Eat mostly fruits and vegetables, beans and other legumes, olive oil, and whole grains like quinoa and farro. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
Eat dairy products, eggs and meat in moderation.
Bananas, sweet potatoes, lentils, yogurt, salmon, and raisins are all high in potassium. [2] X Research source Boiling foods may deplete the potassium in some foods. Steam or bake potassium-rich foods to get the full benefits, or, if possible, eat them raw. You could, if you really feel that potassium is helpful, try a dietary supplement. [3] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source
Some people report that light exercises like swimming, jogging, and power walking make their periods lighter and shorter. Aim to exercise for about 30 minutes 5 - 6 times per week. The type of intense exercise you’d get when training for a marathon or another sporting event can actually cause your periods to stop altogether. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source It causes your estrogen levels to drop, since you lose so much fat that your body wouldn’t be able to maintain a pregnancy.
White bread, pasta, crackers, pretzels, chips, cookies, cake, and other pastries and sugary confections are on the list of foods to avoid. Swap them out for fruit and natural sweeteners like agave or honey. Avoiding these foods all month long is your best bet for managing your period. If you feel like you can’t live without a few scoops of chocolate ice cream to conquer your PMS, you’ll still get the benefits of eating healthy in the weeks before your period.
Talk to your doctor about getting a birth control pill prescription. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Everyone’s body is different, and there are a lot of different types of pills designed to cater to different needs. Make an appointment with your doctor or go to your local health clinic to get the prescription that’s right for you. Take the pill according to instructions. If you skip a few days, you might end up experiencing a heavy or irregular period - not to mention, the pill will no longer be effective as a birth control measure. Be sure to take the pill every single day, at the same time every day, to experience the benefits you’re looking for.
The birth control patch. This is usually placed on the arm, back or thigh. It distributes the same hormones as the Pill, only they’re absorbed through your skin. The patch has to be changed every few weeks. [10] X Research source The birth control ring. This is a small ring inserted into the vagina and changed out once a month. It releases hormones into the bloodstream. [11] X Research source A hormonal intrauterine device (IUD). This is a small metal device that is implanted in the uterus by a health care provider. It releases hormones into the uterus and works for up to 12 years. The IUD causes some people to miss periods or have lighter periods, but for others it can make periods irregular.
If you’re going through puberty, your periods may be heavy while your hormonal levels adjust; an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone can cause heavy periods. If you’ve just stopped taking the Pill, you might have a heavier period, since the Pill tends to make periods lighter. If you’ve just had an IUD placed, chances are you’re experiencing a heavier period for the first few months. The body initially treats the IUD as a foreign object and this results in heavier periods. You might consider speaking to your gynecologist and possibly changing contraception methods if this lasts more than the first three to six months. If you’ve just given birth, and you’re experiencing heavy periods, you may need to wait. Periods following birth can be heavy, particularly if you don’t breastfeed. However, your usual level of period should be restored within two to three cycles.
Don’t be dismayed that you need the super super size that absorbs the most; so what? It says nothing about you as a person or your physique. If you’re worried that a sanitary item might be showing through your clothes, try to check in a large mirror or ask a friend to prove to you that it’s not. Often it’s more a feeling than a reality, although you may need to avoid some body hugging styles if they do show. For some people, tampons may not ever be adequate with a heavy flow, so be prepared to trial different types of sanitary coverage, including pads, menstrual cups, and other forms of menstruation protection.
Write a description of your typical period and other symptoms you tend to experience around the time of your flow. Have your doctor check into issues that commonly cause heavy periods. A hormonal imbalance, fibroids, polyps, and more severe illnesses might be causing excessive blood loss. [18] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source Your doctor will give you a pelvic examination and may also do a vaginal biopsy, ultrasound, blood tests, pap smear, or cervix biopsy.
