In a recent interview, Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor shared her personal struggle with menstrual pain and revealed the physical and mental toll it takes on her. Janhvi revealed that while she is often stymied by her busy schedule, sometimes her period pain becomes so severe that it is “unbearable” when she is at home. During particularly tough times, she even suffers from nosebleeds during her period, highlighting a unique, often overlooked, symptom experienced by some women. Janhvi’s openness has drawn attention to the wider discussion on menstrual health and the various impacts it has on women’s lives.
To understand the causes of nosebleeds, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr Madhu Juneja, Head, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Kalyani Nagar, Pune.
“Nosebleeds, also known as menstrual epistaxis, are a very rare but notable phenomenon that occurs in some women,” says Dr Juneja. “Though nosebleeds can be painful and upsetting, understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms can help shed light on the condition.”
Hormonal fluctuations
The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. “During menstruation, levels of these hormones drop significantly, which can affect different parts of the body and blood vessels,” explains Dr. Jueja. Estrogen in particular helps maintain the integrity and elasticity of blood vessels. A sudden drop in estrogen levels can make blood vessels fragile and increase fluid retention in the body, which can lead to nosebleeds.”
Read more: Irregular Menstrual Cycle: Possible Causes and Treatments
Mechanism of blood clotting
Another potential contributing factor is the effect of menstrual hormones on the blood’s clotting mechanism. Some women experience changes in their blood’s ability to clot. “Menstrual blood itself has anticoagulant properties, which ensure the lining of the uterus sloughs off smoothly. These changes can make you more susceptible to bleeding in other parts of your body, including your nose,” says Dr Juneja.
Increased blood flow
We all know that menstruation generally causes an increase in blood flow and blood pressure, which can worsen the chances of a nosebleed. “While increased blood flow is needed to clear the lining, it can also affect the delicate blood vessels in the nasal passages, which can lead to spontaneous bleeding,” says Dr Juneja.
Stuffy nose and allergies
Some women experience severe stuffy nose and allergy symptoms during their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. “These conditions can dry out and irritate the lining of the nose, making it more susceptible to bleeding,” she says. Additionally, using decongestants or nasal drops to relieve these symptoms can have the side effect of drying out the nasal passages, increasing the risk of nosebleeds. The habit of picking your nose due to allergies can make your symptoms worse many times over.”
Stress and lifestyle factors
The menstrual cycle can be accompanied by increased stress and lifestyle changes, such as changes in sleep habits and diet. “Stress can affect blood pressure and overall vascular health, which can contribute to nosebleeds,” says Dr. Juneja. “Lack of sleep and an unhealthy diet can further impair the body’s overall ability to heal, including vascular health.”
Underlying diseases
In some cases, frequent nosebleeds during menstruation could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. “Von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders can be more pronounced during menstruation, when the body is already more susceptible to bleeding,” says Dr. Juneja. It’s important that women who experience repeated nosebleeds during their period see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
Read more: Why is it important to track your menstrual cycle?
Treating nosebleeds during menstruation
For women who experience nosebleeds during their period, Dr Juneja suggests some strategies to control them:
- Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated will help keep your nasal passages moist and reduce bleeding.
- Humidify your environment: Using a humidifier at home, especially in the bedroom, can help prevent dry nasal passages.
- Saline nasal spray: This keeps your nasal passages moist without drying them out like decongestants can.
- Avoid irritants: Reducing your exposure to allergens, smoke, and other nasal irritants can reduce your risk of nosebleeds.
- Gentle nasal care: Avoid blowing or picking your nose too forcefully to prevent trauma to your nasal passages.
- Medical advice: In case of persistent or severe nosebleeds, a doctor should be consulted to rule out underlying medical conditions and receive appropriate treatment.
in conclusion
Nosebleeds during menstrual cramps can be painful, but they are usually linked to hormonal and physiological changes that occur in the body during menstruation. By understanding these mechanisms and taking preventative measures, women can effectively control this condition. If the problem persists, it is essential to see a doctor to ensure that there are no underlying health issues. You may need the support of a hematologist as well as a gynecologist to alleviate the symptoms.
read more
Why physical activity is important in managing menopausal symptoms
Disclaimer
