5 Tips for Heavy Periods

Periods that are TOO heavy are not normal. You will know if your period is too heavy when and if you regularly bleed through period products in a matter of 1-3 hours, you have to wake up in the middle of the night to change products and/or you regularly experience bleeding into your clothes or bedding. Though you may have been told it is normal, it really is too much blood to be losing, especially if you experience this for many days.

In Chinese Medicine heavy periods can be defined by patterns of Spleen qi and blood deficiency, Blood stasis and/or Blood heat. They can often be a combination of those mentioned, and also confounded by additional TCM patterns. Conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, perimenopause and cancer can also cause heavy bleeding. Heavy bleeding can be a complicated medical condition and you should always make sure you seek medical attention. Please do not take anything you are unfamiliar with, without consulting your medical team.

Here are 5 tips if your period is too heavy

1. REST

   In Chinese Medicine, if your period is too heavy it is often a sign that your Spleen qi is deficient and your uterine artery and other muscular structures are too weak to contain your blood in its vessels. It implies that your entire body and digestive system is deficient. Bed resting and limiting activity can prevent you from overwhelming your body while you bleed.

2. MOXIBUSTION

   Moxibustion is a prepared form of mugwort used as a smoke therapy. This type of treatment is often done by acupuncturists and herbalist and is well known in many Asian cultures as an at home therapy. Mugwort is known for its warming and tonifying properties. When burned as moxibustion, it is known to warm, strengthen and slow bleeding.

3. SHEPHERD’S PURSE

   Another herb known to slow bleeding is shepherd’s purse. It can help the vessels in the lining of the uterus to close and has been used to help reduce heavy bleeding.

4. SUPPLEMENTATION

   If you have routinely heavy periods it is important to make sure you’re not iron deficient. Sometimes being anemic can contribute to heavy periods. Heavy periods can also cause anemia. Be sure to speak with your doctor about your iron levels and supplement if needed.

5. ACUPUNCTURE

   Sometimes it is important to really get to the root cause of why you have heavy bleeding. If you’ve already seen your gynecologist for your regular screenings, you can consider seeing an acupuncturist to get a more holistic view on what is going on and why. You should expect to have acupuncture on at least a weekly basis for multiple visits.

Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM on 3/11/26, posted on 4/27/26

You might also be interested in reading: 5 Things That Can Reduce Period Cramps, Chinese Medicine and Menopause, What is Your Period Trying To Tell You?

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