How To Increase Blood Flow During Periods Naturally?

Do you know that your menstrual flow can tell a lot about your health? The flow, regularity, and even the colour of your menstrual blood can provide significant insights about your reproductive system.

A light period flow can most often be the result of various factors like weight changes, stress, and hormonal imbalance. Though all these factors are not a sign of concern, they can sometimes be an early indicator of pregnancy or underlying medical conditions like anaemia. That is why many healthcare professionals recommend considering the menstrual flow as a vital sign.

This blog has come to tell you what the potential reasons for light period flow are, and natural ways on how to increase blood flow during periods.

What are the Reasons for Light Period Flow?

Before attempting to increase the period flow, it is important to understand the potential reasons for experiencing light periods. The common reasons may include:

Hormonal shifts

Hormonal shifts are the primary reasons for light periods. The imbalances in the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones can directly impact the thickness of the uterine lining and the ovulation process. This is because both of these are the key hormones for regulating the menstrual cycle. The imbalance in them can potentially disrupt the period flow, which usually happens in women at different stages of life, like puberty and perimenopause.

Medical conditions

Medical conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and early menopause, can be a significant reason for lighter periods. Similarly, other medical conditions like cervical stenosis (a narrowed cervix), and Asherman's syndrome (uterine scar tissue) can also disrupt the normal menstrual flow.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin D and vitamin B12, can impact menstrual bleeding flow. This can certainly happen as it can interfere with the hormone balance and red blood cell production. Along with it, very low body fat or extreme calorie restriction can also suppress ovulation, causing lighter periods.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be another crucial reason for light period flow. This is because when a mother is frequently breastfeeding, it can stimulate the production of the prolactin hormone. This hormone can potentially suppress other hormones essential for menstrual cycle regulation. This occurrence can lead to lighter, irregular, or even absent periods.

Medications

Certain medications can also interfere with the normal menstrual flow. This can happen as it affects hormone balance, uterine lining, or prostaglandin production. The common medications that can cause lighter periods may include hormonal birth control pills, anticoagulants (blood thinners), NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and chemotherapy drugs. Other medications for both hyper and hypothyroidism, corticosteroids, antidepressants and antipsychotics can significantly alter the menstrual cycle.

Pregnancy

Early pregnancy can sometimes cause a light flow or spotting through certain mechanisms. Implantation bleeding can happen when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining, hormonal fluctuations that cause the lining to shed, or cervical sensitivity due to the increased blood flow. Complications like early miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy can also cause lighter bleeding. It is important to visit the doctor and rule out such serious issues, especially if they are accompanied by cramps and pain.

Stress and lifestyle

Extreme stress, sudden weight changes, and heavy exercise can all contribute to lighter periods. This is because these factors can potentially interfere with hormone balance, thereby impacting the normal menstrual cycle.

Note: Contacting the healthcare provider and understanding the actual cause of the light period is crucial before attempting to increase the period flow on your own.

Methods to Immediately Increase the Period Flow

The following are some of the effective methods for women wondering how to increase period flow instantly.

Apply Heat

Applying a heating pad to the lower abdomen or taking a warm bath during periods can help increase the flow. This is possible as the method can relax pelvic muscles and improve the blood circulation in the uterus, resulting in increased menstrual flow. Applying heat to the lower abdomen can also help with improving menstrual cramps.

Gentle Exercise

Gentle exercises, such as light walking and stretching, can be beneficial when it comes to increasing menstrual flow. Stretches like Malasana (Garland Pose) and Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) can help with menstrual flow by improving blood circulation to the pelvic region, thereby leading to shedding the uterine lining more effectively.

Massage & Acupressure

Massage and acupressure can increase period flow immediately by improving circulation, relaxing muscles, and stimulating specific points. A gentle lower abdomen and lower back massage with warm oil can relax the stiffness and improve blood circulation. Finding the SP6 (Spleen 6) point on the inner ankle bone and applying firm pressure on it using a thumb in a steady or small circular motion can also help regulate the cycle. It is a frequently used acupressure method to improve circulation and relieve cramps.

Stay Hydrated

Staying adequately hydrated during periods can help with a more balanced, smooth menstrual flow. This is possible as hydration can have an impact on maintaining healthy blood viscosity and volume. You can drink plenty of water or herbal teas to support the function.

Reduce Stress

Reducing stress, particularly chronic stress, through techniques like meditation and deep breathing can improve hormone balance and period flow. This is possible as these techniques regulate the hormonal pathway that controls the menstrual cycle. This leads to more regular and smoother period flow.

Foods and Drinks to Support Period Flow

Here’s the list of foods and drinks to support period flow:

Ginger and Turmeric

Ginger and turmeric are both considered traditional medicine as emmenagogues, which means they induce periods by stimulating blood circulation in the pelvic region.

• You can have a cup of ginger tea every day, at least a few days before your expected cycle, or
• A cup of warm milk mixed with a pinch of turmeric.

Papaya

If you are looking for how to make your period flow heavier naturally, you can consider eating papayas. The enzymes papain and latex in the unripe papaya can stimulate uterine contractions, leading to increased menstrual flow immediately. While some women find the fruit beneficial for light periods, others with heavy periods (menorrhagia) should be cautious before consuming it.

• You can start with a small cup of papaya a few days before your expected period to induce bleeding, or
• Consume them moderately when you experience light periods.

Iron-Rich Foods

Foods that are rich in iron and magnesium can be beneficial for healthy menstrual bleeding. This is because iron helps to produce more red blood cells, whereas magnesium reduces menstrual cramps by relaxing uterine muscles.

• You can include leafy greens, dates, nuts, and figs for iron.
• Bananas, dark chocolates, whole grains, and avocados for magnesium.

Herbs & Spices

Herbs and spices, such as cinnamon and fenugreek seeds, can increase menstrual flow through certain mechanisms. They may include acting as an emmenagogue, balancing hormones and promoting uterine contractions.

• You can add a pinch of cinnamon powder to salads a few days before your expected period, which can be beneficial.
• Drink the water in which the fenugreek seeds are soaked to promote uterine contractions.

Hydrating Fluids

Warm, hydrating fluids, such as herbal teas, plain warm water, and soups, can be beneficial for maintaining healthy blood viscosity and volume. This can indirectly support a more balanced and smooth menstrual flow.

• You can consume coconut water or cinnamon tea to promote menstrual health.

What To Do If You Notice a Light Period Flow?

If you notice a light period flow, you can:

• Track your cycle to identify changes and patterns.
• Consider changing to a healthy lifestyle, like eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, and exercising regularly.
• Plan to visit the medical professional, especially if you notice any of the following:

• If a light period occurs more frequently.
• If you experience unusual symptoms like dizziness and pain along with a light period.
• If a period lasts for more than your regular cycle.
• If you miss your period for more than 7 days.
• If your periods are frequently irregular.

Summary

An occasional light period can be a normal variation, but a persistent occurrence may be an alarming sign for underlying medical issues like PCOS. Visiting a healthcare provider and diagnosing the real cause of these variations is essential before attempting how to increase period flow naturally.

Above all, talk to your healthcare provider for any guidance.

If you still have any concerns, having a consultation with experts at Aval Clinics is recommended. They can guide you.

Contact us today for expert advice and personalized care:

• 📞 Call us at 80047 80048
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