Many women experience period problems, from painful cramps to irregular cycles. I myself used to think that the 7-day-long heavy period i have had since adolescence was just the bad luck card I was dealt in this life. Just try and search for menstruation images online and see how many show a woman curled up in pain. Now I am listening to an interview with Le’Nise Brothers, a yoga teacher, nutritionist, and host of the podcast “Period Story”. She argues that there’s a difference between common and normal and that just because menstrual issues are widespread, that doesn’t mean they are healthy or inevitable.
Our menstrual cycle is one of our vital signs. It’s a signal that our body gives us as to our
overall health status. And when your period is one of your vital signs, it’s really important not to ignore it, but to deal with it.
Why are so many women having menstrual problems today?
Le’Nise blames our modern lifestyle for the rise in period problems. Stress, poor sleep habits, and a diet full of convenient, processed foods, sugar and alcohol create an environment that disrupts our hormones.
These issues can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life. Heavy bleeding can be embarrassing and inconvenient. Painful periods can leave women bedridden and unable to participate in daily activities. PMDD, which is a severe form of PMS, can cause severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.
What are some treatment approaches?
Le’Nise advocates for a personalized approach that considers an individual’s unique needs. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Consider individualised needs, such as iron supplementation for heavy periods.
- Gut Health: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in hormone health. Focus on consuming fermented foods and probiotics to support a healthy gut.
- Supplements: Certain supplements, like Vitamin E, D, B6, can be helpful depending on individual needs.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress disrupts hormones. Techniques like yoga and meditation can be helpful.
- Sleep: Aim for enough quality sleep each night.
- Hormone Testing: Blood tests can reveal underlying hormonal imbalances.
Painful, heavy, irregular periods are not something we have to accept. As she points out, yoga is good for stress relief and in addition it is also a potent tool for improving the work of the ovaries by opening space in the pelvis, improving blood and lymph circulation, reducing stagnation and promoting hormonal balance.
Check out Le’Nise Brothers’ book You Can Have a Better Period.
