Why are perimenopausal periods so heavy?

60 seconds in menopause video transcript:

So, why are perimenopausal periods so heavy? Well, in early perimenopause we'll have the odd cycle where ovulation can be a bit scrappy or it just won't happen, just like in puberty. The body will try and correct this by revving up follicle-stimulating hormones to produce more oestrogen to try and nudge the ovaries into firing up more eggs. This spike in oestrogen production causes an imbalance and can lead to oestrogen dominance.

And you can see this in a cycle that becomes short with frequent periods or bleeds that get heavier. PMS symptoms can get angrier and more intense. And if there's very heavy frequent blood loss, or gushing, big clots, you do want to get checked out by your GP because it can lead to low iron levels or there could be other reasons unrelated to perimenopause such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Now, once it's okayed and you've been checked, Agnus castus might be worth looking at for those PMS symptoms, once you're not on the pill or the Mirena coil.

Agnus castus tincture

• For symptoms of PMS
• Menstrual cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Each dose provides 500mg of extract equivalent to 50mg Agnus castus dried berries

"Very effective, definitely makes a difference."
Larissa Matharu

Read more customer reviews

Find Agnus castus tincture in a store near you

And just make sure you're getting enough iron-rich foods as well, or use an iron tonic, something like Floradix (Liquid Iron Formula).

For more information and advice head over to Eileen's blog 'Perimenopause periods: what's normal and what's not?' where she outlines what you can expect when it comes to your periods during perimenopause, including what's normal changes and what is not normal.

You may also find these topics helpful:

How heavy is too heavy for peri-menopause periods?

How much iron does a woman need during menopause?