Heavy Periods: Understanding Root Causes, Herbal Allies, and When to Get Tested

“Bloodbath”, “murder scene”, “waterfalls”… Did I miss anything?

For many women and people with periods, menstruation is something to be managed quietly — an inconvenience to push through. But when your period becomes heavy, prolonged, or overwhelming, it can quickly go from a monthly nuisance to a debilitating force. You're not alone if you've ever said:

“The first two days are like a crime scene — I can't leave the house.”

“I spot before and after, and the heavy flow in the middle knocks me out.”

“My period changed suddenly in my 40s. What’s going on?”

If any of that resonates, it’s time to look deeper. Heavy periods are common — but they’re not normal. Let’s explore what may be driving them, how herbs can gently support your body, and when it’s wise to get some testing done.

🩸 What Is Considered a Heavy Period?

“Heavy” means different things to different people, but medically, it’s often defined as:

• Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days

• Soaking through a pad or tampon every 2 hours for several hours

• Passing large clots (larger than a quarter)

• Needing to double up on protection

• Feeling fatigued or dizzy due to blood loss

But numbers aside, you get to decide what feels heavy, disruptive, or out of balance.

🌿 Why Are My Periods So Heavy?

Here are some common root causes I see with my clients:

1. Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen builds up the uterine lining. When it isn’t balanced by sufficient progesterone — whether due to stress, poor ovulation, or hormonal shifts — the lining can become too thick, resulting in a heavy or long bleed.

🧪 Signs:

• PMS (bloating, breast tenderness, irritability)

• Mid-cycle spotting

• Short luteal phase

💡 What helps:

• Support ovulation (vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, vitex)

• Promote estrogen clearance (fiber, cruciferous veg, liver support herbs)

2. Sluggish Liver

Your liver helps break down and eliminate excess estrogen. If it's overwhelmed — by stress, alcohol, processed foods, or lack of nutrients — estrogen may recirculate, worsening hormonal imbalance.

🧪 Signs:

• Heavy periods

• Acne or PMS

• Sensitivity to caffeine/alcohol

• Brain fog

• Slow metabolism

💡 What helps:

1. Bitter herbs (dandelion root, burdock, artichoke leaf, turmeric root, ginger root)

2. Lemon water, beetroot, high-fiber diet

3. Broccoli and other cruciferous

4. Perimenopause

   In your late 30s to 40s, hormone production begins to shift. Ovulation may become irregular, and without ovulation, progesterone drops — leaving estrogen unopposed. The result? Heavier, unpredictable cycles.

   🧪 Signs:

   • Changing cycle length

   • Mood swings, night sweats

   • Mid-cycle or post-period spotting

   💡 What helps:

   • Nervous system regulation

   • Herbal adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola)

   • Progesterone-boosting support (vitex, B6)

   • Herbs for uterine tone (as explained in the next paragraph)