Hemorrhoids before menstruation: causes, how to treat if it worsens

This feature is due to the physiological processes taking place in the body of women of childbearing age, in particular the menstrual cycle.
During these periods, the symptoms of chronic hemorrhoidal disease may intensify. Most often, girls and women feel increased pain and discomfort in the peritoneum and pelvic area. We will consider further what causes such changes and how we can improve the well-being of a patient with hemorrhoids during menstruation.

How are hemorrhoids and menstruation related?

Before understanding the causes of exacerbations of hemorrhoidal disease during menstrual periods, you should understand the mechanism of development of the pathological process itself. Hemorrhoids are understood as enlargement and dilation of venous vessels located in the rectal cavity and around the rectal canal.

Dystrophic changes also affect the muscle tissue that lines both the choroid and the intestinal cavity. As the hemorrhoids increase in size, the musculo-ligamentous apparatus weakens, as a result of which the cavernous bodies begin to shift distally.

Why can hemorrhoids worsen during menstruation?

An increase in symptoms occurs before the onset of “red” days, as the female body begins to prepare, which is expressed in hormonal changes and increased blood flow in the pelvic area.

Such preparatory processes lead to very definite changes:

an imbalance of hormones is fraught with a decrease in immunity, as a result of which a woman’s general well-being worsens, and also increases the likelihood of infection of hemorrhoids with pathogens;
cavernous formations begin to fill with blood and increase in size, and this is fraught with the development of an inflammatory process and the loss of cones from the intraintestinal cavity;
blood flow increases in the genitals, which also begin to increase pressure on the lower digestive tract due to their close location;
Before menstruation, many women have an increased appetite. Some representatives of the fairer sex indulge in sweets, while others prefer pickles and smoked foods. All this can lead (and does) to constipation or diarrhea, which provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

Hemorrhoids after menstruation usually do not bother a woman much, since the severity of symptoms decreases.

However, such an improvement should not deceive and mislead, since before the next menstruation the situation will repeat.

Main reasons

Before menstruation, constipation may occur as a result of improper digestion, but this is not the main reason.

If the cause is the intestines, then the woman has a physiological problem and there may be malfunctions.

In this case, there is no need to panic, because the problem can be corrected, but if there is a disease, then you will need to be careful.

Constipation during menstruation can lead to some changes:

A physiological change appears.
Nutrition problems begin.
Gastrointestinal diseases may develop.
Possible hemorrhoids.

To determine the pathology, it is necessary to diagnose it with a doctor, and then use the necessary therapy.

Symptoms of exacerbation during menstruation

Symptoms of exacerbation of hemorrhoidal disease during menstrual periods or before the onset of menstruation in women are no different from the classic clinical picture of the disease and largely depend on the stage of the pathological process.

And yet, we can identify a number of manifestations that are observed by the majority of women who suffer from hemorrhoids:

pain (especially during defecation);
increased pain in the lower abdomen;
mucous discharge;
itchy sensations;
sensation of a foreign object in the rectal canal area;
spotting (they may not be noticeable because they mix with menstrual blood).

In addition, in the last stages of the disease, prolapse of hemorrhoids that have increased in size cannot be ruled out. In this case, severe pain, increased bleeding intensity and severe swelling of the anorectal area are noted.

Why do hemorrhoids worsen in phase II of the cycle?

Exacerbation of hemorrhoids before menstruation occurs not only due to the effect of progesterone on the tone of the venous walls. In phase II of the cycle, blood flow to the pelvic tissues sharply increases, microcirculation accelerates, and the tissues of the genitals and anus swell. The anorectal veins, weakened by the hormone of motherhood or organically damaged, are not able to promptly push out the accumulated blood, so the hemorrhoids become overcrowded, often become inflamed, rupture or fall out.

Other causes of exacerbation of hemorrhoids at the end of phase II of the cycle:

overexertion due to hyperdynamia before menstruation;
stagnation due to decreased physical activity;
lifting weights in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
anal sex.

How to treat hemorrhoids during the menstrual period?

The choice of therapeutic methods should be carried out by a specialist, since self-medication can only worsen the condition. In general, the fight against exacerbation of hemorrhoidal disease during menstruation involves the use of the same medications as during any other period.

However, there are some limitations.

You should avoid using topical medications that contain corticosteroid hormonal substances that can increase menstrual bleeding.

In addition, for the same reason, antispasmodic drugs (for example, Papaverine or No-shpa) should not be used. They significantly relax muscle tissue, including those located in the genitals. And this is again fraught with increased bleeding.

Let us consider the pharmacological agents recommended during this period that can significantly improve a woman’s well-being and reduce the intensity of the manifestation of the above-described signs of anorectal varicose veins.

Nurofen

Pharmacological forms	Tablets, capsules.
Active ingredients	Ibuprofen.
Impact on the body	The active ingredient, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is designed to relieve inflammation and relieve pain by blocking the generation of prostaglandins - and bioactive substances that provoke negative symptoms. Taking the tablets allows you to get rid of pain, fever, and somewhat reduce inflammation and swelling of tissues, including in the anorectal area.
Indications	Exacerbation of hemorrhoids during menstruation; migraine pain; neuralgia; joint pain; pain during menstruation; feverish state due to colds and flu; rheumatism; muscle pain.
Contraindications	Too strong and always negative reaction of the body to a certain active ingredient of the drug, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms; intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid; ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract; severe hemorrhoidal bleeding; severe kidney disease; increased potassium content; blood clotting disorders, etc.
Possible side effects	Susceptible patients may experience bleeding disorders, urticarial rash, itching, increased blood pressure, anaphylaxis and other negative reactions.
Therapeutic nuances	The medication is taken in a short course. The maximum daily dosage is 4 tablets. It is best to consume them simultaneously with meals.
Important information	The drug affects ovulation. Patients with hypertension and allergic reactions (can lead to bronchospasm) should be especially careful.
With natural feeding	The medicine can be used by nursing mothers, but only for a short period of time.
Price	From 80 rubles.

Calendula suppositories

Pharmacological forms	Suppositories.
Active ingredients	Matrix tincture of marigolds.
Impact on the body	The active component, which is a specially processed tincture of calendula, relieves inflammation quite well, which is especially important during exacerbation of hemorrhoidal disease. In addition, marigolds are valued for their bactericidal and antiseptic effect. The drug kills pathogenic microflora and reduces the risk of re-infection of tissues.
Indications	The drug is effective in the initial stages of anorectal varicose veins.
Contraindications	The body’s reaction to a certain active ingredient of the drug is too strong and always negative, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms.
Possible side effects	Susceptible patients may experience undesirable effects such as burning and irritation of tissues, and redness of the skin.
Therapeutic nuances	Aggravated hemorrhoids can be treated throughout the entire menstrual period. To do this, it is enough to administer 1 suppository before bedtime and after cleansing and hygiene procedures.
Important information	The pharmacological agent is approved for combination with other drugs with an antihemorrhoidal effect. This needs to be agreed with a doctor.
With natural feeding	Suppositories with calendula are allowed for use during the lactation period, but you should consult your doctor in advance.
Price	From 85 rubles.

Sea buckthorn oil

Pharmacological forms	Suppositories.
Active ingredients	Sea buckthorn oil concentrate.
Impact on the body	Fatty extract from sea buckthorn fruits is an effective anti-inflammatory drug, resulting in relief of pain and irritation. The oil also speeds up wound healing and restoration processes. Another beneficial effect is the destruction of pathogens. This helps prevent infection of inflamed hemorrhoids.
Indications	Exacerbation of intraintestinal hemorrhoids; cracking of the rectal mucosa; inflammation of the rectal cavity; sphincteritis.
Contraindications	Too strong and always negative reaction of the body to a certain active ingredient of the drug, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms; diarrhea.
Possible side effects	Most often, patients experience loose stools and increased frequency of bowel movements. Patients with high sensitivity to sea buckthorn oil may experience allergic symptoms.
Therapeutic nuances	Suppositories are administered into the rectal canal twice within 24 hours. Therapy can be continued after the exacerbation has subsided and the intensity of symptoms has decreased.
Important information	The medicine can be combined with other antihemorrhoidal medications. It is better to discuss this issue with a proctologist.
With natural feeding	Suppositories can be used during the lactation period due to the naturalness of the active ingredients. But it is still better to consult a doctor in advance.
Price	From 80 rubles.

Olestesin

Pharmacological forms	Candles.
Active ingredients	Anestezin, sea buckthorn oil concentrate, sulphaethidol.
Impact on the body	The fatty component, extracted by pressing from the ripe fruits of the sea buckthorn tree, allows you to restore wound surfaces, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and reduce inflammation. The locally functioning analgesic anesthesin is responsible for pain relief. It blocks the generation and transmission of nerve impulses from hemorrhoids. Sulfethidol is a bactericide that destroys pathogens and prevents infection of damaged areas by pathogenic bacteria.
Indications	Exacerbation of hemorrhoidal disease during menstruation; cracking of the rectal mucosa; fistulas; irritability of anal tissues.
Contraindications	The body’s reaction to a certain active ingredient of the drug is too strong and always negative, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms.
Possible side effects	The development of various allergic manifestations cannot be ruled out. Due to the presence of sea buckthorn oil, softening of fecal matter can be observed.
Therapeutic nuances	Traditionally, 2-fold administration of anal suppositories is indicated over a 24-hour time interval. The duration of therapy is determined individually.
Important information	Increased allergic reactions and other negative manifestations are possible with severe atopic lesions of the skin.
With natural feeding	Suppositories can be used during the lactation period due to the naturalness of the components of the medication. But it is still better to consult a doctor in advance.
Price	From 135 rubles.

Fleming's ointment

Pharmacological forms	Ointment.
Active ingredients	Marigold extract, witch hazel, chestnut nut extract, menthol, zinc.
Impact on the body	Chestnut fruit extract and witch hazel belong to the category of venotonic drugs. Their use helps optimize venous tone and improve blood circulation in the anorectal area. Marigold extract is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drug that neutralizes the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. The coolant is a menthol compound. This effect allows you to reduce the intensity of pain, reduce discomfort and irritability of the anorectal tissues. Zinc preparations can also be classified as disinfectants. At the same time, these substances form a special coating on the epidermis that prevents tissue infection.
Indications	Periodically worsening hemorrhoids during menstruation; skin diseases.
Contraindications	The body’s reaction to a certain active ingredient of the drug is too strong and always negative, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms.
Possible side effects	Patients susceptible to the components of the drug may experience the development of local allergic reactions, including rashes, red spots, etc.
Therapeutic nuances	The medicine is applied to the appropriate areas up to 3 times daily. The usual duration of the therapeutic course is seven days.
Important information	The ointment is intended for external use only. The antihemorrhoidal drug can be combined with other medications.
With natural feeding	The drug is harmless for nursing women and children. But it would be better to first consult with your treating specialist.
Price	From 260 rubles.

Proctosan

Pharmacological forms	Suppositories, ointment.
Active ingredients	Bufexamac, bismuth subgallate, titanium dioxide, lidocaine.
Impact on the body	Pain relief is provided by lidocaine. This anesthetic at the local level reduces the severity of pain due to stopping the transmission of nerve impulses. Bufexamac belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Its presence in the composition of the medicine allows you to get rid of swelling, inflammation and pain. Bismuth compounds have a drying effect. Also, these drugs are able to form a special coating on the upper layer of the epithelium, preventing infection of damaged tissues. Titanium stimulates the activity of other components. This substance also accelerates regeneration and restoration processes in the anal area.
Indications	Hemorrhoidal disease during menstruation; cracking of the mucous membrane of the rectal canal; eczema; inflammation of the rectum.
Contraindications	Too strong and always negative reaction of the body to a certain active ingredient of the drug, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms; clinical picture of the tuberculosis process or syphilis of the intraintestinal cavity; pregnancy; lactation; the patient's minor age.
Possible side effects	In some situations, discomfort may develop: irritability, swelling, redness. They are usually localized in the areas where the product is applied.
Therapeutic nuances	The liquid form of the drug is applied to cavernous formations twice a day. Anal suppositories 2 times within a 24-hour period.
Important information	Certain components of the drug negatively affect the quality of latex. As a result, the elasticity of condoms may be impaired.
With natural feeding	During the lactation period, a nursing mother should stop using it due to the high risk of undesirable consequences.
Price	From 350 rubles.

Natalsid

Pharmacological forms	Suppositories.
Active ingredients	Sodium alginate.
Impact on the body	The active ingredient is a natural product extracted from brown algae. This substance is distinguished by its ability to expand in a liquid medium, therefore, in the event of bleeding or inflammatory effusion, it quickly increases in size and relieves symptoms. Sodium alginate also helps improve intestinal contractility, which is reflected in optimizing the consistency of fecal matter.
Indications	Exacerbation of the hemorrhoidal process during menstruation; cracking of the mucous membrane of the rectal canal; bleeding from cavernous formations; inflammation of the rectum; proctosigmoiditis.
Contraindications	Too strong and always negative reaction of the body to a certain active ingredient of the drug, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms; age less than 14 years.
Possible side effects	This medicine has virtually no side effects. Only in rare situations are allergic manifestations observed, for example, irritability, burning sensation, urticaria.
Therapeutic nuances	Suppositories are inserted into the anus twice a day. It is first necessary to cleanse the rectal canal of fecal matter naturally or with the help of an enema.
Important information	The interaction of this drug with other medications is excluded, so it is often combined with other antihemorrhoidal drugs.
With natural feeding	Suppositories are completely safe, so they are often prescribed to breastfeeding women. However, it is better to consult a doctor.
Price	From 330 rubles.

Posterisan

Pharmacological forms	Suppositories, ointment.
Active ingredients	Inactivated microbial cells E.coli.
Impact on the body	Inactivated metabolites of bacterial cells are classified as immunostimulating drugs. These substances are designed to increase tissue resistance to infectious agents and speed up recovery. Additionally, the drug reduces the severity of the inflammatory process and activates tissue restoration, including vascular walls.
Indications	Non-healing hemorrhoids; cracking of the rectal mucosa; anal itching; eczematous lesions of the anus.
Contraindications	The body’s reaction to a certain active ingredient of the drug is too strong and always negative, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms.
Possible side effects	Adverse reactions occur in exceptional cases and are associated with the presence of phenolic compounds in the drug.
Therapeutic nuances	Ointment and suppositories are used for their intended purpose up to 4 times over a 24-hour period. A mandatory preparatory procedure is cleansing the anorectal area.
Important information	Phenolic compounds, which are used to “kill” bacterial cells, are an allergenic drug. It is to this that negative reactions arise.
With natural feeding	The medication can be used according to indications during breastfeeding without special restrictions. Still, it’s better to talk to a doctor first.
Price	From 470 rubles.

Relief Advance

Pharmacological forms	Suppositories, ointment
Active ingredients	Anestezin, a fatty extract from shark liver.
Impact on the body	The oil component allows you to stop hemorrhoidal bleeding, relieve inflammatory manifestations, accelerate regeneration processes and improve the condition of tissues in the rectal canal. Pain relief occurs due to the presence of the analgesic anesthesin in the drug. This ingredient stops the transmission of nerve impulses in the shortest possible time and provides anesthesia.
Indications	Hemorrhoidal disease, including with exacerbation during menstruation; cracking of the mucous membrane of the rectal cavity; irritability of the dermis; tissue anesthesia during diagnosis or after intervention on the rectal canal.
Contraindications	Too strong and always negative reaction of the body to a certain active ingredient of the drug, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms; thromboembolic disease; reduced number of granulocytes in the blood.
Possible side effects	Susceptible patients may experience hypersensitivity reactions, including redness, tissue irritation, and burning sensation in the anorectal area.
Therapeutic nuances	Typically, the medication will be used up to 4 times within a 24-hour period. The intestinal cavity should be cleared of fecal matter in advance.
Important information	If the medication is not effective, you should stop using it and switch to treatment with other antihemorrhoidal drugs.
With natural feeding	The drug is allowed during the lactation period, but with a significant caveat - you must consult your doctor in advance.
Price	From 400 rubles.

Anestezol

Pharmacological forms	Suppositories.
Active ingredients	Anestesin, bismuth subgallate, zinc compounds, menthol.
Impact on the body	The reduction in pain is ensured by the presence of an anesthesin analgesic in the medication. It stops the transmission of nerve impulses, which results in a decrease in the severity of pain. Bismuth and zinc compounds form a special coating on the epidermis that prevents infection of cavernous formations by pathogens. Menthol is a kind of “cooler” that effectively reduces tissue irritability and anesthetizes hemorrhoidal structures.
Indications	Exacerbation of hemorrhoidal disease before menstruation; cracking of rectal tissue.
Contraindications	Too strong and always negative reaction of the body to a certain active ingredient of the drug, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms; age less than 12 years.
Possible side effects	Patients with high susceptibility may experience a variety of allergic manifestations, for example, redness, swelling, burning. Possible liquefaction of fecal matter.
Therapeutic nuances	Hemorrhoids during menstruation are quite simple to treat: you need to inject suppositories into the intraintestinal cavity 2 times within 24 hours after cleansing.
Important information	Caution must be exercised if the patient drives a vehicle or her work involves precision computing instruments.
With natural feeding	Use is permissible provided that the benefit exceeds the potential threats to the child.
Price	From 80 rubles.

Detralex

Pharmacological forms	Pills.
Active ingredients	Diosmin, hesperidin.
Impact on the body	The natural flavonoids present in the drug are venotonics. Consequently, the use of the drug can improve the tone of vascular tubules, reduce vascular damage and improve systemic and local blood flow. For hemorrhoidal disease, tablets relieve patients from stagnation of blood in venous collections, reduce inflammation and swelling.
Indications	Violation of lymphatic and venous flow; decreased tissue nutrition; hemorrhoidal disease.
Contraindications	The body’s reaction to a certain active ingredient of the drug is too strong and always negative, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms.
Possible side effects	Nausea; stool liquefaction; headache; dizziness; hives; epithelial rash.
Therapeutic nuances	In case of acute illness, you should take 6 capsules. After 4 days, the daily dose is reduced to 4 tablets. Treatment should be continued until recovery.
Important information	Preference should be given to combination therapy, which includes both systemic drugs and locally functioning medications.
With natural feeding	Detralex is approved for use during all trimesters of gestation. However, due to insufficient information about the excretion of ingredients in milk, the medication is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Price	From 640 rubles.

Troxevasin

Pharmacological forms	Capsules, gel.
Active ingredients	Troxerutin.
Impact on the body	The main element of the drug is a venotonic. Its main purpose is to optimize venous tone and reduce damage to the walls of blood vessels. Correct use guarantees relief from blood stagnation, optimization of local and systemic blood flow, and reduction in the severity of inflammation.
Indications	Violation of lymphatic and venous flow; decreased tissue nutrition; hemorrhoidal disease.
Contraindications	Too strong and always negative reaction of the body to a certain active ingredient of the drug, which manifests itself in the form of allergic symptoms; ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract; inflammation of the stomach; first trimester of gestation.
Possible side effects	Vomiting; stool liquefaction; burning behind the sternum; ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa; hives; headache, etc.
Therapeutic nuances	If hemorrhoids worsen before menstruation, you need to take the standard course - 2 weeks, 3 capsules daily. Then the dose is reduced. It is better to check the treatment regimen with a doctor.
Important information	Preference should be given to combination therapy, which includes both systemic drugs and locally functioning medications.
With natural feeding	Application is possible, but the final decision must be made by the attending physician, taking into account additional factors.
Price	From 300 rubles.

Treatment

Therapy for the disease is always complex. It includes the use of folk remedies, medications, nutritional correction, and lifestyle.

Traditional treatment

If symptoms of hemorrhoids appear before menstruation, disappear after menstruation, the situation repeats itself repeatedly, you need to analyze your lifestyle, nutrition, nervous state, and make adjustments. Sometimes this is enough to avoid unpleasant symptoms.

To eliminate pain from hemorrhoids, it is recommended to use:

Potato candles. A piece in the shape of a triangle is cut out of fresh peeled potatoes and inserted into the anus before going to bed. Comes out naturally.
Candles made from geranium leaves. Dry leaves are smeared with olive oil, formed into a candle, and inserted before bedtime.
Chamomile infusion. 1 tbsp. pour 250 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of flowers and leave for about an hour. Used for washing after each act of defecation, lubricate the anus with a moistened tampon. An infusion bath is effective. When warm, pour into a basin and immerse in it for 20 minutes.
Boiled onions. Boil, cool to room temperature. Apply to the anus at night.

If these measures are ineffective, it is necessary to undergo an examination of the body, establish the cause of the disease, and carry out treatment under the guidance of specialists. You should pay attention to one important point - there are several forms of hemorrhoids. The mild degree of the disease is limited to unpleasant painful symptoms in the rectum. The average degree of hemorrhoids is characterized by the presence of nodes of a significant size and significant problems with bowel movements. In severe forms of the disease, these symptoms are accompanied by bleeding. In this case, it is not recommended to treat hemorrhoids on your own; folk remedies will not work.

Drug treatment

It is recommended to use rectal suppositories, which have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative effect. The drugs relieve swelling and prevent nodes from falling out. After the end of menstruation, ointments can be used. Medicines should not contain glucocorticosteroid hormones. They affect the hormonal balance during menstruation and provoke bleeding. Preference is given to natural-based drugs. Among the effective means are:

Venarus;
Phlebodia 600;
Betiol;
Troxevasin;
Detralex;
Anuzol;
Natalsid.

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. In parallel with this, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures.

Prevention of exacerbation

If menstruation is accompanied by an increase in hemorrhoidal symptoms, a woman should consider taking measures that would prevent the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms.

Diet correction. You should avoid drinking alcohol, spicy and fatty foods. The menu includes foods enriched with dietary fiber: fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, cereals. To prevent constipation, you should eat small meals several times a day.
Optimization of motor activity. Does the activity involve prolonged sitting? Experts recommend getting up regularly and doing simple physical exercises. You should also change your regular chair to a chair with a hard seat.
Refusal to lift heavy objects. Women, especially before menstruation, should avoid lifting a variety of heavy objects, as these actions can lead to increased blood flow to the nodes.
The right clothes. You should not wear things that are tight around the pelvic area during these periods. These include tight trousers, thongs and other underwear that are too close to the anus.
Maintaining hygiene. It is extremely important to observe all principles of personal hygiene. For example, you should constantly wash the anus and perineum area.
Refusal of hard toilet paper. Menstruation will have less influence on the exacerbation of hemorrhoidal disease if you replace standard toilet paper with special napkins.

Thus, exacerbation of clinical symptoms can be prevented with the help of quite reasonable and simple preventive measures. Attentive attitude to health is an important principle in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease.