Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Vitamin K Deficiency: The Overlooked Connection to Healthier Periods

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known and menorrhagia, is a common health concern among women. It is characterized by excessive blood loss during menstruation, often leading to fatigue, anemia, and lifestyle disruptions. While heavy periods can be caused by hormonal imblances, uterine fibroids, or underlying medical conditions, one often-overlooked factor is vitamin K deficiency.

The Role of Vitamin K in Blood Clotting

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a role in blood clotting. It helps activate clotting factors in the liver, preventing excessive bleeding when the body needs to form clots, such as after an injury or during menstruation. Without enough vitamin K, the blood may not clot efficiently, leading to prolonged or excessive bleeding.

Signs of Low Vitamin K

Women with low vitmain K levels may experience:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Easy bruising
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Blood in urine or stool
• Slow wound healing

If heavy menstrual bleeding is accompanied by other signs of poor clotting, it may be a sign of insufficient vitamin K levels in the body.

Cause of Vitamin K Deficiency

Several factors can contribute to low vitamin K levels, including:

1. Poor Dietary Intake: Vitamin K is primarily found in leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and fermented foods. A diet lacking these foods may lead to deficiency.
2. Gut Health Issues: The gut microbiome plays a role in synthesizing vitamin K. Conditions like leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or frequent antibiotic use can reduce absorption.
3. Liver Dysfunction: Since vitamin K is processed in the liver, conditions like fatty liver disease or liver damage can impair its utilization.
4. Chronic Use of Medication: Blood thinners, antibiotics, and certain cholesterol-lowing medications can interfere with vitamin K absorption.
5. Fat Absorption Disorders: Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or gallbladder issues can lead to poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin K.

How Vitamin K Can Support Menstrual Health

Ensuring adequate vitamin K intake can help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and support overall hormone balance. It does this by:

• Improving Blood Clotting - Preventing excessinve bleeding during menstruation.
• Supporting Bone Health - Vitamin K works with vitamin D to improve calcium absorption, which is vital for bone health.
• Reducing Inflammation - Chronic inflammation can contribute to hormone imbalances and heavy periods.
• Enhancing Liver Detoxification - Since the liver metabolizes hormones like estrogen, vitamin K supports optimal detox pathways, preventing estrogen dominance (a key cause of heavy periods).

Best Vitamin K Sources for Women

There are two main types of vitamin K:

Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinine): Found in leafy greens like collards, turnips, spinach, kale, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.

Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone): Found in fermented foods, egg yolks, and animal-based products like liver and grass-fed dairy.

To increase vitamin K intake, include:

• Leafy greens (collard greens, turnip greens, asparagus, kale, spinach, Swiss chard)
• Brussel sprouts and broccoli
• Natto (fermented soybeans)
• Sauukraut and kimchi
• Egg yolks
• Grass-fed butter and dairy
• Liver and organ meats

Since vitamin K is fat-soluble, it should be consumed with healthy fats (such as butter, lard, ghee, tallow, olive oil or avocado) to enhance absorption.

When to Consider Supplementation

For women with severe vitamin K deficiency or absorption issues, supplementation may be necessary. A vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplement is often recommended, as it stays active in the body longer and is more efective at supporting blood clotting and bone health. Vitamin K2 is superior to vitamin K1.

Precautions:

• If you are on blood-thinning medication, consult your healthcare provider before taking vitamin K supplements. as it can interfere with medication effects.
• Focuso n whole food sources first before relying on supplements.

Final Thoughts

If you struggle with heavy periods and suspect vitamin K deficiency, addressing your diet and gut health may be the missing link. By incorporating more vitamin K-rich foods and supporting your body's natural clotting mechanism, you can reduce excessive mentrual bleeding and improve your overall well-being.

If symptoms persist, consult a tursted healthcare provider or naturopath for further testing and guidance on the best approach for you.

Love and Health.

Shavonne