Uterine bleeding is bleeding from the genital tract between menstruation, after sex, at any time during the menstrual cycle, longer and more abundant periods; bleeding after menopause. "Vikasol" with uterine bleeding is part of a comprehensive system of conservative treatment.
Uterine bleeding. Causes
The list of possible causes of uterine bleeding:
- adenomyosis;
- cervical cancer;
- polyps of the cervix;
- neoplasms on the cervix;
- inflammation of the cervical canal;
- chlamydia
- endometrial cancer ;
- endometrial hyperplasia;
- endometritis;
- fluctuations in hormone levels;
- gonorrhea;
- hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism;
- the presence of intrauterine devices;
- menorrhagia of unclear etiology;
- miscarriage (up to 20 weeks) or fetal death of the fetus ;
- tumor processes of the ovaries;
- inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system;
- perimenopause;
- polycystic ovary syndrome;
- severe systemic diseases of the kidneys or liver;
- after sexual abuse;
- after using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (withdrawal bleeding);
- when using "Tamoxifenum" (side effect);
- thrombocytopenia;
- uterine fibroids;
- uterine polyps;
- uterine sarcoma ;
- vaginal atrophy;
- vaginal cancer;
- vaginal or cervical trauma;
- vaginitis;
- von Willebrand disease (bleeding disorder) and others.
There are many causes of bleeding. The appointment of the drug "Vikasol" is not always justified. Indications for use are based on the fact that each specific case should be carefully studied to determine further treatment tactics. In some cases, surgery or diagnostic curettage is required. Sometimes you can do conservative hemostatic therapy with various groups of drugs. Often appointed "Vikasol." With uterine bleeding, this drug is necessary to improve blood coagulation and to quickly stop bleeding.
What is Vikasol?
Vitamin K3, necessary for the body - this is “Vikasol.” Reviews of scientists researching this substance indicate its many positive effects. This is one of the varieties of vitamin K, which is a synthetic form, unlike K1, which is found in plants, and K2, produced by bacteria in the intestines.
Vitamin K3 (menadione) in addition to synthetically produced in the body by absorption in the intestine with the use of vitamins K1 and K2.
From a practical point of view, the two forms K1 and K2 are of great importance in human metabolism. The involvement of vitamin K1 in blood coagulation and bone metabolism is well understood. In a drug like Vikasol, indications for use are also based on the fact that an adequate intake of vitamin K can reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis and reduce the incidence of brain dysfunctions. The recommended daily intake of vitamin K for adults is 60 to 120 mcg.
First aid
In case of bleeding, first aid consists in prescribing the drug “Vikasol”. Reviews of doctors say that it significantly reduces the amount of blood lost, because it plays an important role in the system of coagulation mechanisms.
Vitamin K3 is used in medicine to eliminate the effects of blood-thinning drugs such as Warfarin (Coumadin). More evidence suggests that Vikasol may be useful in osteoporosis.
Vitamin K is an important nutrient, but only a small amount can be consumed. Recommended daily intake of vitamin K with foods: for pregnant women 18 years and younger - 75 mcg; 19 years and older - 90 mcg, preferably K1 (phylloquinone). For lactating women aged 18 years and younger - 75 mcg; 19 years and older - 90 mcg, preferably K1 (phylloquinone).
Vitamin K deficiency may be:
- In patients taking an antibiotic for a long time. However, this effect appears significant only in people who are deficient in vitamin K before treatment.
- In pregnant women and postmenopausal women.
- In addition, babies born to women taking anticonvulsants during pregnancy may suffer from bleeding or be born with anomalies in the development of facial bones. The addition of vitamin K during pregnancy is necessary to prevent this pathology.
The drug that reduces blood coagulability - “Coumadin” - acts antagonistically on “Vikasol” for uterine bleeding, vitamin K3 also has the same effect, so it can be used as an antidote for poisoning with “Coumadin”.
Cephalosporins and certain other antibiotics may also inhibit vitamin K-dependent blood coagulation. However, this interaction appears to be significant only in people who have not consumed vitamin K.
People with digestive disorders such as chronic diarrhea, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease may have symptoms of vitamin K deficiency. Alcoholism can also lead to vitamin deficiency.
Mechanism of action
In case of uterine bleeding, “Vikasol” acts as a cofactor for the production and activation of coagulation proteins: prothrombin (factor II) and coagulation factors (VII, IX and X) in the liver. The precursors of these proteins are converted into active forms by the action of vitamin K-dependent enzymes.
The coagulation process begins with the activation of the X factor, which causes the formation of thrombin from prothrombin. Thrombin then leads to the formation of fibrin monomers from fibrinogen. Fibrin monomers form a network of fibrin fibers by polymerization, and these fibers accumulate in the blood cells and lead to the formation of a thrombus, which seals the wounds of the blood vessels and causes the bleeding to stop. For a long time, it was believed that excessive intake of vitamin K can lead to a dangerously increased tendency to thrombosis, but this is not true: an excess of proteins does not act on vitamin K, and excessive coagulation is impossible.
Use for bleeding
Painful, excessive, or irregular contractions of the uterus during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) are one of the most common causes of bleeding.
In these cases, “Vikasol” is used in ampoules. Such treatment quickly relieves discomfort and reduces the use of painkillers in women aged 14 to 25 years. Vitamin K is believed to help relax the uterus by reducing muscle cramps caused by prostaglandins. However, it is not known what role this vitamin plays in smooth muscle contractions.
In addition, a decrease in estrogen levels in postmenopausal women is a result of the influence of vitamin K. The possible interactions between vitamin K and sex hormones, as well as the role of this vitamin in maintaining reproductive health, are currently being studied.
When can I take?
Tablets, as well as injections, are prescribed for the treatment of bleeding caused by various reasons, but with hemophilia the purpose of the drug "Vikasol" is not indicated. Instructions for use in uterine bleeding explains that this disease is caused by a lack of other coagulation factors that the drug does not act on. If bleeding in the fetus is suspected, “Vikasol” is prescribed in the third trimester of pregnancy.
How to apply for uterine bleeding?
"Vikasol" with uterine bleeding, especially with heavy periods, can reduce the amount of blood secreted. But the necessary effect may not always be, therefore, “Vikasol” should not be used on its own, without consulting a gynecologist. Indeed, in some cases, surgical treatment is required. Improper use is fraught with dangerous consequences that can threaten the patient's life. This is informed by the instructions for use attached to the drug "Vikasol". Its price is quite low, the drug is sold without a doctor’s prescription. But this should not be a guide for self-medication.
Typically, the drug is prescribed according to the scheme: 3-4 days of admission - a break - then again 3-4 days. The daily dose is administered in two to three doses.
"Vikasol" in tablets is prescribed 2-3 times a day, but not more than 30 milligrams. A solution for injection is administered intramuscularly in a dose of 15 mg once 1-2 times a day. Of the side effects of the drug, vitamin K hypervitaminosis (rare), an increase in coagulation factors, and total bilirubin should be noted.
Problems with the coagulation system or thromboembolism is a contraindication for the appointment of the drug "Vikasol."
Additional effects
There are other diseases in which the use of the drug "Vikasol" is indicated. The instruction for use informs that this drug is indicated for children as a prophylaxis of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
Some women believe that the additional intake of "Vikasol" treats toxicosis during pregnancy. This technique is even more effective if this drug is taken with vitamin C.
"Vikasol" is also used to reduce spider veins on the face and legs. Creams are quite expensive, and the effectiveness is questionable. However, recent clinical studies have shown that topical application of vitamin in patients after a laser facial procedure is an effective way to reduce bruising.
More recently, researchers have been studying the effects of the drug "Vikasol" in the treatment of cancer processes. Vitamin K3, in particular, may be useful as adjuvant therapy for ovarian cancer.
Cost
This medication is used very widely. This is how the instructions for use testify to the "Vikasol" means. Its price is affordable: an ampoule solution can be purchased for 65-70 rubles, tablets - for only 14-25 rubles. All this makes the drug quite popular and widely used in the treatment of uterine bleeding.
Natural springs
Dark green leafy vegetables and algae are some of the best food sources of vitamin K. This also includes beef liver, cauliflower, eggs, and strawberries. Vitamin K is thermally stable enough, but gentle cooking preserves the content of other nutrients that are prone to breakdown when heated.
Various drugs are used to treat coagulation insufficiency. With bleeding - uterine, gastric and any other - the drug "Vikasol" helps to significantly reduce the amount of blood lost.