Painful Periods Don't Have To Be A Thing!

We’ve grown accustomed to thinking that PMS and any affiliated menstrual complaints (insert your symptoms here: cramping, gas, bloating, mood swings, low energy, heavy bleeding, clotting, stop and start blood flow, back pain, headaches)—are so common that it’s “normal”. Guess what? It’s actually not normal. Believe it or not, it IS possible to have a seamless period. One that comes and goes monthly without much fuss or any days on the struggle bus. Here’s the lowdown…  

The average menstrual cycle should occur every 28-35 days, on a regular basis. Bleeding should last for 5-7 days, heavier at the start, lightening up as the week goes on. Blood should be bright red (brown blood or clotting may indicate old tissue release and stagnation), flowing more freely on the first 1-3 days of your cycle (but not soaking through a pad or tampon sooner than every 4 hours), lightening up as your cycle finishes for the week. A normal amount of blood loss is about 2 ounces-worth, for the entire duration of your menstrual cycle. 

Some very common culprits interfering with and contributing to painful periods are:

Diet. The foods we eat GREATLY affect our cycles. Sugar, processed foods, and refined oils more-heavy on the omega-6 content can all contribute to inflammation. An inflamed body is more likely to have uncomfortable cycles and those obnoxious period symptoms. Aim to eat plenty of nutrient-rich, brightly colored organic produce and clean meats throughout the month. Consider a special focus on healthy eating the week or two leading up to your period if maintaining a healthy diet throughout the month is difficulty.

Weight. Excess weight contributes to excess estrogen interfering with normal cycling… while being underweight also hinders your body’s ability to even have a period. Maintaining a healthy weight, for your body type, is key to a healthy, seamless cycle. 

Exercise. With less activity, your periods can suffer. Sedentary lifestyles don’t allow the body to promote proper circulation and oxygenation within your system, and also negatively impacts your overall hormonal balance. Make sure to include basic movement in your weekly rotation. If you aim for 4-5 days per week, of at least 20-minutes of basic movement, even as simple as walking, will yield positive results, with less painful periods.

“Studies have established with clarity how destructive stress can be for your whole health.”

Stress. Unmanaged, or in excess, will contribute to an imbalance of your female hormones. When your body is so distracted producing fight or flight hormones, cortisol and glucose, it really cannot focus on your very important menstrual cycle hormones including FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone. Studies have established with clarity how destructive stress can be for your whole health. This applies to your menstrual cycle, too.

Toxins. Unfortunately, we live in a toxic world. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors that impact our bodies’ abilities to do many things, including running a balanced menstrual cycle. We know this is a toughie because some environmental toxins are out of our control. Focus on those chemicals that you can control including toxins in your food, toxins in your home by way of cleaning products, and most importantly by choosing non-toxic feminine care products. 

Overall health. Underlying conditions, often times undiagnosed, including thyroid dysfunction (especially hypothyroidism), polycystic ovarian syndrome and metabolic syndrome all have profound effects on our periods. If you haven’t had recent bloodwork, ask your health care provider to order a comprehensive set of labwork to investigate your underlying health further. 

We hope this information is helpful to you and your monthly flow. Keep in mind… listen to your body, trust your intuition, and if you’re having symptoms or suffering monthly, although it may be common, it’s certainly not normal. Try implementing the above health-promoting pearls and find a qualified healthcare provider who will listen to you and work with you on rebalancing your menstrual cycle.

Happiness and health, ladies!