NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or hormonal contraceptives are often prescribed for heavy menstrual bleeding. In extreme cases, a hysterectomy is offered. Natural treatments for heavy periods include the herbs Agnus castus, turmeric, cinnamon, red raspberry leaf and yarrow, as well as an anti-inflammatory, dairy-free diet.
Why is my period so heavy?
5 possible reasons are:
1. Oestrogen dominance
More correctly called oestrogen excess, when we have more oestrogen and less progesterone than our body needs to function optimally, it can lead to heavier periods. If we have excess oestrogen, our uterine wall gets thicker and then when it sheds each moth during our period there is more blood. This can also lead to more painful periods and symptoms of PMS like anger, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, and often shorter cycles of less than 28 days as well.
2. Perimenopause
In perimenopause our hormones go on a bit of a rollercoaster, meaning at times you may have more oestrogen than ever before. This contributes to the heavy bleeding, also known as flooding, which happens to many women in perimenopause. If this is you, then check out my blog "What happens to your period in your 40s" to learn more.
3. Puberty
If you are a teen, or even in your early 20s, your oestrogen receptors might still be getting used to oestrogen. In the early years of your menstrual cycle your oestrogen receptors sometimes react more strongly than they need to, which is why heavy bleeds are common for teenagers. On top of this, it can actually take up to twelve years from your first period for your menstrual cycle to mature and for your ovulation to become regular and stable enough to produce the progesterone you need to balance out the oestrogen.
4. Fibroids, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis
Fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis can all contribute to heavy periods. While there are various causes for each of these diseases, excess oestrogen levels do seem to exacerbate all of them and make periods even heavier. So, while I recommend a larger treatment plan for each of these, the same solutions for balancing oestrogen levels can help with reducing the heavy bleeding associated with these issues as well.
5. Thyroid disease
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid function) can also be to blame for heavy menstruation. Research suggests that the link between hypothyroidism and menorrhagia is something worth considering. If you have heavy periods and have never had your thyroid levels checked, it might be a good idea to ask your doctor to check your thyroid hormone levels.
How heavy is too heavy?
The average blood loss per period is 2-3 tbsp (35-40ml). 6 tbsp (80ml) or more is considered heavy.
To help decide if periods are heavy, ask these questions:
- Do you have to wear tampons and towels together?
- Do you have to change protection more than once every 2 hours?
- Does blood ever soak through your clothes?
- Do you have to stay off work or cancel social engagements?
It is important to see your doctor if you are bleeding excessively. Excessive blood loss is never ok! It can lead to anaemia and is definitely worth getting checked out. If we were bleeding that much from any other part of the body, it would be a cause for concern.
Natural solutions for heavy periods
Once you rule out medical causes of heavy periods, such as thyroid disease for instance, then the following natural options may be worth a try!
Anti-inflammatory diet
Avoiding processed foods, sugar and alcohol, and eating more veg and more wholegrains is a pretty basic recipe for health, and in case of heavy periods it is well worth a try. Alcohol and processed foods are going to cause inflammation as well as put pressure on your liver, which needs to be functioning optimally to help get rid of excess hormones that might be contributing to heavy periods.
Similarly, eating more greens and fibre will help the body's natural detoxification process and will help to bring down inflammation in the body. This will contribute to a healthy microbiome, another important factor in getting excess oestrogen out of your body before it causes too many problems!
Reduce or avoid dairy
I find in my clinic that removing dairy from the diet can often really help my clients with heavy periods and other symptoms of excess oestrogen, like PMS. A 2017 study found that dairy intake was associated with higher oestrogen levels and also with sporadic ovulation. And a reminder that if we don't ovulate, we don't produce the progesterone needed to balance oestrogen levels; so, in that case, dairy can be a double whammy for your hormone balance and for heavy periods!
Reduce or avoid gluten
If you suspect that endometriosis or adenomyosis may be playing a part in your heavy periods then I also recommend cutting gluten out of your diet. A 2012 study showed that 75% of women with endometriosis reported a statistically significant change in painful symptoms after 12 months on a gluten-free diet. As it helped 75% of women in this study, I always think it is worth a try for anyone with confirmed or suspected endometriosis!
Try herbal medicine
As a herbalist specialising in women's health, I would love to share my top 5 herbs for heavy periods with you!
1. Agnus castus
Agnus castus balances high oestrogen levels, which can help relieve heavy periods. I give this remedy first place because it is so good at getting to the root cause of heavy periods. However, it is slow acting so needs to be taken every day for 1 – 3 cycles to notice the difference. You can take it alongside some of the following herbs!
2. Tumeric
A great one to add to your diet, especially in the days leading up to and during your bleed. You can even take a teaspoon and mix with some water or dairy-free milk and knock it back before or after your meal if you are eating something that doesn't need curry flavour! Turmeric reduces inflammation and also reduces prostaglandin production, whilst lowering oestrogen levels by blocking an enzyme called aromatase.
3. Cinnamon
A delicious solution to heavy periods, cinnamon needs to be taken in higher doses than the pinch you might be used to putting on your porridge! You can take a teaspoon of cinnamon mixed in some water or dairy-free milk, 3 times a day while you are bleeding heavily. You can also make medicinal cinnamon tea by boiling 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks for 15 minutes (with the lid on to keep the healing phytochemicals in place). Cinnamon is very astringent and helps to curb heavy bleeding due to this drying and tonifying action. It is also rich in magnesium, which is so important for our periods too!
4. Red raspberry leaf
You can usually find this herb as a tea, and it is often recommended in the later stages of pregnancy. However, it is a brilliant womb tonic and is a delicious tea to drink during your period if you bleed heavily. It is also astringent and tonifying like cinnamon. You can drink it all month long as a uterine tonic tea if you like, but aim for 3 cups a day while you are bleeding heavily.
5. Yarrow
Yarrow is a brilliant digestive herb and also great for helping to stop bleeding from a wound when applied topically. In Latin it is called Achillea millefolium, named after Achilles who was said to have used it in battle to stop bleeding from battle wounds. It is also useful in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding. It can be drunk as a tea, along with raspberry leaf and cinnamon, although it is fairly bitter so you may prefer to take this one as a tincture.
