From the Guidelines
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that zeolite causes heavy menstrual bleeding. Zeolite, a naturally occurring mineral with a porous structure, is sometimes used as a dietary supplement for its claimed detoxification properties, but it has not been clinically linked to menstrual cycle changes or heavy bleeding 1. If you're experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), this is more likely related to hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions rather than zeolite consumption.
Possible Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- Hormonal imbalances
- Uterine fibroids
- Polyps
- Adenomyosis
- Certain medications
- Underlying medical conditions Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as bleeding that lasts more than 7 days or is so heavy that you need to change your pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours.
Recommended Course of Action
If you're experiencing these symptoms, you should consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment, which might include:
- Hormonal medications
- Tranexamic acid
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Other interventions depending on the underlying cause Do not rely on stopping zeolite use as a solution for heavy menstrual bleeding, as there's no established connection between the two. According to the most recent study 1, uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been shown to cause persistent decreases in pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, and may be a viable treatment option for some patients. However, this should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
From the Research
Zeolite and Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that zeolite causes heavy menstrual bleeding 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medical therapies in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding, rather than investigating the role of zeolite 2, 3, 4, 5.
- One study mentions the use of vitamin B1, which resulted in fewer pads used per day and fewer bleeding days compared to placebo, but does not mention zeolite 6.
- Another study discusses the use of mefenamic acid, which resulted in less volume of blood loss compared to tranexamic acid, but again, does not mention zeolite 6.
- The lack of direct evidence suggests that zeolite's potential impact on heavy menstrual bleeding is not well understood and requires further research.
Limitations of Current Research
- The majority of the studies included in the review were underpowered, which limits the ability to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of various treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The evidence quality ranged from low to moderate, with the main limitations being risk of bias and imprecision 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Further research is needed to generate high-quality evidence for the treatment and prevention of heavy and painful menstruation associated with intrauterine device (IUD) use 6.