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By Mayo Clinic staffConsider these tips for successful self-care of menorrhagia:
- Get your rest. Your doctor may recommend rest if bleeding is excessive and disruptive to your normal schedule or lifestyle.
- Keep a record. Record the number of pads and tampons you use so that your doctor can determine the amount of bleeding. Change tampons regularly, at least every four to six hours.
- Avoid aspirin. Because aspirin interferes with blood clotting, avoid it. However, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve), often are very effective in relieving menstrual discomfort.
References
- Jurema M, et al. Menorrhagia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Excessive menstrual bleeding: Quick primer. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.healthywomen.org/aub/pg1.html. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Women and anemia — Heavy menstrual bleeding and fibroids. National Anemia Action Council. http://www.anemia.org/patients/featurearticles/content.php?contentid=000242§ionid=00015. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Vaginal bleeding. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec18/ch242/ch242e.html. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Abnormal uterine bleeding. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp095.cfm. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Questions to ask about excessive menstrual bleeding. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.healthywomen.org/aub/pg3.html. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Menstrual periods fact sheet. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Goodman A. Terminology and evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding in premenopausal women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- de Silva NK, et al. Definition and evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Lobo RA. Abnormal uterine bleeding: Ovulatory and anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding, management of acute and chronic excessive bleeding. In: Katz VL, et al., eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133793247-3/834086474/1524/248.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50040-6_1192. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Cervical cancer screening. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening/. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 29, 2009.