Periods

“Heavy bleeding and cramps often point to hormone imbalances — not bad luck.”

For generations, women have been told that cramps, bloating, and heavy bleeding are just “part of having a period.” But that’s not the full story. While some mild discomfort can be normal, pain that interferes with your daily life or bleeding that feels excessive is often a sign that something in your body needs attention — not something you just have to live with.

Understanding What’s Happening

Your menstrual cycle is a reflection of your hormonal health. Estrogen and progesterone should rise and fall in a balanced rhythm throughout the month. When these hormones get out of sync — especially when estrogen dominates and progesterone drops too low — symptoms like heavy bleeding, clots, mood swings, and cramps can appear.

Common underlying causes include:

• Estrogen dominance or low progesterone

• Iron deficiency (which can worsen fatigue and heavy bleeding)

• Inflammation or nutrient deficiencies

• Thyroid issues

• Conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or PCOS

When Pain Isn’t “Normal”

Painful periods, also called dysmenorrhea, can be caused by prostaglandins — hormone-like substances that trigger uterine contractions. Too many prostaglandins can lead to stronger cramps. But sometimes, pain is linked to underlying issues like endometriosis or inflammation in the pelvic area. If your pain is intense or persistent, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional and not just power through it.

How to Support a Healthier Cycle

You can do a lot to bring your hormones and cycle back into balance:

• Support your liver – it helps break down excess estrogen. Try leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, and adequate hydration.

• Nourish your iron levels – focus on iron-rich foods like red meat, lentils, spinach, pumpkin seeds, and vitamin C to aid absorption.

• Manage stress – high cortisol can throw off your hormone balance. Gentle movement, breathing exercises, and good sleep make a real difference.

• Track your symptoms – note your cycle length, flow, and mood changes. Patterns can help uncover what’s really going on.

• Seek support – if your symptoms feel out of control, work with a practitioner who understands women’s hormones. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

When to See a Doctor

Reach out to a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Periods lasting longer than 7 days

• Needing to change pads or tampons every hour for several hours

• Severe cramps that don’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief

• Dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath (possible signs of low iron)

• Clots larger than a quarter

• Pain that disrupts sleep or daily life

These symptoms deserve proper evaluation. You don’t have to accept them as your “normal.” Getting answers can bring relief — and help you feel like yourself again.

Listening to Your Body

Your period is a monthly report card from your body — one that tells you how your hormones, stress, and nutrition are working together. Pain and heavy bleeding aren’t something to “tough out.” They’re signs to pause, listen, and give your body what it needs.

When we start seeing our cycle as communication instead of a curse, everything changes. Healing begins with awareness — and with giving yourself the same compassion you’d offer to someone else.