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

“Bloodbath”, “Murder scene”, “Waterfalls”….. Am I missing anything?

Heavy periods are mostly benign, but can be one of the most debilitating forces we have to deal with. Whether you had it your whole life, or this is a recent shift in your menstruation, I’ve prepared this in-depth overview and included some wholesome tips on how to improve your periods. I know it can be life changing to those who need it.

If any of that resonates, it’s time to look deeper. Heavy periods are common — But they don’t have to be. 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.

1. Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen builds up the uterine lining. When it isn’t balanced by sufficient progesterone — whether due to stress, poor ovulation, poor estrogen detoxification and clearance 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, magnesium, vitex)

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

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-night waking

• 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)

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

• Waking up between 2am-4am

  What helps:

• Bitter herbs (dandelion root, burdock, artichoke leaf) that increase production of bile, which helps with smoother digestion.

• Hydration

• Increasing plant based foods, like green leaves & broccoli.

3. Gut imbalances

The second phase of estrogen detoxification is happening in the gut. Therefore, in my client consultations, one of the first questions I ask is: “How often do you eliminate?” Aka, how often do you poop? And if the answer is “Not everyday” or “Every other day”, I little bulb is lightening for me, and I put the client on a protocol for improved digestion. The reason is, we need to “poop out estrogen” every. single. day. Otherwise, the molecules are circling back to the system, and causing hormones imbalances.

Signs:

• Digestion issues like: constipation, bloating, food sensitivities.

• Low mood, brain fog

• Food cravings

What helps:

• Flax seeds

• Increase fiber, which serves like prebiotics, as well as fermented foods.

• Taking a quality probiotic supplement

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) to support stress response.

• Progesterone-boosting support (vitex, B6, vitamin C)

• Herbal remedies that contain uterine tonics (as explained in the next part)

My favorite herbs for Heavy Periods

Plants can gently help your body come back into balance. Here are some of the most effective herbs for heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding:

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Actions: Astringent, hemostatic (slows bleeding), anti-inflammatory, tones the uterine.

• Use: Tincture or tea at onset of bleeding

• Great for: Sudden, heavy flow, cramping.

Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

• Actions: Uterine tonic, contracts blood vessels

• Use: Often used acutely for heavy flow; can be taken as tincture during heavy days or in herbal infusion.

• Great for: Short-term control of excessive bleeding

Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)

• Actions: An ancient tonic of the reproductive system: Uterine tonic, gently astringent, mineral-rich

• Use: Drink daily as a nourishing tea

• Great for: Long-term support and tone of the uterus.

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)

• Actions: Balances hormones by supporting ovulation and boosting progesterone

• Use: Daily tincture, long-term (3+ months)

• Great for: Estrogen dominance, irregular cycles

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

• Actions: Rich in iron, astringent, rebuilds blood, lymphatic mover

• Use: As a tea, infusion, or tincture. Before, during or after the bleeding.

• Great for: Water retention, bloating, slow digestion, anemia, recovery after heavy bleeding.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)

• Actions: Strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic (helps with pain)

• Use: Can be used fresh or dry in infusions, or in tincture.

• Great for: Painful & heavy periods, included bloating.

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When to Get Tested

While herbs and nutrition are powerful allies, some symptoms need deeper exploration. If you’re experiencing any of the following, lab work is a wise next step:

You should get tested if:

• Your periods are getting progressively heavier

• Bleeding lasts more than 10 days regularly

• You’re passing large clots or soaking protection hourly

• You feel faint, dizzy, or weak during your period

• You’ve entered your late 30s or 40s and your cycle has changed

• You’re struggling to conceive or regulate your cycle

Useful tests to request:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) — to check for anemia

• Ferritin — to assess iron storage

• Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, antibodies)

• Hormones: Estradiol, Progesterone, LH, FSH

• Pelvic ultrasound — to rule out fibroids or polyps

• Heavy periods are a signal. They are a starting point. and they might be the door to a greater healing.

With the right information, herbal wisdom, and occasionally a little testing, you can move toward more ease, vitality, and confidence in your cycle.

If you’re not sure where to start, I can help you navigate the options and create a personalized, holistic plan.