Let’s Talk About Heavy Periods

Nutritional Therapist, Naturopath, Herbalist, Kinesiologist, Behavioural Iridologist, Vitalist… what this month’s guest practitioner Izzy Seadon doesn’t know about natural health is not worth knowing! This month she joins us to discuss women’s hormone health.

Heavy bleeding, or menorrhagia, is another common menstrual concern that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It’s usually defined as needing to change sanitary products every three hours or bleeding for more than seven days.

For those affected, heavy periods can lead to fatigue, disrupt daily activities, and increase the risk of iron-deficiency anaemia, making it essential to understand and address the underlying causes.

What Can Cause Heavy Bleeding?

There are many potential causes of heavy periods, but some of the most common include:

High Oestrogen Levels

• Oestrogen promotes the growth of the uterine lining. When levels are too high, this lining becomes thicker, resulting in heavier bleeding.
• Causes of elevated oestrogen include poor liver detoxification and exposure to synthetic oestrogens found in plastics and pesticides.

Structural Abnormalities

• Uterine conditions such as fibroids, polyps, and adenomyosis can lead to heavy and prolonged bleeding.

Iron Deficiency

• Heavy bleeding depletes iron stores, and low iron levels, in turn, can worsen bleeding. This creates a vicious cycle that’s important to break.

Thyroid Imbalances

• Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially leading to heavier periods and increased oestrogen activity.

While these are some of the common contributors, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions like uterine cancer or blood clotting disorders.

Natural Remedies for Heavy Periods

Managing heavy periods often involves addressing the root cause. From balancing hormones to toning the uterus, there are many natural approaches that can help.

1. Balance Hormones

Your liver plays a crucial role in breaking down oestrogens so they can be detoxified from the body. Supporting liver health is therefore a cornerstone of managing heavy periods.

• Reduce Toxin Exposure: Help take the stress off your liver by minimising exposure to pesticides, alcohol, plastics, and harsh personal-care products.
• Support Liver Function with Nutrition: Foods like lemons, turmeric, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, and garlic are excellent for liver health.
• Herbal Support for the Liver: Herbs like dandelion root help the liver process excess oestrogen and reduce inflammation. With its bitter, coffee-like flavour, dandelion root makes an excellent coffee substitute so you can add it into your morning routine. Don’t forget, dandelion is also a key ingredient in the Hello Hormones formula.

Once the liver has processed oestrogen, the gut plays a role in eliminating it from the body. An imbalanced gut microbiome can impair oestrogen removal, exacerbating hormonal symptoms like period pain and PMS.

• Gut Health and Hormones: Probiotic-rich foods, fibre, and adequate hydration support a healthy microbiome and can improve oestrogen metabolism. The herb elecampane root, found in Hello Hormones, acts as a digestive tonic and helps modulate gut bacteria for better hormonal balance.

Finally, last but not least, we have to mention herbal hormonal favourite Vitex Agnus-Castus which is one of the heroes in the Hello Hormones formula.

• Vitex Agnus-Castus: Known for its ability to regulate hormones, vitex helps balance oestrogen and progesterone levels. It has been shown to reduce heavy bleeding and improve menstrual health overall.

2. Tone the Uterus

While there isn’t a machine at the gym for toning the uterus, certain herbs act as natural astringents to strengthen uterine tissues. Toning the uterus not only helps reduce heavy bleeding but can also alleviate menstrual pain.

Some standout uterine tonics include:

• Lady’s Mantle: A true women’s ally, renowned for its ability to support uterine health and reduce excessive bleeding.
• Yarrow: This little herb is famous for stopping bleeding; yarrow can be used for cuts and wounds as well as helping to regulate the menstrual flow.
• Raspberry Leaf: This is not just for pregnancy. Raspberry leaf tea is also beneficial for overall uterine health and can help reduce heavy bleeding when consumed regularly.

3. Boost Iron

Heavy periods can, of course, cause iron deficiency, which leads to fatigue and exacerbates symptoms. Replenishing iron levels can be essential for breaking the cycle of heavy bleeding.

• Iron-Rich Foods: Include organ meats, red meat, blackstrap molasses, legumes, and dark leafy greens in your diet.
• Herbal Iron Support: Nettle, an iron-rich herb, is a wonderful tonic for replenishing nutrients. Try infusing a big handful of dried nettle leaves in boiling water and letting it steep for a few hours to create a mineral-rich tea. Nettle is also a key ingredient in Hello Hormones, offering a convenient way to support your body.

Finding Harmony with Your Cycle

Periods don’t have to feel like a burden or dictate your quality of life. By addressing the root causes of heavy bleeding and supporting your body with herbs, nutrition, and stress management, you can restore balance to your menstrual cycle.

For additional support, the herbal formula Hello Hormones combines the power of Motherwort, Nettle, Dandelion, Fennel, and Elecampane, along with other carefully selected herbs, to provide comprehensive support for menstrual health.

Whether you’re dealing with heavy bleeding, painful periods, or general hormonal imbalances, reach out and get support—and of course, Hello Hormones is here to help you feel in harmony with your cycle.