Natural Treatment of Heavy Periods

Natural treatment of heavy periods.

In a normal period, you should not lose more than about 80 mL of menstrual fluid over all the days of the bleed. That’s equivalent to about five tablespoons spread over all the days of the bleed.

In episode two of my podcast/YouTube video, I discuss heavy periods including the role of hormone imbalance, mast cell activation, and insulin resistance; simple period-lightening strategies such as iron, zinc, and a dairy-free diet; and using body-identical progesterone to lighten periods.

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How Phytoestrogens Can Lower Estrogen and Lighten Periods

Phytoestrogens are a special group of phytonutrients that occur naturally in most plant foods. The two major classes are isoflavones in soy, and lignans in seeds, whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

They’re called phytoestrogens because they interact with estrogen receptors but they’re not estrogen. In fact, they bind so weakly to estrogen receptors that they effectively block estradiol and are therefore better categorized as anti-estrogen.

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The Curious Link Between Estrogen, Mast Cells, and Histamine

The role of mast cells and histamine in estrogen dominanceHeadaches. Anxiety. Insomnia. Brain fog. Hives. Nasal congestion. These are just a few of the symptoms of mast cell activation or high histamine.

Histamine symptoms are more common in women and often track with the menstrual cycle, occurring when estrogen is high at ovulation and then again just before the period. 

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Why I Don’t Use the Term Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance is not a medical term.

Estrogen dominance means high estrogen compared to progesterone. It’s a real condition and, at the same time, a not-very-helpful term.

There are better ways to discuss estrogen and progesterone balance.

First, it’s normal to have no progesterone during the follicular phase, which is the first two to three weeks of the menstrual cycle.

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