What should I do if my menstrual flow is too heavy? How can I stop the bleeding?

In general, abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding is considered a type of menstrual disorder. There are numerous potential causes of menstrual irregularities—including inadequate daily self-care, exposure to cold, poor emotional or psychological well-being—as well as underlying medical conditions. Therefore, timely medical evaluation at a hospital is strongly recommended. Excessively heavy periods can lead to iron-deficiency anemia and consequent decline in physical health. So, what should one do when experiencing abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding—and how can it be controlled? Below, we address this question.

What to Do for Abnormally Heavy Menstrual Bleeding—and How to Control It

1. Dietary Measures to Control Bleeding

For example, shepherd’s purse and pork soup may help alleviate heavy menstrual flow. To prepare: simmer an appropriate amount of pork in water to make broth, then add fresh shepherd’s purse and cook until done. Note that this soup should only be consumed during menstruation to achieve optimal hemostatic effects and prevent excessive blood loss leading to anemia.

2. Pharmacological Hemostasis

Prolonged heavy menstrual bleeding may result in iron deficiency and subsequent anemia—posing significant health risks to women. In such cases, certain medications may be used to control bleeding and reduce menstrual volume. Examples include vitamin K and etamsylate (dicynone). However, pharmacological hemostasis must be undertaken only under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid adverse effects.

3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Hemostasis

TCM remedies such as Pulsatilla chinensis (white-headed翁), rock sugar, and stir-fried Sanguisorba officinalis (burnet root) may be administered in appropriate dosages to manage menorrhagia; noticeable hemostatic effects may appear after several days of treatment. Numerous other TCM formulations also possess hemostatic and menstrual-regulating properties that improve excessive menstrual flow. Nevertheless, individualized treatment plans should be developed in consultation with a licensed TCM practitioner or physician, based on personal health status and constitution.

Supplementary Information: Causes of Menstrual Irregularities

1. Pathological Factors

Common gynecological conditions causing abnormal uterine bleeding include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, and genital tract infections. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and intrauterine adhesions (Asherman’s syndrome), by contrast, typically manifest as oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods), hypomenorrhea (scanty flow), or amenorrhea (absence of menses). Additionally, chronic systemic diseases—including chronic hepatitis and hematologic disorders—may contribute to menstrual disturbances.

2. Psychological Factors

Women experiencing prolonged anxiety, tension, or fear may develop hypothalamic-pituitary axis suppression due to excessive mental stress. This disrupts ovarian hormone secretion and ovulation, ultimately resulting in menstrual irregularities. Furthermore, menstrual changes may signal early pregnancy—or may occur following induced abortion.

3. Other Contributing Factors

Unhealthy lifestyle habits—including extreme dieting, chronic fatigue, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and habitual sleep deprivation—can impair overall physiological function, disrupt homeostasis, and potentially trigger endocrine imbalances leading to menstrual abnormalities. Research indicates that body fat percentage must reach at least 22% of total body weight to sustain normal menstrual cyclicity.

The above outlines practical approaches to managing abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding and achieving hemostasis. We hope this information proves helpful.