Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is heavy and prolonged menstrual flow at regular intervals. This condition is commonly seen in women of reproductive age and should not be considered as a disease; it is rather a symptom that indicates that something is wrong in the body.

According to Ayurveda, Menorrhagia is caused by an aggravation of Pitta Dosha and low Vata Dosha. Menstrual blood is analogous to Pitta, and therefore, increased Pitta leads to increase of menstrual blood.

Factors that are responsible for this condition include the increased intake of sour, salty, hot, pungent, heavy, and fermented food; meat of fatty and domestic animals; alcoholic beverages; indigestion; and eating before the previous meal is digested. Conditions that also have a strong effect include repeated abortions, excessive sexual activity, increased physical exertion, emaciation, trauma, day sleeping, excessive grief, anger, lust, and anxiety.

In Ayurveda, Menorrhagia is referred to as Raktapradar or ‘excessive secretion of menstrual blood’. The causes mentioned above lead to the aggravation of Pitta Dosha and impairment of rakta dhatu (blood). This contaminated blood moves towards the pelvic region and causes imbalance of Apana Vata, which is responsible for controlling the flow of the menstrual blood through Artava Vaha Srota (channels carrying menstrual fluids). Low Apana Vata and contaminated blood increase menstrual blood, which leads to Menorrhagia.

• Avoid the consumption of spicy, sour or heavy foods.
• Avoid tea, coffee, and icy cold drinks. Instead, have drinks at room temperature and that have cooling properties, such as peppermint tea.
• Any kind of physical and psychological stress should be strictly avoided.
• During menstruation, raise the foot of the bed in order to keep the legs and feet elevated while sleeping.
• Cooling showers and bathing with sandalwood and mint essence are helpful.