Heavy, Painful, or Missing Periods? What’s Really Going On…

Your period isn’t supposed to feel like a punishment.

If you’re dealing with heavy bleeding, crippling cramps, or your period has gone completely MIA, you’ve probably been told it’s “just part of being a woman.” Maybe you’ve even been offered the pill, an IUD, or surgery as your only options.

But here’s the truth:
➡️ These symptoms are not normal.
➡️ They’re signs. Your body is asking for help.

In this blog, we’ll break down what these symptoms mean, the most common root causes of irregular or painful periods, and natural ways to bring your hormones back into balance.

📍 First, Let’s Talk About What’s Not Normal

Here’s a quick check-in:

• Bleeding through a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours

• Periods lasting longer than 7 days

• Debilitating cramps that require medication

• Needing to miss school, work, or events

• Going months without a period (when not pregnant or on birth control)

• Periods that come too frequently (less than every 21 days) or not at all

If any of that sounds familiar, your period is trying to tell you something deeper is going on.

💥 What Could Be Causing Heavy, Painful, or Missing Periods?

Hormones don’t operate in a vacuum. They respond to your lifestyle, nutrition, stress, environment, and overall health. Here are some of the most common root causes I see in women struggling with menstrual symptoms:

1. Estrogen Dominance

This means estrogen is high in relation to progesterone, and it’s one of the most common causes of heavy, clotty, painful periods.

Signs of estrogen dominance:

• Breast tenderness

• Bloating before your period

• Mood swings

• Heavy flow or long periods

• PMS headaches or migraines

Root causes: Poor liver detox, gut imbalance, xenoestrogens (toxins that act like estrogen), and chronic stress.

2. Low Progesterone

Progesterone is your calming, anti-inflammatory hormone. Without enough of it, your periods may come early, be painful, or go missing altogether.

Signs of low progesterone:

• Short cycles (less than 26 days)

• Spotting before your period

• Anxiety or poor sleep in the luteal phase

• Fertility struggles

• Irregular or absent periods

Root causes: Stress, undereating, over-exercising, thyroid dysfunction, or not ovulating (common in PCOS).

3. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS is a hormone imbalance often driven by insulin resistance and inflammation. It commonly causes missing or irregular periods—and when you do get a period, it can be extremely heavy or painful.

Other signs of PCOS:

• Acne, especially on the jawline

• Hair thinning or hair growth on the chin/chest

• Blood sugar crashes or cravings

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Long cycles (35+ days) or no cycle at all

4. Thyroid Imbalance

Your thyroid controls your metabolism, energy, and menstrual regularity. Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, can lead to missed or delayed periods, heavy bleeding, or infertility.

Signs of a sluggish thyroid:

• Fatigue

• Cold hands/feet

• Constipation

• Brain fog

• Depression or low mood

• Hair loss

5. Nutrient Deficiencies

You can’t build hormones out of thin air—your body needs raw materials. Deficiencies in iron, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin D can all contribute to cycle irregularities and worsen PMS.

🌿 Natural Ways to Support a Healthier, More Balanced Period

You can get your cycle back into balance—naturally. Here’s where to start:

✅ 1. Balance Blood Sugar

Stable blood sugar = stable hormones. Every meal should include protein + healthy fat + fiber to prevent insulin spikes (a major root cause of hormonal chaos).

✅ 2. Support Liver Detox

Your liver helps metabolize and clear excess estrogen. Love your liver with:

• Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, kale)

• Lemon water

• Dandelion or milk thistle tea

• Dry brushing or castor oil packs

✅ 3. Reduce Inflammation

Chronic inflammation worsens pain and hormone resistance. Cut back on:

• Sugar, seed oils, and processed foods

• Environmental toxins (plastics, fragrance, pesticides)

• High-stress workouts and chronic stress

Add in:

• Omega-3s (from flax, chia, or fish oil)

• Anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric and ginger

✅ 4. Track Your Cycle

Understanding your cycle is the first step in healing it. Use a paper tracker or app to note:

• When your period starts and stops

• Symptoms throughout the month

• Ovulation signs (like cervical mucus or BBT)

This helps identify patterns and hormonal imbalances.

✅ 5. Use Natural Tools for Relief

Herbs, food, and essential oils can offer powerful support:

• Magnesium – eases cramps and anxiety

• Vitex (chasteberry) – supports progesterone production

• Ginger and turmeric – reduce period pain and inflammation

• Essential oils – Clary sage, lavender, and copaiba can promote calm and ease tension

📩 Want personalized support with oils or supplements? Contact me and I’ll share what I recommend most often based on your symptoms.

✨ You Don’t Have to “Just Deal” With Period Pain

Your body is not broken. Your period symptoms are signals—not life sentences.

You deserve to know what’s really going on with your hormones and how to naturally bring things back into alignment.

💬 Ready to Get to the Root of It?

🎯 I offer free 20-minute calls to help you uncover what might be causing your painful, heavy, or missing periods—and what steps you can take to start feeling better naturally.

Let’s work together to decode your symptoms and get you on the path to hormone balance.