Heavy periods: causes, diet and when to seek advice

Heavy periods: causes, diet and when to consult

Heavy periods, medically known as menorrhagia, correspond to menstrual bleeding that is heavier or longer than normal. They can have a significant impact on energy, daily life and health, particularly by increasing the risk of iron deficiency.

Understanding the causes can help you adapt your diet, listen to your body's signals and know when to seek medical advice.

How to recognize heavy periods

A period can be considered heavy if :

• they last more than 7 days
• protection must be changed every 1 to 2 hours
• there is frequent leakage
• large clots are present
• bleeding disrupts daily life
• severe fatigue during or after periods

This type of bleeding should not be trivialized, especially if it develops over time.

Possible causes of heavy periods

Hormonal imbalances

An excess of estrogen or a relative lack of progesterone can lead to greater thickening of the endometrium, resulting in heavier bleeding at the time of menstruation.

This can be observed in particular in cases of :

• irregular cycles
• cycles without ovulation
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• periods of hormonal transition

Uterine fibroids

Fibroids are common benign tumors of the uterus. Depending on their size and location, they can cause :

• heavier periods
• prolonged periods
• pelvic pain
• a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen

Endometriosis or adenomyosis

Certain gynecological pathologies may be associated with :

• very heavy periods
• severe menstrual pain
• chronic fatigue
• persistent pelvic pain

Coagulation disorders

More rarely, heavy bleeding can be linked to a coagulation disorder, especially if periods have been heavy since adolescence.

The copper coil

The copper intrauterine device can increase :

• the amount of bleeding
• the duration of menstruation
• menstrual pain

Other possible causes

Other factors may also come into play:

• thyroid disorders
• inflammation
• certain drug treatments
• uterine abnormalities

Consequences on the body

Heavy periods can lead to or aggravate :

• iron deficiency
• chronic fatigue
• dizziness
• shortness of breath
• paleness
• concentration difficulties
• hair loss
• brittle nails

Fatigue due to heavy menstruation is common, but often underestimated.

Nutrition to support the body

Provide sufficient iron

Iron is essential to compensate for blood loss.

Sources of iron :

• red meat
• liver
• chicken
• fish
• eggs
• lentils
• chickpeas
• spinach
• pumpkin seeds
• tofu

For better absorption of plant iron, it's a good idea to combine it with vitamin C :

• lemon
• orange
• kiwi
• bell pepper

Anti-inflammatory foods

Inflammation can aggravate general discomfort.

Choose :

• vegetables
• fruit
• olive oil
• oily fish
• turmeric
• ginger

Provide magnesium

Magnesium can help to :

• reduce cramps
• support the nervous system
• limit fatigue
• improve mood

Sources :

• dark chocolate
• almonds
• walnuts
• seeds
• banana
• spinach

Support blood sugar levels

Stable blood sugar levels help to manage energy and limit cravings.

Good references :

• complex carbohydrates
• protein at every meal
• minimally processed foods
• limit fast sugars

Habits that can help

• get more rest during your period
• adapt physical activity if necessary
• stay well hydrated
• monitor your cycle to identify changes
• note the duration and intensity of bleeding

When to consult

It is important to consult if :

• periods are very heavy or worsen
• they last more than 7 days
• there are significant clots
• significant or persistent fatigue
• dizziness or malaise
• bleeding has an impact on daily life
• pregnancy is possible
• symptoms appear suddenly

A check-up may be necessary, for example

• blood test
• iron dosage
• ultrasound
• hormonal assessment, depending on the case

To summarize

Heavy periods may be due to :

• hormonal imbalance
• fibroids or gynecological pathology
• a copper coil
• other medical causes

These can lead to real fatigue and iron deficiency.

To support the body, it is useful to :

• consume sufficient iron
• an anti-inflammatory diet
• stabilize blood sugar levels
• rest and listen to yourself

Heavy periods should not be ignored. If they become too heavy or interfere with quality of life, it's essential to seek medical advice.