Heavy menstrual bleeding (adjunctive care)
Also known as: menorrhagia, heavy periods, heavy menstrual bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding is blood loss heavy enough to affect daily life — flooding, clots, or changing protection every hour or two. It needs a GP check for causes such as fibroids, polyps, thyroid problems or bleeding disorders, and for iron deficiency. Chinese medicine calls it Yuè Jīng Guò Duō: Spleen Qi failing to hold Blood, Blood Heat or Blood stasis.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •See a GP for a blood count and iron studies.
- •Eat iron-rich foods; take iron if prescribed.
- •Keep a period diary noting pads used and clots.
- •Ask about hormonal and non-hormonal medical options such as tranexamic acid or the hormonal IUD.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Avoid strong Blood-moving points and herbs during heavy flow unless stasis is clear.[]
- •Avoid LI4, SP6 and lower abdominal points in pregnancy.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track pad/tampon count and haemoglobin/ferritin over 3 cycles; refer back to GP if no improvement.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care · 2024
- NICE · 2018
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.