Does a heavy period lead to increased fertility?

However we experience our periods, they are simply part of our lives as women and are also necessary for female fertility. So you can definitely see your period as a means to fertility. If regular menstruation occurs, we can assume that ovulation takes place regularly as well. However, the assumption that heavier periods lead to higher fertility is not correct. In this context, it is much more important that periods are as regular and healthy as possible. A healthy cycle is characterised by a regular period. That means that your period comes in regular intervals between 24 and 36 days, there is a noticeable (cranberry-) red bleeding and the period lasts about 3-7 days.

If there is no implantation in the current cycle, the lining of the uterus sheds and is expelled with blood through the vagina. After the period, a new uterine lining builds up again to ensure the best conditions for implantation for a possible pregnancy in the new cycle.

As already mentioned, it is much more important in connection with conception that the periods are as regular as possible. A healthy cycle is always characterised by a regular and healthy period and if the period only occurs irregularly, it is possible that there is a cycle disorder in connection with a hormonal imbalance going on. Successfully conceiving is of course more difficult with irregular cycles, as in such cases it is very difficult to correctly determine if and when ovulation is taking place.

It is of course not easy to define what defines heavy menstrual bleeding. Every woman and every period is unique. Most women lose less than 80 ml of blood during their period. The average is about 30-70 ml.

Your period is considered heavy when you lose 80 ml or more per period. This is also the case if your period lasts longer than 7 days, or both.

This is how you can tell that your period is unusually heavy:

• You need to change your female hygiene products every one to two hours
• You notice blood clots that are bigger than 2.5 cm
• You have to use 2 types of female hygiene products at the same time because your bleeding is so heavy (e.g. tampons and pads)

If there is a sudden and noticeable change in the duration or intensity of your period, it is advisable to seek gynaecological advice. As a woman, it is always good to keep a close eye on the course and regularity of your periods. That’s how you will notice immediately if your period is suddenly heavier than usual. Heavy bleeding does not mean that more of the uterine lining has shed. Conversely, a light period does not necessarily mean that everything has been shed.

If there is a sudden and noticeable change in the length or intensity of your period, you should not take it lightly. Of course, it is possible that stress can affect the cycle and thus also your period. In this case, you may easily find an explanation for the heavy menstrual bleeding.

But the following causes can also trigger extreme menstrual bleeding:

• Ulcers and/or myomas in the uterus
• Endometriosis
• Cancer
• Hormonal disorders
• Contraceptives inserted into the uterus (for example, the copper IUD)

If in doubt, we always recommend seeing a doctor sooner rather than later to find out the cause.

We find it very important to see the cycle and the period as the body’s own feedback system, through which we can learn important information about our general state of health each and every month. So if there are any abnormalities in this area, we always recommend looking for the cause of the problem first. The following points can also have a positive effect:

Your diet can make a huge difference

Since you lose a lot of blood during your period, you may have an iron deficiency. You should counteract this with syncing your diet with your cycle and include more dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, pumpkin seeds and beetroot in your diet. For optimal iron absorption, make sure to combine these foods with foods rich in vitamin C and avoid coffee and black tea (inhibits iron absorption). Various herbs (for example yarrow or lady’s mantle) can also be a wonderful support in the form of teas.

Make sure you get gentle exercise

In general, it is wonderful to stimulate the body’s own blood circulation, as this can also accelerate and ease the bleeding. So light exercise can be a great support. For example, a walk in nature or some gentle yoga.

Don’t put yourself under pressure

If possible, keep your commitments to a minimum and take enough time for yourself during your period. Take the opportunity to reflect and take a deep breath. It can be especially nice to do mindfulness exercises on the topic of femininity to consciously connect with your feminine nature.