Nutrients supporting heavy periods
These are just some of the nutrients that help support heavy periods and why. Please note, I highly recommend that you do not self prescribe supplements and always see a professional for guidance. This post is to show the interesting actions that nutrients have in the body and how they can support certain conditions but if you suffer with heavy periods there is no one solution. Your individual case needs to be evaluated and can be addressed with supplements accordingly.
1. B vitamins: These are important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they are needed by the liver to convert excess oestrogen into weaker and less dangerous forms. One of the B vitamins, B6, is needed for the production of beneficial prostaglandins, which help reduce abnormal blood flow. The B vitamins are also crucial for the conversion of fatty acids which are necessary to produce beneficial prostaglandins. Without this effective conversion the body will produce more 'bad' prostaglandins, which will increase the amount of bleeding at each period.
2. Vitamin A: This vitamin is an antioxidant and it generally helps to protect the cells against damage. It helps cells reproduce normally and is also needed for red blood cell production.
3. Vitamin C: This vitamin and bioflavonoids help to strengthen the capillaries in the body, which can reduce heavy bleeding.
4. Zinc: This mineral is vital for the healthy functioning of the reproductive system and for hormone balance.
5. Iron: If you are bleeding very heavily, you may run the risk of becoming anaemic. However, it is a bit of a double-edged sword because one of the symptoms of iron deficiency is also an increased risk of heavy bleeding. Iron helps blood vessels to contract, which is necessary to slow down the flow during your periods. Vitamin C is also essential for the absorption of iron.
6. Essential fatty acids: EFAs can be an important means of controlling heavy bleeding during periods. Beneficial prostaglandins help to reduce abnormal blood flow, and they are produced from these unsaturated fats (EFAs). There are many factors that can negatively impact their breakdown to create a healthy balance of prostaglandins and a deficiency or excessive intake of certain EFAs will also have a significant impact on the ratio of prostaglandins.
7. Probiotics: If a hormone imbalance occurs, the endometrium develops in excess and eventually sheds by way of heavy menstrual bleeding. Probiotics don’t just help with your digestion and gut health. They can also reduce inflammation and regulate sex hormones.
As with any symptom the body experiences there are many possible causes and it is so important to identify and address the underlying causes of heavy bleeding rather than simply focusing on reducing the symptom.
I am a registered Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist and specialist in Clinical Paediatric Nutrition. If you are interested in starting Nutritional Therapy for yourself, your family or your child then please contact me for more information/FREE discovery call or you can check out my services on my website.
