A woman's period... It's called many things like menses, time of the month, aunt flo, moon time, code red, and yes... even shark week! A woman's menstrual health is something she should always pay very close attention to. When a girl is between 11 and 14, on average, she will get her first period, which then starts her regular menstrual cycles. Older women, are well aware of how this works, but might not be aware that what they are experiencing is abnormal.
Unfortunately, women have been conditioned to believe that life-disrupting period problems are normal and the truth is that it's NOT and that it is possible to find relief, naturally, In this post, I will share some of the most common period problems and some tips to alleviate these issues naturally.
You Have Terrible PMS
Leading up to the start of your period, you begin to feel, fatigued, irritable, bloated and struggle with headaches, major cravings, and mood swings. So much so that it's life interrupting and you miss out on activities and important life events. Over 90% of women say they experience PMS symptoms and for some, these symptoms can be so severe they miss work or school.
You Have Menstrual Pain
Dysmenorrhea is the official term for cramps during your period. The most common type is primary dysmenorrhea. The pain is usually caused by contractions of the uterus. The uterus contracts during your period to help the uterine lining leave the body. Secondary dysmenorrhea is the type usually caused by another health problem. It also lasts longer than normal menstrual cramps. Problems that cause secondary dysmenorrhea include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
Your Period Is Irregular
Your periods are considered irregular if your menstrual cycle is shorter or longer than average. This means that the time from the first day of your last period up to the start of your next period is less than 24 days or more than 38 days. Your periods can also be irregular if your cycle length varies by more than 20 days from month to month. An example would be your cycle jumping from a normal 25-day cycle to a 46-day cycle the next month and then back to a 25-day cycle the following month. Irregular periods are normal for teenage girls and perimenopausal women.
You Have Heavy Bleeding
Heavy periods affect 1 in 5 American women each year. If you have heavy bleeding, your periods may be so painful and heavy that you find it hard to do normal activities such as going to work or school. Causes of heavy bleeding include problems with ovulation, problems with the uterine lining, thyroid problems, fibroids, polyps, certain medications, and being overweight.
You Are Missing Periods
Amenorrhea is the term for the absence of menstrual periods before menopause. You may have amenorrhea if you haven’t had a period for three months in a row or haven’t had your first period by age 15. This happens in 3% to 4% of women. Amenorrhea that is not caused by pregnancy or breastfeeding could mean that your ovaries stopped making normal amounts of the hormone estrogen. Missing this hormone can have serious effects on your health. Causes of amenorrhea include eating disorders, stress, weight, and hormonal problems.
You Have Migraines
About 4 in 10 women will get a migraine (a painful, severe headache) in their lifetime. About half of those women report that their migraine happens around their periods. Researchers are not sure what causes migraines. Many factors can trigger migraines, including stress, anxiety, and bright or flashing lights. Also, hormones that control the menstrual cycle may affect headache-related chemicals in the brain.
It Is Possible To Find Relief
It's always recommended to see your doctor if you are experiencing issues like those I covered above. It's not normal to experience life-disrupting period problems. The great thing is that find relief by supporting your hormone health through lifestyle changes.
Eating a balanced, nourishing diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation in the body. So fill up on foods like carrots, leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, quinoa, sweet potatoes, asparagus, avocadoes, nuts, seeds, eggs, chicken breast, turkey, shrimp, and salmon. Reducing or avoiding processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol may also help reduce period problems.
Moving your body is vital as it can help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. Exercise helps to reduce bloating, improves mood, and improves sleep. Do the exercise you enjoy the most and try to do it a least 3 times per week.
It is recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Getting adequate sleep is important for overall health and well-being, and it can also help alleviate period-related problems. Try creating a relaxing evening routine to help you unwind at the end of the day and come off screens at least 1 hour before your bedtime.
Stress can have a significant impact on the menstrual cycle and can exacerbate period-related problems. Some ways to manage stress include practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, stretching or meditation, getting regular exercise, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. It is important to find stress-management techniques that work for individual needs and preferences.
For centuries, herbs have been used to treat many ailments, great and small. Herbal teas containing ginger, cinnamon, hibiscus, dandelion, and red raspberry leaf (to name a few) can help alleviate symptoms. These teas have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the intensity of cramps and other period-related issues. Learn more about my hormone-support herbal tea blend designed specifically for women's health here!
I know this works because I did it for myself and many other women. You don't have to live in fear of your monthly period any longer once you take care of your hormone health.
Hey! I'm Davina B. and I'm a Certified Nutrition Consultant and Herbalist specializing in women's hormone health. It's my passion to help women who struggle with symptoms of hormonal imbalances like difficulty losing weight, fatigue, sleeplessness, PCOS, PMS, painful periods, fibroids and thyroid issues feel vibrant and healthy through good nutrition, stress management, healthy mindset, movement, education, self-discovery, self care, and my unwavering support.
In 2016, I lost over 50 pounds and transformed my body, mind, and spirit. I balanced my hormones and no longer experience debilitating PMS, life-disrupting period pain, insomnia, migraines, and digestive issues. I am so happy that I feel more vibrant and healthy than ever and now I have the honor of helping other women do the same!
Need a personalized nutrition plan? Click here to book a 45 Minute Nutrition Consultation with me! Includes a 7 Day personalized meal plan and recipe book with 35 scrumptious recipes, plus access to my Holistic Nutrition Fundamentals & Meal Planning Training Video!
I am not a medical doctor. I draw from my experience and training as a holistic nutrition consultant and herbalist. This is meant for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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