Heavy Menstrual Bleeding! Hijama & Other Remedies

It is not recommended to perform hijama cupping therapy on someone who is currently experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, especially if the bleeding is significant.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also called Menorrhagia, can have many causes. In teenagers, it is often due to hormonal changes, while in adults, medical conditions become more common.

 1. Hormonal Imbalance 

During the first few years after periods begin, ovulation may not occur regularly. This can lead to heavy or prolonged periods, irregular menstrual cycles and blood clots.

 2. Iron Deficiency

Although iron deficiency usually results from heavy bleeding rather than causing it, severe iron deficiency may affect overall menstrual health and worsen fatigue and recovery.

 3. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause very heavy bleeding, long periods, and pelvic pressure.

 4. Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis occurs when the uterine lining grows into the muscle of the uterus. Symptoms include heavy bleeding, severe cramps and pelvic pain.

 5. Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause painful periods, heavy bleeding in some women and pain during bowel movements.

 6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to irregular ovulation or infrequent but sometimes very heavy periods

 7. Bleeding Disorders

Inherited conditions can cause heavy periods from the first menstrual cycle, easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds or excessive bleeding after dental work or surgery

 8. Thyroid Disorders

Both an underactive and an overactive thyroid can affect menstrual cycles and contribute to heavy bleeding.

 9. Pelvic Infection

Some infections of the reproductive organs can cause abnormal or heavy bleeding.

10. Pregnancy-Related Problems

Bleeding during pregnancy, including miscarriage or other complications, can sometimes be mistaken for a heavy period.

 11. Certain Medications

Some medicines may increase menstrual bleeding, including blood thinners and certain hormonal medications.

 12. Weight Changes and Stress

Rapid weight loss, obesity, excessive exercise, or significant emotional stress can disrupt hormones and affect menstrual flow.

Heavy menstrual bleeding already causes blood loss. Hijama involves removing additional blood, which may increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, fatigue, low blood pressure or worsening iron deficiency or anemia. 

If someone is experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, it is generally recommended to postpone hijama until their period has ended. Since heavy periods already involve significant blood loss, removing additional blood through hijama may increase the risk of fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, and iron deficiency.

Now the question arises:

 If hijama is not suitable during heavy menstrual bleeding, then what natural resources can help reduce the bleeding?

The first step is to understand the underlying cause. Identifying the cause is essential before relying on any natural remedy. With heavy menstrual bleeding, the priority is to support the body, reduce the risk of iron deficiency, and identify the cause. 

1. Eat Iron-Rich Foods Every Day: Heavy periods can quickly deplete iron stores. Good sources include:
Lean beef, lamb, liver 
Lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans
Spinach, kale
Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds
Eggs
Iron-fortified cereals

2. Pair Iron with Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps the body absorb non-heme (plant-based) iron.

Lentils + lemon juice

Spinach + oranges

Pumpkin seeds + strawberries

Beans + tomatoes

Chickpeas + bell peppers

3. Avoid Tea and Coffee with Meals: Tea and coffee contain compounds that can reduce iron absorption. If consumed, have them at least 1–2 hours away from iron-rich meals.

 4. Stay Hydrated: Heavy bleeding can contribute to fatigue and dizziness. Drinking enough water and electrolyte-rich fluids can help maintain hydration.

 5. Ginger: Some research suggests ginger may modestly reduce menstrual blood loss and help relieve cramps. Ways to use:

• Fresh ginger tea
• Adding ginger to meals

6. Cinnamon: Cinnamon tea may help with menstrual cramps and may have a small effect on menstrual bleeding in some women, though evidence is limited.

7. Java Plum Leaves or Blackberry Leaves (Jaman kay Pattay): In Ayurveda medicine, these leaves are used as a natural, plant-based astringent. These leaves have blood-clotting properties, making them a natural remedy to help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. They are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that help constrict blood vessels and promote healthy blood flow. 

 8. Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on foods rich in: Iron, folate (leafy greens, beans), vitamin B12 (meat, dairy, eggs), magnesium (nuts, seeds), vitamin C (citrus, berries, peppers). These nutrients support healthy red blood cell production.

 9. Prioritize Rest: Heavy bleeding can be exhausting. Adequate sleep and avoiding overexertion during heavy-flow days can help with recovery.

 10. Reduce Highly Processed Foods: A balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein supports overall health, although it won’t directly stop heavy bleeding.

While these natural remedies may provide support, they are not a substitute for medical evaluation if the periods are consistently heavy. If someone is soaking through a pad or tampon every hour, passing large blood clots, bleeding for more than seven days, or feeling faint or excessively tired, it is important to seek medical advice. Treating the underlying cause is the most effective way to manage heavy menstrual bleeding naturally and safely.