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Good News Ladies! Heavy Period Flow Could Be a Thing of the Past

If you bleed like all your insides will come pouring out during your periods, we have some good news!

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Heavy cramping, that feeling that all your insides will come pouring out, that sudden gush as you stand after a long meeting, that feeling of being stabbed in your vagina - ladies all of this could soon be a thing of the past!

Scientists have uncovered a cause of heavy menstrual bleeding, that could pave the way for a new treatment for women with the painful condition.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh in the UK identified a key protein called HIF-1 that could explain why heavy bleeding occurs. They studied the womb lining, known as the endometrium, that is shed during menstruation, leaving behind a wound-like surface that must heal to limit blood loss, reports PTI.

They discovered that lowered levels of oxygen - known as hypoxia - stimulates production of HIF-1, which drives repair of the womb lining. Women with heavy periods had reduced levels of HIF-1 compared with those with normal blood loss, researchers said.

Tests on mice using a drug to boost levels of HIF-1 led to improved tissue repair and reduced blood loss. The results offer hope for therapies, they said.

SO, What Do these Findings Mean?

If you bleed like all your insides will come pouring out during your periods, we have some good news!
20 to 30 per cent of pre-menopausal women deal with heavy bleeding, according to the researchers.
(Photo: giphy.com)

"Our findings reveal for the first time that HIF-1 and reduced levels of oxygen in the womb are required during a period to optimise repair of the womb lining," said Jackie Maybin from the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh.

Excitingly, increasing levels of the HIF-1 protein in mice shows real promise as a novel, non-hormonal medical treatment.
Jackie Maybin, Lead Author of the Study

The study was first published in the journal Nature Communications.

20 to 30 per cent of pre-menopausal women deal with heavy bleeding, according to the researchers.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, insulin resistance and thyroid problems are some of the leading causes of heavy bleeding.

Menorrhagia is the medical term for menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding. Although heavy menstrual bleeding is a common concern, most women don't experience blood loss severe enough to be defined as menorrhagia, according to Mayo Clinic.

The condition can lead to severe anaemia - where there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body, reports PTI.

It can lead to severe abdominal pain and disrupt daily life, as well as giving rise to other symptoms, such as bloating, unscheduled bleeding, and fatigue.

Current therapies to ease heavy bleeding are hormone- based and may prevent pregnancy. The researchers say there is a “clear, unmet” need for treatment that does not tamper with hormones and fertility.

"The fact that preliminary results suggest no interference with fertility makes it even more promising," the researchers claim.

(With inputs from PTI)

Have more questions on sexual health? Write to us at SexEd@thequint.com and we will get experts to answer them for you.

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

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Topics:  Period Cramps   Period   Period Pain 

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