turmeric and bleeding
I started putting turmeric in my breakfast oatmeal a little over a week ago, just before this horrendous and somewhat earlier than scheduled menstrual period started. But my body has betrayed me so many times in the past that it didn't occur to me until beginning the third day of ridiculously heavy flow that there could be a connection.
The following comes from the National Institute of Health (a US government site), http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/662.html , but the italics are mine...
There isn’t enough information to rate the safety of turmeric during breast-feeding. It’s best not to use it.
Gallbladder problems: Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse. Don’t use turmeric if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Turmeric can cause stomach upset in some people. It might make stomach problems such as GERD worse. Don’t take turmeric if it worsens symptoms of GERD.
Surgery: Turmeric might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
So. No turmeric in my oatmeal this morning.
ETA: I'd like to point out that coincidence is NOT causation, there are a lot of other factors going on here. I just came off a medication that was supposed to stop me having cycles (it slowed me down a little) and I'm getting older.
The following comes from the National Institute of Health (a US government site), http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/662.html , but the italics are mine...
Special precautions & warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking turmeric by mouth in medicinal amounts is LIKELY UNSAFE in pregnancy. It might promote a menstrual period or stimulate the uterus, putting the pregnancy at risk. Don’t take turmeric if you are pregnant.There isn’t enough information to rate the safety of turmeric during breast-feeding. It’s best not to use it.
Gallbladder problems: Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse. Don’t use turmeric if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Turmeric can cause stomach upset in some people. It might make stomach problems such as GERD worse. Don’t take turmeric if it worsens symptoms of GERD.
Surgery: Turmeric might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
So. No turmeric in my oatmeal this morning.
ETA: I'd like to point out that coincidence is NOT causation, there are a lot of other factors going on here. I just came off a medication that was supposed to stop me having cycles (it slowed me down a little) and I'm getting older.