Heavy periods, while common, can be overwhelming and significantly affect your quality of life. In this post, we’ll explore the common causes of heavy periods and share five natural strategies to help manage them.
What Is Considered A Heavy Period?
A normal menstrual flow should be bright red, mostly liquid, free of large clots, and not overly painful. On average, menstrual blood loss ranges between 25 to 80 ml throughout a cycle, with a fully soaked regular tampon or pad holding about 5 ml of blood and a super tampon holding about 10 ml.
Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is defined as passing large amounts of blood, bleeding for more than seven days, or needing to change your pad or tampon every 1-2 hours. Key signs of heavy periods include:
- Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days
- Blood loss exceeding 80 ml per cycle (more than 16 regular tampons or 8 super tampons)
- Needing to change protection every 1-2 hours
- Waking up to change your pad or tampon during the night
What Causes Heavy Periods?
Heavy periods can occur during natural hormonal shifts, such as at the onset of menstruation (menarche) or during perimenopause. These stages are often characterized by low progesterone levels, leading to thicker uterine linings that result in heavier bleeding. While these are normal phases of life, treatment options can help support period health and reduce discomfort.
Other common causes of heavy periods include hormonal imbalances from conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and thyroid disease:
- PCOS: Irregular ovulation due to hormonal imbalances leads to low progesterone and unpredictable heavy bleeding.
- Endometriosis: The abnormal growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus results in increasingly heavy and painful periods.
- Thyroid Disease: Hypothyroidism can impair blood clotting, leading to heavier periods.
Additionally, other factors like bleeding disorders, uterine fibroids, iron deficiency, pelvic infections, certain medications, copper IUDs, and pregnancy complications can contribute to excessive menstrual flow.
Natural Treatments for Heavy Periods
Support Ovulation
Ovulation plays a vital role in balancing your hormones. Estrogen stimulates the growth of the uterine lining, while progesterone helps regulate and shed it. Ensuring healthy ovulation supports adequate progesterone production, preventing excessive endometrial growth and heavy bleeding.
Avoid Cow’s Dairy
Cow’s dairy contains A1 casein, a protein that can cause inflammation in sensitive individuals. Additionally, dairy stimulates insulin, which may impair ovulation and hinder progesterone production, exacerbating heavy periods.
Eat Soy and Flax Seeds
Soy and flax are rich in phytoestrogens—compounds that gently mimic estrogen and help balance its effects in the body. These foods can be especially beneficial for managing heavy periods related to perimenopause. They are also high in fiber, which aids in estrogen detoxification.
Support Detoxification
High levels of estrogen can lead to thick uterine linings and heavier menstrual bleeding. Supporting estrogen detoxification through liver and gut health, fiber consumption, and supplements such as DIM, calcium-D-glucarate, and B vitamins can help balance estrogen levels.
Astringent And Hemostatic Herbs
Certain herbs, like yarrow, Shepherd’s purse, and cranesbill, have been traditionally used to tone the uterine lining and reduce excessive menstrual bleeding. Naturopaths often use combinations of these herbs in tinctures to manage heavy periods effectively.
When To Seek Help
While natural treatments can be highly effective in managing heavy periods, it’s crucial to recognize when medical intervention is necessary. Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Bleeding during pregnancy
- Passing clots larger than a quarter
- Needing to change protection every hour or less
- Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or short of breath
Excessive blood loss can lead to anemia, and in some cases, it may indicate more serious conditions like uterine fibroids, infections, or even cancer.
Take Control Of Your Health
Heavy periods don’t have to control your life. By addressing the root cause of your symptoms and making natural adjustments, you can reclaim your body and enjoy greater balance. If you’re struggling with heavy periods and want personalized support, book a free 15-minute discovery call to explore how we can help you achieve hormonal harmony.
References
- Briden, L. (2020). Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for better hormones and better periods. Lara Briden.
- https://www.cdc.gov/female-blood-disorders/about/heavy-menstrual-bleeding.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5393469/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5779569/
- https://www.bmj.com/content/320/7235/649
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549773/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2744625/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227605467_Intake_of_dietary_soy_isoflavones_in_relation_to_perimenstrual_symptoms_of_Korean_women_living_in_the_USA
