Explore the different shapes and sizes of pads available for heavier periods. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to suggest a product that can best absorb your flow. Consider getting a pad with “wings. ” These pads have extra material that folds over the sides of your underwear to reduce possible leakage. [5] X Research source

Don’t feel ashamed. If someone asks, just tell the person you had a lot to drink that day. Checking and changing your pad regularly can reduce the possibility of odor. [7] X Research source Put an extra pad in your pocket or bag when you go to the bathroom. This allows you to change your pad if need be.

Take off the pad with a piece of toilet paper if there is a lot of blood or you don’t want to directly contact the pad. Make sure your hands are clean before you remove the pad.

Put the old pad in a disposal box for sanitary napkins or trash can. Put it in a covered trash can so that pets or small children can’t get the pad. [9] X Research source Avoid flushing the pad down the toilet, which can back up the septic system and create a huge mess. [10] X Research source

Wipe yourself with toilet paper. Remember to wipe front to back to avoid getting bacteria in your vagina. Use a moist feminine wipe if you want to clean yourself more thoroughly. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Remember not to insert the wipe inside of your vagina. [14] X Research source

Press down on the length of the pad so that it’s securely in place. Fold over any wings and make sure they’re securely stuck to your underwear. Pull up your underwear and see if the pad is comfortable. If not, rearrange it until you feel good.

Change your pad often instead of doubling up.

Make sure to use soap and lather up for at least 20 seconds. Rinse your hands well before drying.

Drink lady’s mantle tea to help reduce heavy menstrual flow. Infuse one ounce of dried lady’s mantle leaves in one pint of boiling water and drink it three times a day. Drink 1 milliliter of warm water with 1 to 2 teaspoons of shepherd’s purse to constrict blood flow. [17] X Research source Use 4-6mg of chasteberry extract in water to balance your hormones and stop a heavy flow. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Drink one cup of hot water with three teaspoons powdered cinnamon every thirty minutes to reduce heavy blood flow. [19] X Research source

Take Cimicifuga Racemosa to regulate hormone levels, which may relieve heavy periods. [20] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Use Sabina, which could reduce the severity and length of your period. [21] X Research source

Put the ice on your stomach for about 20 minutes. [23] X Research source Reapply the ice every 2 to 4 hours when have heavy bleeding or other symptoms. [24] X Research source Take off the ice if it gets too cold or your skin is numb. [25] X Research source

Take an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, which you can get over-the-counter. Follow the dosing instructions on the package.

Eat foods with protein such as nuts or lean meat, iron rich foods like kale, and dairy like yogurt or cheese for calcium. [28] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Eating healthy oils and seeds like olive and flaxseed may also relieve heavy periods. [29] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Consider trying the Mediterranean diet, which is a mixture of fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and whole grains. Some studies have shown this can regulate your periods. [30] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Eat breads and grains fortified with iron, Vitamin B, fiber and protein. [32] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Include vegetables such as green beans. [33] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Vegetables including broccoli, kale, sweet potatoes, and spinach have iron, calcium, and Vitamin C. [36] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Fruit including oranges and strawberries are high in Vitamin C. Prunes and dried apricots are good sources of iron.

Eat dark chocolate, which is a good source of magnesium and may make you feel better.

Acupressure may increase blood flow to your back and uterus. This can get rid of painful cramping. [39] X Research source Some studies have shown that acupressure or acupuncture can reduce hormonal shifts and pain during your period. [40] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source