For some women, heavy periods can be a significant burden that affects their daily lives and causes stress during their monthly cycle. Menstrual cramps can also be severe, making the experience even more daunting. Although many women experience heavy periods, they are not normal and should not be ignored. If you experience any uncomfortable symptoms during your cycle, this may be a sign of hormonal imbalances that require attention. These imbalances can lead to heavy flow. Polyps, which are enlarged tissue growth in the endometrial cavity, can cause heavy periods. Oestrogen plays a role in building up the endometrial wall for menstruation, and oestrogen dominance may cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Fortunately, several foods and herbs can help alleviate heavy periods and balance hormones. It’s important to understand what constitutes a heavy period before exploring these options.
What is perceived as a heavy period?:
-A period lasting more than 7 days
-Losing more than 80 ml of blood per cycle
-Changing tampons or pads every hour
-Needing to double up on period protection products
-Having to change your tampon or pad during the night
-Planning your day around your heavy period
-Large blood clots
Here are 5 herbs for heavy periods:
1. Turmeric
Did you know that turmeric has a bioactive ingredient called curcumin? This compound is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to reduce inflammation and search for free radicals that can cause cell damage. If you experience intense cramping and heavy periods, it may be a sign of inflammation in your body. The antioxidant effects can help reduce internal stress and balance out progesterone and oestrogen levels, which results in decreased inflammation. However, curcumin is not easily absorbed into the bloodstream. To help with absorption, try combining turmeric with black pepper. Piperine, the bioactive compound found in black pepper, has been shown to increase curcumin absorption.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known to be beneficial for heavy periods as it can increase progesterone levels and improve menstrual cycles. Heavy periods are often accompanied by painful cramps, and a study has shown that cinnamon can help alleviate this symptom. The study involved participants taking 1000 mg of cinnamon during the first three days of their menstrual cycle for two consecutive cycles, and the severity of symptoms was significantly reduced.
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3. Ginger
Another herb that helps with heavy periods is ginger, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Heavy periods are often accompanied by painful cramps, and ginger has been proven to relieve pain just as well as common NSAID medicines. Moreover, ginger helps to decrease the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like compounds that can cause imbalances in oestrogen and progesterone. In particular, prostaglandins raise oestrogen levels, which can lead to heavy periods.
4. Yarrow
Yarrow is a type of plant that has flat, furry leaves and small flowers that grow from its stem. It is known for its effectiveness in reducing heavy periods due to its oestrogenic activity. Yarrow contains two compounds, Luteolin V and apigenin, which contribute to this attribute. Its oestrogenic activity enables it to regulate hormone levels by increasing them when they are too low and decreasing them when they are too high. This makes yarrow a useful remedy for balancing hormones and reducing the severity of heavy periods.
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5. Red Raspberry Leaf
If you experience heavy periods, you may find relief by consuming red raspberry leaf. Raspberry leaf tea is a popular way to enjoy this herb’s benefits, as it contains tannins and ellagic acid – phytochemicals that can help balance hormones. The iron found in raspberry leaf is also valuable, providing a good source of daily intake. This is especially important for women with heavy flows, as they can lose a significant amount of blood during menstruation. Drinking raspberry leaf tea can help maintain stable iron levels and support overall health.
6. Dong Quai
Herbalists prescribe dong quai to women who need to “enrich” their blood. Enriching, or nourishing, your blood means to increase the quality of your blood. Women may find the most benefits from dong quai after having a baby or during and after menstruation for issues like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, and cramps. This is why dong quai is also known as the “female ginseng.” Found in PCH Peri-Balance
Source: PMCID: PMC2077876 PMID: 18060009
Supplements for Heavy Periods
Whilst the herbs above can help to relieve symptoms, it is important to address the root cause which is usually Oestrogen Dominance. You can read my Blog here on Oestrogen Dominance. Most women who have heavy periods due to OD are not detoxing oestrogen efficiently through the liver. My PCH Detox supplement supports liver detoxification of toxins and used up hormones.
To find out if you are Oestrogen Dominant and measure levels of hormones and how you are detoxing them through the liver you can book a DUTCH test consultation package here. I talk about signs & symptoms of OD in my Book Eat Right Lose Weight and my new book Eat Right, Balance Hormones.
Take a look at the 5 simple steps to balancing your hormones in our free hormone training video.
