Heavy Bleeding on Your Period: Causes and How You Can Manage

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be a real challenge. It's uncomfortable, and you constantly worry about leaking. But did you know that a good diet can play a significant role in managing heavy periods? Especially iron , omega-3 , and magnesium . In this article, we'll tell you all about the causes of heavy menstrual bleeding and discuss ways to manage it. A relaxed period is not something you'd expect.

What is heavy menstrual bleeding?

Heavy bleeding during your period, known medically as menorrhagia , refers to heavy or prolonged bleeding during menstruation. It interferes with your daily life. This is what it looks like :

• You are bleeding for more than 7 days
• Your menstrual products last you less than 2 hours
• You must use two products at the same time (for example cup and sanitary towel)
• You have clots bigger than a coin
• You have to get up at night to change your products

We feel you, it's no fun. It's not only very inconvenient, but often also causes other physical or mental symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, and worries about possible leakage.

Women who bleed heavily may report themselves sick at work, unable to support their families on those specific days, or cancel social activities.

Fortunately, there's more you can do than change your menstrual products often and call in sick: there are ways to make your period more comfortable.

How does heavy bleeding occur?

Heavy bleeding can have several causes. It's important to know your reason, otherwise, there's nothing you can do about it. We'll discuss the most common reasons for heavy bleeding:

1. Your hormones are out of balance

Your cycle is controlled by your hormones. If they're not functioning properly, your cycle will be disrupted. This can lead to heavy and irregular periods.

Estrogen and progesterone, the two most important female hormones, must be in harmony for a healthy menstrual cycle. Too much estrogen or too little progesterone can disrupt this important balance, resulting in heavy bleeding.

2. Fibroids in the uterus

Okay, this sounds awful, but fibroids, or uterine fibroids, are benign tumors (not cancerous!). They can cause heavy periods because they distort the uterine cavity or put pressure on the uterine walls—depending on how many and how large they are. Exactly how fibroids develop isn't clear: scientists believe genetic and hormonal factors play a role.

3. Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, usually between the ages of 15 and 45, and is a leading cause of heavy menstrual bleeding . While 1 in 10 is a significant number, it's likely a significant number, as many women remain undiagnosed because they suffer in silence (not knowing what they have and thinking the pain is part of the problem).

Endometriosis is a painful condition in which the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This prolapsed tissue can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramps, and significant pain. The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to be involved.

4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age (the years when you are fertile). With PCOS, you produce high levels of androgens (male hormones), which can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle. Irregular periods, heavy bleeding , and ovarian cysts are common symptoms of PCOS.

Read more about Guud Woman founder Morgane's experience with PCOS here.

5. Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis (a form of endometriosis) is a condition in which the tissue normally found in the uterus grows into the uterine muscle walls. This can cause heavy, painful periods . The exact cause of adenomyosis is still being investigated, but it is often linked to previous uterine surgeries or infections.

Understanding the underlying cause of heavy bleeding is the first step toward treatment. If you suspect you have one of these conditions, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

The role of sufficient iron in severe bleeding

If you bleed a lot, there is a risk of developing anemia , a condition that means you have a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen through your body.

Heavy blood loss can deplete your body's iron reserves, making you more susceptible to anemia.

To counteract this, it is super important to include foods high in iron in your diet.

Where do you find that?

• lean meat
• poultry
• fish
• beans
• spinach
• tofu
• lentils
• dark leafy greens
• enriched grains

These can help replenish the iron your body loses during heavy bleeding. A diet rich in iron supports your body's ability to produce new red blood cells, which helps restore your hemoglobin to a healthy level.

Many women also choose an iron supplement to increase their iron intake. They are a practical addition and ensure you meet your iron needs, especially during your menstrual cycle when heavy bleeding places extra demands on your body's iron stores.

Improve your iron absorption with vitamin C

We just talked about iron . But if you want iron to be absorbed properly by your body, it's important to combine iron with vitamin C (especially important for plant-based diets).

Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from plant sources, helping your body get the most out of your iron-rich diet. Therefore, eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin C , such as citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.

Balance your hormones by eating a balanced diet

Keeping your hormones balanced is key to maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle. As you may already know, nutrition plays a significant role in achieving this balance.

We're not saying you should never indulge in a piece of cake or a glass of wine, but make sure you're generally eating a varied and balanced diet with a wide variety of nutrients – it's essential for hormonal balance and definitely worth considering if you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding.

More information about To learn how to eat according to your cycle , read our blog post.

Finally, several vitamins and minerals contribute to healthy hormones, including omega-3 fats (DHA and EPA), magnesium, vitamin B12, folate and folic acid, and zinc. Curious about what we can do for you? Chat with us ; we're happy to help.

Lifestyle changes to reduce your blood loss

Your lifestyle also plays a role in your menstrual cycle. Therefore, some small changes can have a major impact on your bleeding.

Stress:

Let's talk about stress first. Too much stress can make any condition worse. Sometimes stress is okay (like when you're stressed about a big presentation at work), but if you're stressed every day for long periods, it can take a toll on your menstrual health. Try finding ways to relax, like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, to bring some peace into your life.

Want to learn more about how stress affects your cycle ? Read our blog.

Exercise:

Exercise is also important for your menstrual health. It improves blood circulation and releases endorphins—your happy hormones! Both can help reduce pain and boost your overall well-being. So make sure you get moving!

And you don't have to run a marathon or take intense HIIT classes. Regular exercise (which gets your heart rate up and keeps you warm) can help improve your menstrual cycle and control heavy bleeding.

Want to know more? We've written a whole article about exercise and your cycle .

Food and water:

And finally, water! Drinking enough water is so underrated, but it's super important during your period (okay, actually, every day). This can reduce bloating and cramps. So grab a bottle of water, a cup of herbal tea, and drink throughout the day.

When should you visit a doctor?

Controlling heavy menstrual bleeding by adjusting your diet and lifestyle can be very helpful, but there are definitely situations where you should consider seeking medical advice.

Pay attention to warning signs and recognize when heavy bleeding becomes a cause for concern. If you experience severe pain, prolonged periods, or exceptionally heavy bleeding that disrupts your daily life, it's time to see a doctor.

A doctor can help you determine if there are any underlying conditions that could be contributing to your heavy periods, such as fibroids, endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances. Knowing what's going on can help you find the right treatment.

Interventions for heavy bleeding

Your doctor may prescribe medication or hormonal contraception to reduce your bleeding. However, it's important to understand that hormonal contraception can provide temporary relief, but it doesn't address the underlying problem and only masks it.

For heavy bleeding that doesn't resolve, your doctor may recommend surgery, such as endometrial ablation or uterine artery embolization. In severe cases, a hysterectomy may be considered:

• Endometrial ablation : This procedure removes or thins the uterine lining to reduce bleeding.
• Uterine arterial embolization (uterine artery embolization) : This is a procedure that reduces the blood supply to the uterus, thereby relieving heavy bleeding.
• Hysterectomy : This is the surgery to remove the uterus. The ovaries are preserved, meaning you can still ovulate. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tubes. You will no longer menstruate or become pregnant. When you ovulate, the egg is released into the abdominal cavity, where it usually disintegrates and is absorbed by the body.

Although without a uterus, you won't have menstrual bleeding, some women may still experience the hormonal changes associated with ovulation. You might notice changes in your cervical mucus or experience mild pelvic discomfort. Symptoms vary from person to person.

Are you unsure if your bleeding is normal? Don't hesitate to contact us . We have experts who can help you.