Breaking the Taboo: Coping with Periods That Won’t Stop
In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the menstrual cycle is viewed as a reflection of a woman’s overall health and wellbeing. A normal menstrual cycle lasts from three to seven days. However, if a woman’s period lasts for about 10 days, it can be considered abnormal and may possibly indicate an underlying health issue. If your period won’t stop, and you are looking for a natural way to bring regularity to your cycle, read on.
Possible Underlying Causes of Long Period
For pregnant women, it is possible prolonged bleeding is due to ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. For those experiencing hormonal imbalance due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the thickening of the uterine lining that results may also cause periods to last longer than average. Certain medications, such as blood thinners or NSAIDS, may also be the culprit.
My Period Won’t Stop, and I Have Blood Clots
Occasional blood clots during menstruation are not a cause for concern. However, in some cases, it may be a sign of blood stasis. Blood stasis occurs when the blood flow becomes blocked or stagnant which leads to an accumulation of blood and clots. This can result in heavy periods, pain, and other menstrual disorders. Both uterine fibroids and polyps have also been shown to lead to blood clots. Treatment with Chinese herbs or acupuncture both have a long track record of success in resolving stasis thanks to their ability to improve circulation and increase blood flow to the uterus.
Related: How to remove menstrual clots with Chinese Medicine
My Period Won’t Stop, and it’s Light
A light period that lasts for 10 or more days may be a sign of Qi deficiency. The light flow is an indication that the body is not able to retain blood. Kidney yang deficiency is also a known culprit. If a long, light flow is accompanied by coldness, pallor, and back or knee pain, this may indicate kidney yang deficiency.
My Period Won’t Stop, and it’s Heavy
A heavy period is not only inconvenient, but it may be associated with other unwelcome health issues such as anemia due to blood loss. Some common causes of a heavy flow include liver Qi stagnation, a poor diet, and chronic stress.
Related: How To Improve A Heavy Period (Menorrhagia) with Chinese Medicine
Can Acupuncture Help if my Period Won’t Stop?
Acupuncture can eliminating blood stasis, it is an excellent, non-invasive treatment for those who experience long periods. Studies have shown that treatment with acupuncture may help to bring regularity to the menstrual cycle after about four weeks of treatment. A study out of Penn Integrative Pediatrics in Houston, Texas demonstrated that even six months after acupuncture treatments were completed, the patient’s menstrual cycle remained normal.
By readjusting the body’s hormonal balance, acupuncture has been shown to assists in stabilising the whole monthly cycle. The goal of treatment is to deal with the underlying reasons of high blood flow, such as excessive internal heat or Qi that isn’t keeping the blood in the body.
Since stress is a also known cause of periods troubles, acupuncture can help there as well. It can reduce physiological stress by restoring balance to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Lifestyle Changes
There are many simple lifestyle changes that can be implemented to bring regulatory back to the menstrual cycle. These include:
- Stress management: Since chronic stress is a known cause of long periods, practicing yoga or breathing exercises may help to provide needed relief.
- Diet: Those with a long period will want to include iron-rich foods such as meat and nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise: Regular exercise will not only help with stress management, but it may also restore balance and normalcy to the menstrual cycle.
- Stay hydrated: Since menstrual fluids are high in water, it is important to stay properly hydrated.
My Period Won’t Stop. When Should I See a Healthcare Professional?
Those who have a long period of greater than seven days that does not resolve on its own should consider speaking with a healthcare provider if they experience unexplained bleeding, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, severe pain, or unusual discharge.
At GinSen we offer consultation to help you get to the root cause of your menstrual struggles. Speak to our qualified, experienced TCM specialist here.
Conclusion
Though the occasional long period may not be cause for concern, if your periods regularly last longer than 10 days, it may be due to an underlying condition such as kidney or spleen deficiency. Hormonal changes, a poor diet, high stress, or uterine fibroids and polyps may also be reasons for a period that won’t stop.
Treatment with acupuncture has been shown to provide relief by improving circulation and is a natural, drug-free option with no adverse side effects. If you are looking to bring some regularity to your menstrual cycle, speak to a TC M practitioner to discuss possible treatment.
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For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you if your period won’t stop, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
