In a recent interview, Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor shared her personal struggles with period pain, shedding light on the physical and emotional toll it takes on her. Janhvi revealed that while she often powers through her busy schedules, the intensity of her menstrual pain can be "paralyzing" when she's at home. In a particularly challenging phase, she even experienced nose bleeds during her periods, highlighting the often overlooked and unique symptoms some women endure. Janhvi's openness brings attention to the broader conversation about menstrual health and the varied ways it can impact women's lives.
To understand the causes behind the nose bleeding, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Madhu Juneja, Director – Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Pune, Kalyani Nagar.
“Nose bleeding, also known as catamenial epistaxis during period pain, is an extremely uncommon but notable phenomenon that can occur in some women. This occurrence can be alarming and uncomfortable, but understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms can help demystify this condition,” Dr Juneja said.
Hormonal Fluctuations
The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. Dr Jueja explained, “During menstruation, there is a significant drop in these hormone levels, which can affect various parts of the body and the blood vessels. Estrogen, in particular, helps to maintain the integrity and elasticity of blood vessels. A sudden drop in estrogen levels can make the blood vessels more fragile and this drop increases body fluids which can result in nosebleeds.”
Also read: Irregular Menstrual Cycle: Possible Causes And Treatment Options
Blood Clotting Mechanisms
Another potential factor is the influence of menstrual hormones underlying blood clotting mechanisms. Some women experience changes in their blood clotting ability. “Menstrual blood itself has anticoagulant properties to ensure smooth shedding of the uterine lining. These changes can sometimes lead to an increased tendency for bleeding in other parts of the body, including the nose,” said Dr Juneja.
Increased Blood Flow
We all know that Menstruation can cause an overall increase in blood flow and blood pressure, which can exacerbate the likelihood of nosebleeds. “The increased blood flow is necessary to shed the uterine lining, but it can also affect the delicate blood vessels in the nasal passages, leading to spontaneous bleeding,” Dr Juneja said.
Nasal Congestion and Allergies
Some women experience nasal congestion and allergies more intensely around their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. According to her, “These conditions can dry out and irritate the nasal membranes, making them more susceptible to bleeding. Furthermore, the use of decongestants or nasal sprays to alleviate these symptoms can sometimes have the side effect of drying out the nasal passages, increasing the risk of nosebleeds. Habit of nose picking due to allergy can aggravate it many times.”
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Menstrual periods can be accompanied by heightened stress and changes in lifestyle, such as altered sleep patterns and dietary habits. Dr Juneja said, “Stress can affect blood pressure and overall vascular health, potentially contributing to the likelihood of nosebleeds. Poor sleep and a less nutritious diet can further weaken the body’s overall resilience, including the health of blood vessels.”
Underlying Medical Conditions
In some cases, frequent nosebleeds during menstruation might indicate an underlying medical condition. “Conditions such as von Willebrand disease or other bleeding disorders can become more apparent during menstruation when the body is already in a state of increased bleeding tendency,” said Dr Juneja. It is crucial for women experiencing recurrent nosebleeds during their periods to seek medical advice to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
Also read: Why Is It Important To Track Your Menstrual Cycle?
Managing Nosebleeds During Menstruation
For women who experience nosebleeds during their periods, there are several management strategies they can adopt listed by Dr Juneja:
- Maintain hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help keep the nasal passages moist and less prone to bleeding.
- Humidify the environment: Using a humidifier in the home, especially in the bedroom, can prevent the nasal passages from drying out.
- Nasal saline sprays: These can keep the nasal passages moist without the drying effects of decongestants.
- Avoid irritants: Reducing exposure to allergens, smoke, and other nasal irritants can help minimise the risk of nosebleeds.
- Gentle nasal care: Avoiding vigorous nose-blowing or picking can prevent trauma to the nasal passages.
- Medical consultation: Persistent or severe nosebleeds should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions and to receive appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
While nosebleeds during period pain can be distressing, they are often linked to the hormonal and physiological changes occurring in the body during menstruation. By understanding these mechanisms and adopting preventive measures, women can manage this condition effectively. If the problem persists, seeking medical advice is essential to ensure there are no serious underlying health concerns.It may need a team support with your haematologist as well as your gynaecologist to give relief of the symptoms