
• Pregnancy Complications: Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
• Cancer: Uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer.
• Inherited Bleeding Disorders: Such as von Willebrand disease.
• Medications: Certain anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal medications, and anticoagulants.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection of the reproductive organs.

Symptoms of Menorrhagia

• Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours.
• Needing to use double sanitary protection to control menstrual flow.
• Needing to wake up to change sanitary protection during the night.
• Bleeding for more than a week.
• Passing large blood clots with menstrual flow.
• Restricting daily activities due to heavy menstrual flow.
• Symptoms of anemia, such as tiredness, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Menorrhagia at Ayusya Ayurveda

Ayurveda treats menorrhagia by balancing the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), strengthening the reproductive system, and addressing underlying causes.

1. Dietary Changes

• Increase Iron-Rich Foods: Include spinach, beetroot, pomegranate, and jaggery.
• Avoid Spicy and Sour Foods: As they can aggravate Pitta dosha.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas.

2. Ayurvedic Formulations

• Ashoka (Saraca asoca): Known for its uterine tonic properties and ability to control excessive bleeding.
• Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa): Helps in managing excessive bleeding and strengthens the uterus.
• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Balances hormones and acts as a general tonic for the female reproductive system.
• Amla (Emblica officinalis): Rich in vitamin C, helps in reducing bleeding and improving overall health.
• Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Has anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing properties.

3. Panchakarma Therapy

• Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Helps in detoxifying the body and balancing Pitta dosha.
• Basti (Medicated Enema): Useful in balancing Vata dosha and strengthening reproductive organs.
• Nasya (Nasal Administration): Administering medicated oils through the nose to balance hormones.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular Exercise: Gentle yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) can help reduce stress and improve hormonal balance.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensuring 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.
• Stress Management: Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness.

5. Topical Applications

• Aloe Vera Gel: Applying aloe vera gel on the lower abdomen can provide a cooling effect and help reduce inflammation.

Yoga and Meditation

• Specific Yoga Poses: Such as Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose), Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose), and Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose) can help in regulating menstrual flow and reducing pain.
• Meditation and Pranayama: Techniques like Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Shavasana (Corpse Pose) can help in reducing stress and balancing hormones.

Conclusion

Menorrhagia can be effectively managed with a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach that includes dietary changes, herbal remedies, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle modifications, and yoga. Consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner is crucial for a personalized treatment plan and to address any underlying health issues. At Ayusya Ayurveda, we have a team of qualified and experienced doctors and therapists to help you recover from the problem.