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Your period is telling you… You’ve hit the jackpot.
Your body is operating at optimal levels and your monthly cycle is smooth sailing all the way. Maybe it’s good genetics, maybe you’ve made healthy lifestyle choices, or maybe the stars were aligned the day you were born.Whatever the reason, congratulations…You’ve hit the menstrual jackpot!Now it’s up to you to keep your uterus in this happy place.With a period as regular and mild as yours, it’s important to pay attention when things go even a little sideways. Noticing changes in your regularity, flow, and PMS symptoms will help you keep your body systems in balance.Pay attention when your cycle becomes less regular, you feel more weepy than usual or your mood swings take control. When things feel off, these could be the culprits:Stress – High cortisol levels caused by stress can disrupt all your body systems, especially your menstrual cycle. Experiencing high levels of stress in the 10 days before your period can increase your premenstrual symptoms (PMS) up to 3x, and leave you feeling like Mr. Hyde has taken over. Keep your cortisol in check by saying no to stressful schedules and obligations. Instead, say yes to relaxing epsom salt bubble baths..Perimenopause: - If you are in your late 30s or early 40s, and your cycle length or duration of bleeding starts to change that might be early signs of perimenopause. You can’t stop perimenopause from happening, but you can do something about it. Good news: There are ways to keep your cycle in tip top shape until perimenopause arrivesSupplements - It’s not a bad idea to take a prenatal vitamin if you menstruate regularly as the iron and b-vitamins can help replenish what you lose each month when you bleed. 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 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, with the right dosage, hormonal treatments can be instrumental in making your periods more pleasant. The birth control pill or an IUD are effective forms of pregnancy prevention, that are safe for most women. Diet & Lifestyle – Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for almost everyone. Not all “healthy” foods are a fit, and some exercise can make cramping worse. But nutrition, exercise, and stress modification techniques prescribed just for you by an expert like, Dr. Kate can be restorative and healing.Dear tampon commercial, when I'm on my period, I don't wear a white bikini or do a backflip. Sincerely, real women." — UnknownMenstrual MythbusterAunt Flo gets a bad rap, and maybe for good reason - For many women, she brings intense 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 we attribute to PMS are excellent diagnostic tools that show you areas of your body and health that need attention.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 get Aunt Flo to calm down so she doesn’t rain on your 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. Here are some tips of what to eat, and not to eat, when it’s period time..Things to avoid:Recommendations include cutting out alcohol, refined sugars, nicotine and caffeine. It can be a bummer, but these changes - and maybe the occasional avocado - will calm your outraged uterus and you’ll thank us later.Caffeine – Mornings are rough at the best of times, but starting your day with a cup of jo doesn’t just supercharge your day, it supercharges your cramps. Caffeine causes your blood vessels to constrict. . Salt – Resist the urge to devour a bag of Sea Salt & Vinegar chips and stay away from foods high in sodium. Sodium increases bloating and can leave you feeling puffy and bloating. Red Meat & Dairy – Now is not the time to hit the steakhouse or devour the charcuterie board. Steak and cheese will only make your cramps worse. Replace red meat with plant based foods like chickpeas and lentils to satisfy your iron craving.Alcohol – If you’re feeling a little down and a lot grumpy, your first instinct might be to grab a nice bottle of Merlot to wind down your day. Don’t do it. The truth is alcohol only makes things worse. It throws off your hormones, slows your digestion, and leaves you dehydrated.. Plus, who wants to deal with PMS and a world class hangover?Sugar & Refined Carbs – Sugar and starch are not your friends when Aunt Flo’s around. That sweet treat will lead to inflammation, fatigue, and bloating…and there’s nothing sweet about that. Things to indulge in:Chocolate – Finally, something you’re craving is on the “yes” list. And the darker, the better. Chocolate is loaded with magnesium, which fights bloating and increases your happy serotonin levels.Avocado – Full of healthy fats and potassium that to reduce cramping and fulfill your craving for fatty foods - an avocado is just what this doctor ordered.Self-joy – Yes, orgasms. It’s Aunt Flo’s favorite version of me-time. 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 & Restorative Exercise – When your body is menstruating, it’s working hard to flush hormones out of your system. Help it out by sleeping 8 hours and skipping the Cross Fit in favor of gentle yoga or light exercise. 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. Not ready to set up a session quite yet? In the meantime, here are some helpful resources to help you find balance in your body.1. Follow us on Instagram. @healthyhormonedoctor2. Listen to my To Health With That! MTHFR Mutations podcast episode on Supplements.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