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Your period is telling you… it's time to check in with your body!
There are things that can be done to alleviate PMS symptoms, but when your cramps are interfering with your daily activities, your back and hips feel like they're trying to defect to a different planet, and your mood swings are bordering on homicidal… it’s time to do something about it. That's no way to live...The longstanding trend of keeping women’s periods hush-hush and off limits in daily conversation has made it hard to know what's normal and what’s not when your little red friend blows in like Hurricane Sandy.The result? Many women believe that their absolutely horrific monthly PMS and menstrual woes are just part and parcel of being a woman.Fact: 1 in 10 women suffer from a condition called endometriosis Think of endometriosis like a party gone out of control! Our uterine cells decide they're bored and go exploring, spreading outside the party boundaries to other parts of your body. They wander into your intestines, your bladder – pretty much anything that's nearby and down to make a connection. And next thing you know, the neighbors aren’t happy.Everything is screaming - PAIN! Painful cramps, painful urination, painful sex. This is NOT a fun party and somebody needs to break it up - fast.The problem is, many of the symptoms of endometriosis are also found on the list of “normal” PMS symptoms…Depression, bloating, fatigue, sexual discomfort, and exceptionally painful cramping.And because we don't talk about our periods, many women don’t realize their symptoms are out of control. Endometriosis is only one of the things that can cause brutal periods.Hormonal thyroid imbalance, polyps and fibroids, even anemia (lack of iron), can disrupt your cycle and leave you wondering if you're going to survive.Good news: There are ways to treat these conditions, and get back to life as usual - without the disruptive pain and mood swings.Supplements - There are supplements that can decrease pain, heavy bleeding, and balance your mood. Herbal medicines, vitamins, and supplements can get you the results you’re looking for. But be aware that not all supplements are the same. Some are higher quality than others, and some don’t do what they say they’ll do. To complicate matters further, some supplements are not meant to be mixed with others. The best way to ensure you’re taking the right mix of supplements for your specific issues is to consult an expert like Dr. Kate, an N.D. with expertise and experience who can guide you toward the right supplements and dosages. Hormonal treatments – There’s a lot of bad (read: untrue) information out there about hormonal treatments, but the unequivocal fact is that, with the right dosage, hormonal treatments can be instrumental in making your periods more pleasant (or at least very bearable). A progesterone based oral contraceptive or I.U.D. might be just what the doctor ordered. Not only can they diminish painful periods, they can also keep many uterine issues in check.Diet & Lifestyle – In addition to doctor-administered medication or procedures, there are things you can do to help your body deal with the unfortunate reality that feels like a scene out of Carrie. As an ND, Dr. Kate is an expert in nutrition, exercise, and stress modification techniques.Surgery – No one wants to resort to surgery, but if you’ve gone through all your options and nothing works, surgery can offer a definitive end to pain. In the case of cysts, fibroids, and polyps, a surgery will get to the root of the problem and alleviate pain that can come with an unhappy uterus. "Periods. Of all things, why blood? Why can't it be like...fairy dust or something?" — UnknownMenstrual Myth-busterWe’ve all heard the bad rap your Monthlies get, and for many women, it’s a time of horror, pain, and erratic mood swings.But there’s a disturbing myth going around about periods:PMS and cramps are normal and there’s nothing you can do about it.The truth?The symptoms that we attribute to PMS are actually excellent diagnostic tools to show you areas of your body and health that need some attention.Yes, even bloating, back pain, and the Misery Poops serve a purpose – to let you know that something isn’t quite right.So how do you balance your body and calm down Aunt Flo so she doesn’t rain on the parade every time she comes to town?Prime Your System for A Premium Period ExperienceYou Are What You EatWhen it comes to your overall monthly happiness, what you put in your body is crucial for weathering the storm, so be careful when indulging in some of your favorites.Things to avoid:Caffeine – I know mornings are rough at the best of times, but starting your day with a dose of coffee is a great way to supercharge your cramps because caffeine makes your blood vessels constrict. Not to mention it can give you a serious case of the crankies.Salt – Resist the urge to tame the Cthulhu in your Uterus with Sea Salt & Vinegar chips, unless you want to feel the bloat of Davy Jones’ Locker.Red Meat & Dairy – Steak and cheese will only make your cramps worse, so satisfy your iron craving with plant based foods like chickpeas and lentils.Alcohol – Although the Crimson Tide seems like it would pair nicely with a box of Merlot, the truth is, alcohol only makes everything worse. It throws off your hormones, slows your digestion, and dehydrates you. Who wants PMS and a world class hangover?Sugar & Refined Carbs – Talk about inflammation! When your Red Wedding comes, say no to the cakes or suffer the wrath of Fatigue & Bloating!Things to indulge in:Chocolate – The darker, the better! Chocolate is loaded with magnesium, which helps with period bloat, and increases your happy serotonin levels.Avocado – Full of healthy fats and potassium, to reduce cramping and fulfill your craving for fatty foods.Self-joy – Yes, orgasms. So cuddle up to yourself and nurture your uterus with blissful oxytocin!Vitamins & Supplements – Folate, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium, when used correctly, may help to reduce cramps and moderate mood swings.Rest and restful exercise – A body that’s menstruating is a body that’s working hard, so help it out by sleeping 8 hours and skipping the Cross Fit in favor of gentle yoga or light exercise.Perfect your Period!Book a consultation with Dr. KateI'm Dr. Kate Naumes, a naturopathic doctor who guides women towards abundant fertility, less menstrual pain, balanced moods, normal menstrual cycles, ideal body composition/weight, luminous skin, better libido, and a smooth perimenopause transition. Harness Your HormonesCheck out these helpful resources to find balance in your body!1. Follow us on Instagram @healthyhormonedoctor2. Listen to my To Health With That! MTHFR Mutations podcast episode on “Endometriosis Deep Dive” 3. Book a consultation with me by clicking the "schedule appointment" button below. We’ll not only assess your period symptoms, we’ll look at your whole lifestyle and find ways to better support and regulate your hormonal health and mental wellness.Relax into your FloNow that you've got some insight into how to nurture your body through your Moon Time, keep an eye on your inbox for an email and special gift from me."Yes, I am on my period. No, that doesn't mean that my anger is irrational." — Unknown