Include phytoestrogens in your diet – alfalfa, red clover, soy (fermented form), linseeds, lentils, chickpeas. Phytoestrogens may help reduce excessive endogenous oestrogen by bypassing oestrogen binding.

Eat complex carbohydrates and dietary fibre, including fruit and vegetables, and wholegrains like brown rice, oats and wholemeal bread.

Buy organic foods whenever possible.

Reduce your intake of saturated fat.

Drink two litres of filtered water daily.

Avoid additives, preservatives and chemicals such as artificial sweeteners.

Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol.

Avoid sugar on its own and hidden in foods.

Avoid drinking black tea with your meals as this can block the uptake of iron from your food. Similarly, phosphates, found in fizzy soft drinks, will prevent iron from being absorbed by the body. Herb teas and fruit juices are fine.

Reduce your intake of red meat and dairy products. These contain arachidonic acid, which worsens pain and inflammation, increases blood flow, and reduces blood-clotting.

Include essential fatty acids in your diet – eat nuts, seeds, some oils (linseed/flaxseed) and oily fish (including mackerel, mullet and salmon).

Iron may be needed if you are bleeding heavily and your iron levels are low. NB. inappropriate use of iron supplements can interfere with zinc uptake. Iron should be taken with vitamin C and away from tea, calcium, zinc and some herbs (e.g. chamomile, fenugreek, milk thistle, lime flowers, peppermint, rosemary and vervian).

Zinc is good for hormone balance and tissue repair.

Calcium and magnesium are effective for muscle spasm, pain and discomfort.

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids help to strengthen capillaries and minimise bleeding, and also assist in iron uptake.

Consider multivitamin and mineral supplements to make sure you are not missing out on any valuable nutrients.

Vitamin A deficiency has been found in women with heavy bleeding. One study showed that 92% of women who are prescribed supplemental vitamin A found that their heavy bleeding was either cured or alleviated.

B vitamins are very important for fibroids. They are needed by the liver to convert excess oestrogen into weaker and less dangerous forms. Other B vitamins such as B6 are important in the natural anti-inflammatory pathways in our bodies. B6 also helps reduce abnormal blood clotting.

Omega 3 oils help reduce inflammation and pain, and control bleeding during periods.

DIM as a supplement helps the liver convert oestrogen into a healthier form. The dose is dependent on body weight.