Doctors call the excessive loss of blood during menstruation “menorrhagia”. Not only does menorrhagia happen when the menstrual flow is too heavy, but it also happens when a normal flow lasts too long, resulting in excessive blood loss. Heavy bleeding is not the problem, but is symptomatic of another underlying problem within the woman’s body. Some of the most common causes of heavy menstrual periods are:
Uterine fibroids (small benign tumors)
Uterine polyp (small abnormal growth of tissue)
Endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of uterine lining)
Thyroid hormonal imbalances resulting in hypothyroidism
Uterine Cancer
Syndromes that cause blood clotting deficiencies ie: von Willebrand disease
You should always be examined by your doctor to determine the true cause of your heavy periods. If the cause is not one of the above, you and your doctor will look into the uncommon causes. One of the uncommon causes of menorrhagia is a deficiency of Vitamin K.
Why do you need Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is used by your body to help clot your blood. If you do not have enough of this vitamin in your body, it may lead to heavy periods. You can develop a deficiency by not eating the right foods, or from gastrointestinal disease which interferes with your body’s ability to absorb Vitamin K.
How to Get Vitamin K
You can get more Vitamin K into your body by taking a supplement, or by eating more of the following of foods.
Foods with Vitamin K
Leafy green lettuces such a Romaine
Cruciferous vegetables ie: cabbage, broccoli, kale
Acidophilus bacteria found in yogurt, kefir
Egg yolks
Fermented soy products such as Miso
Fruits ie: pears, strawberries, papaya
Although available from pharmacies and health food stores, doctors generally recommend that you make dietary changes to start getting more Vitamin K, instead of taking a supplement. If you decide to take a supplement, do not take more than 250 mcg per day. Remember to tell your doctor that you are taking this supplement in case there are problems from taking too much.
Foods That Block Vitamin K Absorption
Another concern when increasing Vitamin K in your diet is to avoid certain foods, and medications that interfere with the absorption of this vitamin.
Foods high in Vitamin E or A
Foods high in Calcium
Aspirin
Mineral oil
Antibiotics
If You Have Circulatory Problems
Vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications. If you have any problems with blood clots, strokes, pulmonary embolism, or if you are taking blood thinning medications, do not take Vitamin K to treat your heavy menstrual periods without discussing it with your doctor.
Vitamin K may be used to help alleviate your heavy menstrual periods. First you should go to your doctor to rule out the common reasons for heavy periods before trying to treat it with vitamins. Try eating foods high in Vitamin K before resorting to taking it in pill form. Discuss this course with your doctor especially if you have circulatory problems.
SOURCES
www.ctds.info/menorrhagia.html#myexp
www.wdxcyber.com/nbleed12.htm
www.mindspring.com/~sandysimmons/menorrhagia.html
www.hubpages.com/hub/Treating-Heavy-Periods-with-Vitamin-K
