Are You Planning Your Life Around Your Heavy Period?
Do you skip your workout class on your heaviest day because you can’t fathom your diva cup losing suction in the middle of sprints? Have you ever had to set an alarm to change your cup, disc, tampon and/or pads throughout the night?
If you relate to the scenarios above, this post is dedicated to you.
Flowing like The Amazon
I’ve had a heavy flow for as long as I can remember but since it’s all I’ve ever known, I figured everyone dealt with it and suffered in silence. I’ve tried almost every collection method out there too—super tampons or period undies anyone?
I’ve found a menstrual disc to be my best friend—I couldn’t stand the suction aspect of a cup and I love that it’s super easy to clean and reusable—but I’m still emptying it several times a day. This 12-hour protection nonsense doesn’t seem to apply to me.
I finally decided to make an appointment with my gynecologist because I just couldn’t handle planning my schedule around my flow.
I was shocked when she diagnosed me with menorrhagia—the official medical term for unusually long or heavy periods. Not everyone is like this?! I asked how she knew my flow was too heavy to be considered normal. She told me there were a few tell-tale signs.
- You’re changing your pad in the middle of the night—Alright, I guess this isn’t normal
- You’re wearing two methods of collections at once—For necessity, not because you’re paranoid
- You’re passing blood clots the size of quarters—Small clots are actually considered normal
- Your period lasts longer than seven days—Most people only bleed 4-5 days 🤯
- You’re bleeding between periods—Not spotting, we’re talking full-on flowing
- You’re bleeding after menopause—Once you’ve hit menopause, this shouldn’t be happening
What’s causing your heavy flow
Of course, my next question was, what causes this and how can I make it stop? Turns out there could be a number of issues at play. I’m not one for throwing darts in the dark, so I knew I had to get to the bottom of what my issue was so I could deal with it.
Trigger warning: some or all of these scenarios could be triggering, proceed with care.
My doctor mentioned the common causes are:
- Hormone issues. If your hormones are out of whack, it can cause a thicker uterine lining, and since that sheds every month, could lead to a heavier flow. Thyroid issues and PCOS are conditions that can contribute as well.
- Growths in the uterus. Things like polyps, fibroids, adenomyosis, and endometriosis can cause heavy bleeding. These are all considered abnormal growths (though non-cancerous) that can cause a heavy flow. Theories behind why include growths pressing against the uterine lining, the uterus not contracting properly which means it can’t stop bleeding, stimulating the growth of blood vessels, and elevated prostaglandin levels.
- Certain IUDs. Non-hormonal intrauterine devices may make your period heavier.
- Pregnancy problems. If you have an ectopic pregnancy (where the egg and sperm implant outside of the uterus), it is considered an unviable pregnancy which causes heavy bleeding. A miscarriage can also cause heavy bleeding.
- Certain uterine cancers. Cancers that affect your reproductive system can cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Uterine cancers include two types, endometrial cancer, which is more common, and uterine sarcoma, which is rarer.
- Infections. Certain infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can cause heavy bleeding. Trichomoniasis, caused by a parasite, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, caused by bacteria are examples of STIs that can cause heavy bleeding. Chronic endometritis is inflammation of the endometrium caused by infection. Vaginal bleeding or discharge is a symptom.
Wow. That was a lot of causes to explore. If you’re concerned or dealing with any of the above issues, make an appointment to chat with your doctor. You never need to suffer in silence.
But wait. I almost forgot about the last one.
- Perimenopause. During the transition to menopause, it’s not uncommon to experience heavy bleeding during your periods. Really? As if hot flashes, night sweats, and thinning hair aren’t enough. One study found among those transitioning between ages 42 and 52, more than 90% experienced periods that lasted 10 days or longer and 78% reported their flow as heavy. As you approach menopause, you have fewer eggs to mature and the body releases higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in an attempt to maintain a normal ovulation schedule. This produces more estrogen which leads to thickening of the uterine lining, which can result in longer, heavier periods.
Process of elimination
Luckily for me I was able to rule out a bunch of potential causes. I did not have an IUD, was not pregnant or trying, tested negative for all possible infections, no cancer cells were found, and I hadn’t entered perimenopause yet. I quickly narrowed it down to either hormonal imbalance or growths in the uterus.
I’d already had multiple ultrasounds both external and internal and all that was found were small cysts and a single tiny fibroid. If I had endometriosis or adenomyosis, it wasn’t detectable through radiology imaging.
My doctor told me I could try birth control, but I had been on that train so many times and it literally made no difference whatsoever. Except having to remember to take that stupid little pill every day at the same time. Or getting poked in the arm with a needle every three months, and I hate muscle shots. I wanted a more holistic option this time.
I started looking into supplements that helped with heavy periods and I found a powerhouse.
The holy grail of period health
I was specifically looking for something to help with the heaviness of my flow, but I did also have some other PMS symptoms and cramping that I wouldn’t mind having addressed. I found one that had a bunch of reviews saying things like “Game Changer,” “Magic,” and “The holy grail.”
Semaine’s PMS & Period Support does all the things. And it’s completely hormone-free, allergen-friendly, and vegan. It uses plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals to address menstrual health issues. Let me break it down.
- Boswellia alleviates inflammation, cramps, digestive discomfort, and headaches by targeting prostaglandins—those guys that encourage uterine cramping.
- Ashwagandha lowers cortisol (stress) levels, alleviates anxiety, boosts mood, and aids in cramp relief by regulating inflammation.
- Curcumin supports a healthy inflammation response and is historically and clinically proven to enhance mood and soothe the intestines.
- Green tea catechins boosts energy, and mental clarity, and supports overall well-being, particularly during menstruation.
- Magnesium supports muscles, reduces inflammation for menstrual comfort, and helps regulate blood sugar while curbing cravings.
- Quercetin combats inflammation and aids in maintaining balanced histamine levels, reducing the risk of headaches, and digestive issues.
- Resveratrol neutralizes free radicals associated with aging and chronic diseases, ultimately promoting cellular protection and overall well-being.
- Silymarin supports inflammation balance, stress reduction, liver function, and menstrual health.
- Vitamin D3 boosts your immune system, combats stress, and potentially alleviates PMS symptoms.
There was one last thing that pushed me to try it. It’s been clinically studied. In fact, it’s the first clinically studied PMS & period supplement for rapid relief. Check out these results
- 88% reported less overall discomfort
- 73% reported fewer mood swings
- 75% reported milder period poops
I mean, my flow was the main issue disrupting my life, but I would not be mad if these guys also relieved cramps, mood swings, and period poops. Yes, please.
My new lease on life
I ordered three bottles, because supplements take time to kick in and if my issue was hormone-related, I knew it wouldn’t be fixed overnight. Also, I just had a good feeling about these little green capsules.
Month one I saw an improvement. My flow was a little lighter than usual, my cramps were background noise, and my bloating was simply gone. Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I almost forgot to mention this. You can take these babies when you need them. Yep, you don’t have to take them daily because they work like a plant-based Midol. I started taking them a few days before just to set myself up for success, but it’s not necessary.
The next month I did the same thing, started taking them before my period, but only by a day. My flow got even lighter. Cramps? What cramps? Mood swings? Not here! I even took my favorite workout class and didn’t leak! My life did a 180.
Three months in and I feel like a different person. I don’t dread my period anymore because I have a supplement that has my back and I’m no longer visiting the restroom every 2 hours to dump my disc.
Take it from a girl whose period used to literally run her life, relief is possible. And it doesn’t require you to take a pill, or gummy, or whatever preemptively. And you don’t need to empty your bank account either. Right now, you can get:
Don’t let your period run your life.
Take back the narrative and get back to the things you enjoy.