Although it is a natural process, the symptoms can be reduced through a good diet, proper exercise and stress management.
The menstrual cycle is not the same for every woman. Optimally, menstrual flow occurs every 28 days and lasts about 4 days.
If one soaks a sanitary pad / tampon every hour for 6 consecutive hours, it is considered a very heavy period. A prolonged period lasts longer than 7 days.
Bleeding may be something to worry about if it occurs between periods, after intercourse, or if the prospect is over the age of 50, especially after menopause.
Possible causes
There are myriad possible causes including:
- Anovulation (failure of ovaries to produce / release eggs);
- Endometrial polyps / hyperplasia / cancer;
- Uterine fibroids;
- Abnormal thyroid or pituitary function;
- Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause);
- Pregnancy complications including miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy;
- Ingestion of birth control pills or estrogens;
- Use of certain drugs like steroids or blood thinners;
- Use of an intrauterine device for birth control;
- Recent trauma, surgery or other uterine procedure;
- Pelvic inflammatory disease or other infection;
- Stress, changes in diet or exercise routine, recent weight changes, travel or illness.
Applied nutrition
The main flow of thought is to compensate for the loss of nutrients through the blood and to balance hormonal release.