If you’re in your 40s (or even late 30s) and suddenly experiencing unpredictable, heavier, or prolonged bleeding, you’re not alone. And yet, no one really talks about it.
Doctors might not always have clear answers (I certainly didn’t get them when I asked), and if you’re anything like me or the many women I work with, you might be wondering: What is happening to my body?
The truth is, unexpected bleeding in perimenopause is normal—frustrating, inconvenient, and sometimes alarming—but normal. And once we understand why it happens, we can work with our bodies rather than against them, supporting ourselves with herbs, nutrients, and self-care instead of feeling overwhelmed.
Why is Perimenopausal Bleeding So Unpredictable?
At the heart of this issue is ovulation (or rather, the lack of it).
In the earlier years of perimenopause, ovulation becomes less consistent. Some months, your ovaries release an egg, and everything works as expected. Other months? No ovulation. And when there’s no ovulation, there’s no progesterone—that lovely, calming, anti-inflammatory hormone that balances estrogen and keeps our cycles in check.
Without enough progesterone to counterbalance estrogen, the uterine lining can build up too much. Then, when it does finally shed, you bleed more than usual—heavier, longer, or in strange, unpredictable patterns.
Some women experience:
✔ Longer, heavier periods (hello, flooding)
✔ Shorter cycles (a period every two weeks, anyone?)
✔ Spotting between cycles
✔ Weeks of on-and-off bleeding
And since this stage of life is still wildly under-discussed, it can feel like something is terribly wrong.
But here’s the reassuring part: in most cases, this is simply part of the transition. The key is supporting yourself through it rather than pushing through and pretending it’s business as usual (which, let’s be honest, society expects of us).
How to Support Your Body Through Perimenopausal Bleeding
1. Lower Your Expectations (Just for This Month!)
If you’re having a heavy, exhausting, bloated, progesterone-deprived cycle, this is not the time to push harder.Your body is asking for rest, nourishment, and kindness. Can you slow down? Say no more? Work in some extra downtime?
Perimenopause is nature’s way of teaching us boundaries. The more we ignore that, the harder it tends to hit us.
2. Soothe the Bloating and Cramps with Herbal Support
• Chamomile – Calms the nervous system, soothes digestive bloating, and relaxes cramps.
• Ginger – Reduces inflammation and supports circulation, helping with both cramps and heavy bleeding.
• Raspberry Leaf – A classic uterine tonic that can support lighter, more balanced cycles.
• Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) – Helps gently nudge progesterone levels, but only works if taken consistently.
3. Replenish Your Nutrients
· Magnesium – A lifesaver for progesterone support, calming stress, reducing cramps, and helping with sleep.
· B Vitamins – Particularly B6, which helps support hormone balance.
· Iron – If you’re bleeding heavily, it’s worth keeping an eye on your iron levels. Focus on iron-rich foods (grass-fed meat, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds) or consider a gentle supplement.
· Omega-3s – Reduce inflammation and support hormone balance.
· Gut Health: Your gut plays a huge role in hormone balance, especially during perimenopause. The microbiome helps metabolise estrogen, regulate inflammation, and support nutrient absorption—all key factors in managing heavy or unpredictable bleeding. If your gut health is off (think bloating, sluggish digestion, or food sensitivities), it can make perimenopause symptoms even more intense. Focus on gut-friendly foods like fermented veggies, bone broth, and fibre-rich meals, and consider a good-quality probiotic to support overall balance.
4. Ease the Emotional Side of Things
Hormones are shifting, energy is fluctuating, and let’s be real—perimenopause can be a lot. Instead of pushing through, lean into self-care:
• More sleep (or at least better quality sleep—magnesium glycinate can help).
• Less pressure—your worth is not tied to your productivity.
• Stronger boundaries—if you feel an overwhelming urge to say no to things, listen to it.
I see it time and time again: women in perimenopause start reclaiming their space. We start saying no. We start questioning the roles we’ve been playing for everyone else. And if that feels uncomfortable, know that it’s all part of the process. You’re not being difficult, you’re evolving.
Final Thoughts: A Season of Change
Perimenopause is a transition, not just physically but emotionally, mentally, and even socially. The bleeding patterns, the fatigue, the shifting hormones—it’s all part of a bigger shift. Instead of fighting against it, what if we listened?
The next time you’re caught off guard by another strange cycle, instead of panicking or pushing through, ask yourself:
➡ What does my body need right now?
➡ What can I let go of this month?
➡ How can I be gentler with myself?
Because this isn’t just about hormones—it’s about change. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Every woman’s perimenopause journey is unique, and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. If you’re ready for a more balanced, supported approach, let’s chat. Click here to find out how we can work together or email juliana@functionalherbology.co.uk
Comments