Heavy menstrual bleeding with clots, spotting in between periods, long menstrual period and periods too close together indicate a pattern of abnormal menstrual bleeding. When it happens in absence of any health condition, abnormal uterine bleeding is termed as DUB or dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
Some of the most common causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include hormonal imbalances experienced during transition periods of menarche and perimenopause or medical conditions as pcos, hypothyroidism and endometriosis.
If you are experiencing dysfunctional uterine bleeding, then you should look into Ayurvedic natural treatment options. Ayurvedic medicines provide an effective treatment to control abnormal menstrual bleeding and regulate the menstrual cycle without surgery or hormone therapy.
A root cause based holistic treatment that Ayurveda provides also supports regular ovulation and boosts your fertility. Thus, it can save you from a possible surgical intervention as hysterectomy for abnormal menstrual bleeding.
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms of DUB and the best Ayurvedic medicines for treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding.
What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is one of the menstrual abnormalities that occurs in the absence of a clear etiology (underlying cause of medical condition). This kind of uterine bleeding usually occurs outside the normal menstrual period.
It is a common problem among women of reproductive age and is characterized by irregular uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding or excess blood loss due to prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Right treatment for DUB will help to prevent health complications such as excess blood loss, iron deficiency anemia and health complications of infertility that is experienced by DUB patients.
Causes for Dysfunctional Uterine bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding is common during adolescence right after menarche and during years leading to menopause. But if it occurs at any other time or even in the menarche and perimenopause, abnormal uterine bleeding must be treated immediately.
The most common cause of DUB is anovulation, which is when the ovaries do not properly develop and release an egg during the menstrual cycle. When this happens, the corpus luteum, which is a mound of tissue that produces progesterone, does not form. As a result, estrogen is produced continuously, leading to hormonal imbalances as estrogen dominance and or low progesterone levels.
Anovulatory Bleeding
Thus, under the action of Estrogen, uterine lining (endometrium) keeps building up till it becomes too bulky to hold on. This thick (non cancerous) uterine lining is termed as endometrial hyperplasia.
Eventually, the uterine lining sloughs off in irregular intervals. This process is termed breakthrough bleeding and it is responsible for spotting and irregular bleeding during the menstrual cycles.
The abnormal anovulatory bleeding experienced in this case is often heavier than normal menstrual bleeding and may last for a longer period of time.
Other possible causes of abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding include:
Structural problems with uterine lining
Bulky uterus, uterine polyps, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, carcinoma (uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer or endometrial cancer), infections (pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted diseases).
Hormonal Imbalances
Some common causes that disturb hormonal imbalance are liver diseases, excess stress and weight gain, excess belly fat and weight loss. Some cases where abnormal uterine bleeding aub can be observed are:
Hypothyroidism, Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels), polycystic ovary syndrome, haematological disorders, Diabetes, Kidney Disease and Ectopic pregnancy
Certain Medications
Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDS, blood thinners
Symptoms of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
The most common symptom of DUB is abnormal uterine bleeding, which can be any of the following:
- Menorrhagia: excessive bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours
- Metrorrhagia: bleeding or spotting between regular periods
- Polymenorrhea: bleeding that occurs more frequently than every 21 days
- Oligomenorrhea: infrequent or light menstrual bleeding
- Prolonged bleeding lasting more than 7 days
- Menstrual bleeding that contains a lot of clots or large clots
Other abnormal uterine bleeding symptoms may include:
- fatigue
- anemia
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
- painful swollen breasts
- irregular digestion, gas, bloating
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- pelvic pain or cramping
Treatment Options for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)
The exact treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding in modern medicine varies, depending on the cause and symptom severity:
- The first step towards treatment of heavy period will be to have abnormal uterine bleeding diagnosed through an ultrasound, blood tests, hysteroscopy or endomterial Biopsy.
- Once DUB is confirmed, then there should be diagnosis of any medical conditions that may lead to abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Hence according to the root cause diagnosis, specific treatment options are advised such as oral contraceptive therapy or birth control pills to regulate the menstrual cycle, endometrial ablation to remove the thick uterine lining, or specific treatment of health conditions such as uterine fibroid.
Ayurvedic view of DUB
According to Ayurveda, each person has a unique constitution, or prakruti, which is made up of three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. imbalances in these doshas can lead to disease.
In Ayurveda, abnormal uterine bleeding, prolonged menstrual bleeding, or excessive blood clot during periods is elaborated as Rakta pradara or Asrigdara. It is considered to be a vata pitta disorder and vitiation of Rasa and Rakta dhatu.
Vata is one of the three doshas, or constitutional types, and is responsible for movement and circulation in the body. Imbalances in vata can lead to dryness, coldness, and irregularity.
Pitta dosha regulates transformation and hormonal balance in the body. Imbalances in Pitta leads to excess heat, heavy bleeding disorder and inflammation.
Here are some of the factors that lead to imbalances in Vata, Pitta dosha and rakta dhatu:
- Excessive fasting
- Intake of too much salty, spicy, sour and stimulating foods such as fermented drinks, fried snacks, chilies, caffeine and alcohol
- Excessive indulgence in sexual activity
- Consumption of penetrating foods such as asfetida, garlic and mustard
- Excessive exercise
- Irregular sleeping hours
Ayurvedic Treatment for DUB
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that originated in India and is based on the premise that good health depends on a balance of mind, body, and spirit.
The goal of Ayurvedic treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding is to control bleeding, prevent recurrences, and preserve fertility if the patient requires it. The choice of treatment depends on whether bleeding is acute or chronic.
Ayurvedic treatment for DUB focuses on restoring balance to the doshas and correcting any underlying imbalances. Treatment may include dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as Ayurvedic remedies and massages.
Ayurvedic formulation to treat heavy bleeding include sweet, astringent and bitter Pitta correcting and Vata balancing herbs. There are many Ayurvedic medicines like Nagakesara, Shatavari and Lodhra that can regulate the menstrual cycle and permanently cure the heavy menstrual bleeding due to DUB.
If the imbalances have progressed to an advanced stage, panchakarma therapies like uttara basti, matra basti and virechana can be used to treat it.
Ayurvedic Medicines for Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding
There are a number of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies that can be used to treat abnormal bleeding. These herbs help to balance the doshas and correct any underlying imbalances.
Some of the most commonly used Ayurvedic herbs for abnormal uterine bleeding include:
- Ashoka: helps to regulate menstruation and reduce heavy bleeding. It is the reliever of grief and can help offset depression and mood swings. Furthermore, it directs Vata to be healthy. What’s more, it is a general detoxifying agent.
- Lodhra: helps to reduce inflammation and soothe the uterus. It reduces heavy bleeding during menses. The bonus point here is that it reduces abdominal discomfort before and during menses.
- Shatavari: helps to balance hormones and nourish the reproductive system
- Guduchi: helps to cleanse the blood and detoxify the body
- Manjistha: helps to purify the blood and reduce inflammation
- Centella asiatica: This improves cognition but also helps in providing better energy to the mind.
- Other helpful herbs include Nagakesara, Usheera, Dhataki and Chandrakala
Ayurvedic Diet to Regulate Menstrual Cycle
Excess blood loss due to heavy bleeding leads to iron deficiency anemia in most women. To cover your nutritional needs and boost your iron levels, it is important that you focus on balanced nutrition through your diet.
Here are guiding principles of Ayurvedic diet to balance Vata Pitta dosha and treat heavy bleeding:
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, cooked leafy greens to support your hormones and avoid nutritional deficiencies.
- Eat fresh, cool, and soothing foods. For example, cucumber, coconut, and melons are good choices.
- Use bitter, sweet, and calming herbs. These include fennel, coriander, mint, dill, skullcap, etc.
- Avoid hot, oily, and spicy foods and pungent foods, e.g. a green chili hamburger.
- Banana is helpful in managing cramps and other period symptoms, so consider incorporating this fruit into your diet.
- Water is also crucial in keeping the body hydrated and helping with bloating, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout your cycle.
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods will also be beneficial in making your period more bearable.
- Lastly, Ayurveda recommends eating plenty of ginger as it helps with period cramps and eases off menstrual flow.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle for Regular Menstrual Periods
Ayurvedic treatment for irregular bleeding begins with lifestyle changes. The following lifestyle changes are recommended for treating excessive menstrual bleeding:
- Get enough rest and regularly exercise
- Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and meditation
- Massage the abdomen with warm oil
- Reduce stimulants (like coffee), cool your mind, and encourage relaxation.
- Take aloe vera to detoxify liver so it can help break down excess estrogen.
- Uterine massage to decongest uterus and reduce clotting
- Stay hydrated with plain water, cooling herbal teas and fresh juices.
Conclusion
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a common condition that can be effectively treated with Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic treatment for excessive menstrual bleeding focuses on restoring balance to the doshas and correcting any underlying imbalances.
Appropriate treatment in Ayurveda for dysfunctional uterine bleeding will help you cure heavy bleeding problems at the root cause level, regain health and prevent the risk of medical conditions going ahead.
If you are interested in trying Ayurveda medicine for your condition, you can consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Doctor to get your personalised health plan. Along with Ayurvedic treatment, our Ayurvedic doctors will also assist you to figure out the best diet and foods to take and which meals to avoid to regain strength and better health.
FAQ
1. How do you treat dysfunctional uterine bleeding naturally?
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is a very common problem that affects women of all ages. While it can be a nuisance and cause some discomfort, it is not usually a serious medical condition.
There are many different ways to treat DUB naturally, depending on the underlying cause. If the cause is due to an imbalance in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, then nutritional supplements or Ayurvedic herbal medicines that help to balance these hormones can be helpful. This might include things like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, black cohosh, chasteberry, or dong quai. If there is an issue with blood clotting, then Ayurvedic herbs like Ashoka, Lodhra, or Ginkgo biloba can be helpful in reducing the risk of abnormal uterine bleeding.
2. Does shatavari regulate periods?
Yes, shatavari can help with irregular period problems, anovulation and period cramps. It is a uterine tonic and helps to nourish the uterus. Additionally, it helps to support reproductive health in women by improving the quality of the ovum and also by supporting healthy cervical fluid to support sperm lifecycle inside the vaginal canal.
3. Is abnormal uterine bleeding serious?
Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common problem that can have many different causes. In some cases, it may be due to an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis or fibroids. In other cases, it may be caused by a change in hormone levels or by stress. While abnormal uterine bleeding can be annoying and inconvenient, it is usually not serious. However, if the bleeding is heavy or lasts for more than a few days, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. In most cases, abnormal uterine bleeding can be easily managed with medication or lifestyle changes. So there is no need to worry if you experience occasional breakthrough bleeding or prolonged periods. However, if you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor.
References
Ayurvedic Management of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding: A Case Study
