Why am I having Heavy & Painful Periods?

Picture this: it's that time of the month again, and for many women, it feels like entering a battlefield. Cramps, discomfort, and the unwelcome heaviness of menstrual flow can throw a wrench into your daily life. If this resonates with you, you're not alone! Countless women struggle with heavy and painful periods. And it can be incredibly disruptive and sometimes even debilitating.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to continue. By exploring the root causes of these period issues, you can better understand your body and work towards relieving painful periods for good!

Let's face it, ladies: period pain is something we can't simply ignore. It's a natural part of life, but it doesn't have to be a monthly struggle that leaves you dreading that time of month. The first step is to understand why it happens and what's going on inside your body. So, let's open up the conversation and shed some light on heavy and painful periods!

Why Your Periods are Heavy or Painful

Okay, so here's the lowdown. The primary culprit behind those heavy and painful periods is hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalances, specifically estrogen dominance or low progesterone levels, are frequently to blame. And even if your absolute values of hormones are within “normal” ranges, that doesn’t mean they’re balanced in relation to each other. 

This imbalance can be a result of various factors, including diet, lifestyle, and environmental influences. The good news is that just as hormones can fall out of balance, there are natural strategies to help restore that balance.

Estrogen & Progesterone Balance

The relationship between estrogen and progesterone is at the heart of your menstrual cycle. Estrogen's primary job is to prepare and thicken your uterine lining, a necessary step for a potential pregnancy. However, the key hormone here is progesterone. Its role is to prepare your uterus for a potential baby (whether or not you’re actually trying to get pregnant). But if pregnancy doesn't happen, that's when your period arrives.

Then, progesterone steps in to balance everything out. It helps keep your periods from becoming too heavy. However, for progesterone to do its job, your body first needs to go through ovulation. If your periods last more than seven days and are very heavy, it's usually a sign that ovulation didn't occur. And when ovulation is a no-show, progesterone doesn't get the signal it needs to work effectively, leading to heavy and painful periods.

You see, it's all about finding that sweet spot between estrogen and progesterone for a well-balanced menstrual cycle. When estrogen goes wild and progesterone is a no-show, get ready for the PMS party of your life. Bloating, cravings, and those cramps from the depths of crampdom? You can thank the estrogen overload for those!

Other Causes of Heavy Periods

While hormones play a massive role in heavy periods, there could be other culprits. Things like thyroid issues, adenomyosis, endometriosis, and fibroids can also turn your periods into a Niagara Falls experience.

Now, if you're an adolescent and just getting your period for the first time, don't stress; your hormones are still figuring things out. So, your periods may be heavier for a little while. It's just part of the growing-up package. And if you're on birth control, that can shake up your menstrual patterns, too. I suggest reading more on how birth control impacts your period.

One important note: if you've had super heavy periods your entire life, it's a good idea to chat with a doctor or practitioner. I'm not a doctor, so if you're concerned, definitely consult your healthcare professional.

How to Balance Your Hormones to Resolve Heavy and Painful Periods

A natural, holistic approach to rebalancing hormones and resolving heavy and painful periods is through a practice known as seed cycling. It's a natural way to make peace with your hormones and kick heavy and painful periods to the curb. Seed cycling is like a secret weapon for your menstrual cycle!

Here's how it works: we introduce four kinds of seeds (flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower) at different stages of your menstrual cycle to guide your hormones back into balance. The magic of seed cycling goes beyond just masking your symptoms; it gets to the root of the issue. 

How to Start Seed Cycling

So, you're probably wondering how to start doing this seed cycling thing, right? It's easier than you think.

First, your cycle gets split into two parts. The action starts with your period, and then the second part begins after ovulation. Tracking your cycle to pinpoint your ovulation day is key - it's not something an app can do for you. You've got to get hands-on with this one. If you have never tracked your full cycle before, you can learn how to track it here.

During the first half, starting from day one of your period, you'll have a daily tablespoon of pumpkin seeds and a tablespoon of flaxseeds. Then, when the second half kicks in after ovulation (usually around day 15), it's time for a tablespoon of sesame seeds and another of sunflower seeds each day.

These seeds are bursting with goodies like zinc, magnesium, fiber, and healthy fats. They're like a superhero squad for your hormones. And guess what? They're super versatile, so you can easily add them into your meals. It's a delicious way to take control of your hormones.

By following the seed cycling plan, you can rebalance your hormones naturally, say goodbye to painful periods, and reclaim your menstrual cycle. Remember, everyone’s experience is unique, so tracking your cycle helps you find your groove. 

Find out more about how seed cycling works and how to find high quality seeds for seed cycling here.

Turning the Tide on Heavy and Painful Periods

Heavy and agonizing periods might be a common woe, but they certainly don't have to be "business as usual." Rather than dealing with the monthly pain, you have the power to take charge of your menstrual cycle and work WITH your body. It's an opportunity to shower your body with care, establish a deeper connection with your inner rhythm, and transform that time of the month from a curse to a celebration of womanhood. Your period, instead of being your nemesis, can become your ally.

Free Painless Period Prep Guide

Download the FREE guide to learn more about balancing your hormones so that you can finally experience pain-free periods!

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The recommendations presented in this blog are not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified doctor. Before making any changes to your diet and lifestyle, please consult with your health care provider.

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