Hi Friend
If you have hypermobile EDS (hEDS), you know that your joints are "stretchy." But many people forget that your "glue" (collagen) is found in every single organ—including your uterus.
For "Zebras," a period isn't just a hormonal event; it is a structural challenge. If you struggle with heavy bleeding, intense cramping, and a "crash" every month, here is the mechanical reason why.
If you think you have hEDS ot MCAS, I can help diagnose and treat. Book 1-1 appts here
1. The "Clamping" Problem
When you have your period, the uterus contracts to shed its lining. In a typical body, these contractions also act as a physical "clamp" to squeeze shut the blood vessels and stop the bleeding.
The hEDS Failure:
Because your uterine tissue and blood vessels are made of "faulty glue," they are too stretchy. The uterus cannot contract efficiently enough to clamp those vessels shut. It’s like trying to squeeze a leaky sponge with a hand that is too soft—the "seal" just doesn't hold, leading to a much heavier and longer flow.
2. Vascular Fragility (The Leaky Pipes)
Collagen is what gives your blood vessels their strength. In hEDS, the walls of your capillaries and veins are more fragile. They break and leak more easily. During your period, the blood vessels in the uterine lining are meant to break away, but in an hEDS body, they do so more violently and bleed more profusely because the "pipes" themselves are weak.
3. The "Natural Blood Thinner" (The MCAS Link)
This is the secret link. Most people with hEDS also have MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome).
Your uterine lining is packed with Mast Cells. During your period, Estrogen "pokes" these cells, causing them to explode (degranulate). When they explode, they release Heparin.
Heparin is a powerful anticoagulant (a blood thinner).
If your Mast Cells are over-active in your pelvis, they are essentially "thinning" your blood right where you are trying to clot. This is why many hEDS/MCAS patients see large clots and experience "flooding"—your body is literally fighting its own ability to stop the bleed.
4. What this means for your recovery
You cannot fix a structural "leaky pipe" problem with standard period advice. You need to address the Architecture.
Stabilise the Cells: By calming your Mast Cells (MCAS) before your period starts, you reduce the amount of Heparin (blood thinner) in your system.
I have 1-1 appts and I help women connect the dots, please book here if you are interested.
Stay Well
Dr Ahmed
Disclaimer: Mend provides educational data only. Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to anaemia and other complications. Always consult your doctor or gynaecologist to rule out other causes like fibroids or endometriosis. In an emergency, call 999 or 911.
