Introduction

If you feel like your periods are getting heavier, lasting longer, or interfering with your daily life, you’re not alone. Heavy menstrual bleeding—also called menorrhagia—is one of the most common reasons women visit their healthcare provider. It’s not just inconvenient or uncomfortable; it can be a sign that your body is out of balance.

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we believe in a root-cause approach to women’s health. Heavy periods are not just something to "put up with" or manage using birth control pills. They’re your body’s way of telling you something’s off—hormonally, metabolically, or structurally.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What qualifies as heavy menstrual bleeding
• The most common causes of heavy periods
• Signs that something more serious may be going on
• How functional medicine can help identify and treat the root cause

What Is Considered a Heavy Period?

It’s not always easy to know if your period is “too heavy.” But in general, your period may be considered heavy if you:

• Soak through a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours
• Need to double up on period protection (tampon + pad)
• Bleed longer than 7 days
• Pass large clots (larger than a quarter)
• Feel weak, dizzy, or fatigued during your cycle
• Are diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia

Heavy periods can disrupt sleep, limit your social life, and cause significant stress. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to explore the underlying cause.

Common Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

1. Estrogen Dominance

Hormonal imbalance is one of the most frequent root causes of heavy periods. When estrogen is high relative to progesterone, it causes the uterine lining to thicken excessively, leading to:

• Heavier bleeding
• Longer periods
• Clotting

Estrogen dominance may be driven by:

• Stress (which lowers progesterone)
• Poor estrogen detox through the liver or gut
• Xenoestrogens (from plastics, cosmetics, and processed foods)
• Insulin resistance or obesity

2. Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can distort the uterine lining and interfere with normal blood flow. Women with fibroids often experience:

• Heavy bleeding
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Bloating
• Frequent urination

They are estrogen-sensitive, meaning that hormonal imbalance can make them grow.

3. Endometriosis and Adenomyosis

• Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus
• Adenomyosis is when the tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus

Both conditions can cause:

• Heavy periods
• Severe cramps
• Painful sex
• Infertility

These conditions are inflammatory and hormone-driven.

4. Thyroid Imbalance

Your thyroid plays a critical role in regulating your menstrual cycle. Both hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can contribute to:

• Heavier or longer periods
• Fatigue and cold intolerance
• Weight gain
• Mood swings

Low thyroid hormone slows down your body’s ability to shed and regulate the uterine lining.

5. Copper IUD

If you have a non-hormonal copper IUD, heavy bleeding and cramping can be a side effect, especially in the first 6–12 months. The copper increases local inflammation in the uterus to prevent pregnancy, which can make bleeding heavier for some women.

6. Blood Clotting Disorders

Less commonly, heavy menstrual bleeding can be a sign of a bleeding disorder like von Willebrand disease or platelet dysfunction. Women with these conditions may have:

• Heavy or prolonged periods since puberty
• Easy bruising or nosebleeds
• Excessive bleeding after dental work or surgery

These conditions are often underdiagnosed and may require a hematologist's input.

7. Perimenopause

During your 40s, hormone levels can fluctuate dramatically as your body transitions toward menopause. This can lead to unpredictable, heavy periods due to sporadic ovulation and progesterone decline.

Functional Medicine Approach to Heavy Periods

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we don’t believe in just masking your symptoms with birth control or surgery. Our functional medicine approach is all about investigating the root cause, restoring balance, and optimizing your body’s natural hormone rhythms.

1. Comprehensive Hormone Testing

We use advanced blood or DUTCH urine testing to assess:

• Estradiol and progesterone
• Estrogen metabolites (how your body breaks down estrogen)
• Cortisol and stress response
• Thyroid markers (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, antibodies)
• DHEA and testosterone levels

This helps us understand your full hormonal picture—not just what’s happening mid-cycle.

2. Support Estrogen Detoxification

We help your body eliminate excess estrogen through:

• Liver support (B vitamins, milk thistle, glutathione, DIM)
• Gut microbiome balancing (probiotics, prebiotics, fiber)
• Anti-inflammatory diet (cruciferous vegetables, clean proteins, low sugar)

Proper estrogen clearance reduces the buildup of the uterine lining and decreases heavy bleeding.

3. Treat Nutrient Deficiencies

Heavy bleeding can deplete key nutrients like:

• Iron (essential for energy and oxygen transport)
• Magnesium and zinc (help with menstrual regulation)
• B vitamins (support hormone metabolism and mood)

We identify deficiencies and create a tailored repletion plan.

4. Stress and Sleep Optimization

Chronic stress leads to progesterone depletion, worsening estrogen dominance. We support the stress-hormone connection with:

• Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
• Sleep hygiene and circadian rhythm support
• Cortisol testing and regulation

Balancing stress helps balance cycles.

5. Target Structural Causes

If fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometriosis are contributing, we may refer for imaging (ultrasound, MRI) and collaborate with your gynecologist. In many cases, natural therapies can shrink fibroids and reduce inflammation without surgery.

When to Seek Help

Heavy periods are not normal if they:

• Last longer than 7 days
• Cause fatigue or anemia
• Involve clots larger than a quarter
• Disrupt your life or cause distress
• Begin suddenly or worsen over time

If you're experiencing any of the above, it’s time to seek a professional evaluation. Early intervention can prevent complications like chronic anemia or surgery.

Final Thoughts

Heavy menstrual bleeding isn’t something you should have to endure every month. It’s your body’s signal that something is off—whether it’s hormones, inflammation, structural issues, or stress. By identifying the root cause and supporting your body holistically, you can experience lighter, more manageable periods and feel like yourself again.

If you're tired of heavy, painful periods controlling your life, let us help. Book a consultation today and find out what's really behind your symptoms—so you can take back control of your cycle.

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