Menorrhagia, characterized by excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, significantly impacts various aspects of a woman’s life. This condition, if the bleeding exceeds 80 ml or continues for more than seven days, can affect physical, emotional, and social well-being, often disrupting day-to-day activities and quality of life.
Ayurvedic Insight into Menorrhagia
In Ayurveda, menorrhagia is referred to as ‘Asrgdhara’ or ‘Rakthapradara,’ highlighting the excessive flow of blood during menstruation. This condition arises from imbalanced food habits and activities, leading to vitiated Raktha and Pitta Doshas, resulting in heavy menstrual bleeding.
Unveiling the Causes
Understanding the underlying causes of menorrhagia is crucial
Organic Factors-Conditions like fibroid uterus, adenomyosis, endometriosis, and IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) contribute to excessive bleeding.
Systemic Factors-Liver dysfunction, cardiac issues, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and haematological abnormalities.
Emotional Upset-Stress and emotional disturbances. Functional Causes-Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), hormonal imbalances, and ovular or anovulatory bleeding.
Common Culprits of Menorrhagia
Identifying common causes sheds light on effective treatments:
- Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) Abnormal bleeding without organic causes, categorized into ovular and anovulatory bleeding.
- Uterine Fibroids
- Benign tumours -causing increased menstrual loss progressively over successive cycles.
- Adenomyosis: Growth of endometrial tissue into the myometrium, leading to excessive bleeding and inadequate uterine contraction.
Symptoms and Diagnostic Approach
Recognizing the symptoms helps in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning:
- Use of multiple pads within a short time, passage of large clots, prolonged duration, severe pain, weakness, and fatigue are indicative.
- Diagnostic tools like sonohysterogram, hysteroscopy, blood tests, Pap smear, and imaging techniques aid in identifying the cause.
Managing Menorrhagia with Ayurveda
Ayurvedic treatments focus on symptom relief and addressing the root cause: Shamana Chikitsa-Stambhana medicines to reduce blood flow. Sheetala Upachara-Cooling treatments and medications.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
High-fibre foods, avoidance of hot and spicy foods, stress reduction, and regular exercise play vital roles.
Holistic Approach to Treatment
- Treatment strategies encompass both symptomatic relief and addressing the underlying cause .
- Administering iron supplements to combat anaemia resulting from blood loss.
- NSAIDs for managing cramps and reducing bleeding.
- Hormone therapy necessary to treat the cause effectively.
Embracing Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments
Lifestyle modifications play a significant role in managing menorrhagia: Consuming high-fibre foods, avoiding stress and strenuous activities, along with regular exercise and meditation, contribute to a balanced lifestyle.
Conclusion Menorrhagia, a distressing condition affecting countless women, demands a comprehensive approach to treatment. By embracing Ayurvedic principles, along with medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments, women can reclaim their well-being and balance.
At Ayurmantra Ayurveda, we extend holistic support to women dealing with menorrhagia, offering a blend of Ayurvedic wisdom and modern interventions to restore health and harmony.
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