Heavier Or Irregular Periods in Your 40s? Causes, Support & What to Do Next From a Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, ND
1 day ago
3 min read

By: Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, ND, MSCP (f. NAMS) | Menopause Practitioner

Follow me on socials @drchaddahnd

Image of woman's abdomen with hands clenching over stomach, indicating period discomfort. Text that reads, "Struggling with Heavy Periods In Your 40s? Here's the Lowdown and Some Support"
Image of Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, Naturopathic Doctor

Heavier Or Irregular Periods in Your 40s? You're Not Alone.

When we think about menopause, most people picture periods stopping altogether. But what’s often overlooked is what happens before that point, especially the sudden shift to heavier, longer, or more frequent periods.

This is called abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), and it’s one of the most common (yet under-discussed) symptoms of perimenopause.

If you’ve recently found yourself:

Bleeding through pads or tampons more quickly than usual
Needing to plan your life around your period
Feeling more fatigued than normal (hello, iron deficiency)

...you’re not imagining things. And you’re definitely not alone.

As a naturopathic doctor right here in beautiful Aurora, Ontario, I see this exact situation all the time.

Let's go over some potential causes and what you can do to help.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, naturopathic doctor, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.

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Let’s Talk Numbers

Abnormal uterine bleeding affects 90% of women during the menopause transition. More than 78% will experience three or more episodes.

That’s a lot of people quietly suffering through something that is common, but not normal, especially when it starts disrupting your life.

What Causes Heavy Bleeding in Perimenopause?

During your 40s, hormonal fluctuations can cause your uterine lining to thicken excessively, leading to heavier or prolonged bleeding.

The most common structural causes of AUB during this time include:

Fibroids
Endometrial polyps
Adenomyosis

These conditions tend to increase in prevalence with age and can exist in combination, making bleeding worse.

If you’re wondering why your period has suddenly gone from manageable to overwhelming, it may be time to check for these structural factors, especially if your iron levels are low or you're feeling increasingly tired and foggy.

A Naturopathic Approach to Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

As a licensed Naturopath, my approach includes:

Investigating root causes (including fibroids, hormone fluctuations, and inflammation)
Natural therapies to regulate cycles and reduce bleeding
Nutritional support, including health food strategies and dietary supplements
Personalized care that puts you back in the driver’s seat

Many of my patients come from nearby communities like Newmarket, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, and even London looking for more personalized answers after being told their symptoms are “normal” or something they just have to live with. However, clients from across Ontario also come to see me virtually. And each one receives the same level of care, because you deserve it.

You don’t have to accept heavy bleeding as your new normal.

What Should You Do if Your Cycle Is Changing?

If your period is getting heavier, longer, or more frequent, and especially if you feel like it’s affecting your day-to-day life, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider.

But what if you don’t know where to start?That’s where I come in.

As a naturopathic doctor, part of my role is helping women ask the right questions, explore treatment options, and build a strategy that works for their unique body and lifestyle.

You don’t have to navigate this alone and you don’t have to wait until it gets worse to take action.

Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Power

I believe in education, advocacy, and empowering you with tools that make you feel in control, not dismissed.

Come visit me. Whether you live in Aurora, Vaughan, Mississauga, or elsewhere in the GTA, my virtual and in-person practice is here to support you with evidence-based care through every phase of your perimenopausal journey.