How to deal with excessive menstrual flow?

Patient's question:

Menstrual flow is excessive

Doctor's answer:

Hello, if you have been experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding for a while, you should see a doctor. If you only have occasional episodes of unusually heavy menstruation, you can try the self-care methods recommended later to correct the issue. If your period is delayed and heavy, you may have experienced an early miscarriage after becoming pregnant, in which case you should seek medical attention immediately.
The doctor will ask you some questions and perform examinations to assess the severity of the bleeding and check for any abnormalities in your uterus. The doctor may also conduct a cervical smear test or a cervical biopsy to check for cancer. Additionally, the doctor will perform blood tests to determine if the heavy bleeding has caused anemia or if other blood disorders or hormonal conditions are contributing to the issue.
How is it treated?
Self-care methods—If you have unusually heavy menstruation and do not suspect pregnancy, you should reduce your physical activity. If the bleeding does not decrease after 24 hours, seek medical attention immediately. If you naturally have a heavy menstrual flow, ensure your diet contains sufficient iron to prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
Seeking medical treatment—If your uterus is normal, your doctor may prescribe hormone pills containing estrogen, progesterone, or both to reduce bleeding. These hormone pills have the same ingredients as oral contraceptives. If you are already taking oral contraceptives or cannot take these hormone pills for some reason, the doctor will prescribe an alternative medication to reduce bleeding. If you have an intrauterine device (IUD), the doctor may recommend switching to another form of contraception.