An estimated 75-90% of women in America suffer from PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, and about 20% of women have symptoms severe enough to disrupt their lifestyle each month. Approximately 64% experience severe anxiety and depression before and during menstruation, and around 25% deal with irregular or absent periods.
This doesn’t even include the large number of women who have a more serious condition such as endometriosis! And yet, the majority of women seeking help are told that their problems are “all in your head” or “not a big deal.” We are told that irregular cycles, severe pain, and mood swings are normal and just something to be dealt with or told to just go on birth control to manage the symptoms. Countless women in America have simply resigned themselves to a miserable week (or more!) each month,
taking dose after dose of ibuprofen to help keep pain under control- although 20% or more of women find that NSAIDs provide no relief.
I get it- it wasn’t long ago that I was there myself. I remember days I would find myself collapsed on the floor in incredible pain, my abdomen and legs cramped so badly I couldn't move. As I never knew
when my period was coming, I was taking ibuprofen preventatively whenever I went out. Depression, fatigue, aches- I had all the symptoms. But it was all in my head, of course, according to my doctors. Likely due to the stress of being a teenager. It’s perfectly normal for a young adult to have some irregularity. Some days, I truly thought I was going crazy. For all of you ladies out there who have experienced this, this article is for you to know that you are not crazy, and that there is help
for you! The symptoms listed above should not be considered normal for a healthy individual.
Your period serves as a monthly check-in on your overall health. When viewed as such, as a blessing rather than as a curse, we can take the steps needed to improve our general health, and the result will be seen in our menstrual health. The single
most important thing to take into consideration when treating menstrual problems is diet. Focus on getting plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Eat organic meat and eggs sparingly. Completely avoid sugar, refined flour, and dairy products, along with all chemical preservatives, colorings, and flavorings. If cramping is a major problem for you, try going off all meat and gluten products for a time. A whole foods supplement is a good addition to anybody’s diet. Many women find that
simply changing their diet takes care of all of their health problems. Set aside time to exercise on a regular basis- even a short workout each day helps! Red raspberry leaf tea is a famous female tonic and loaded with important nutrients, including iron. Drinking two to four cups each day throughout the month helps to regulate cycles and decrease symptoms. In my case, just one month of drinking this tea completely eliminated my mood swings and depression! I also recommend using all natural
cotton pads, as the synthetic materials and chemicals can be irritating and disrupt hormone balance. Take time out of your day to sit quietly in prayer or meditation: gratitude and mental relaxation are extremely important. Remember, these are lifestyle changes, not something to try only during your period!
Again, these protocols will
drastically improve your menstrual health, but they take consistent use over time. Meanwhile, there are effective natural ways you can control discomfort. To start with some general advice: stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and set aside time for mild exercise or stretching as you are able. Heat often helps cramping, so try hot baths or applications. I have had great success with massaging Dr. Christopher’s Cayenne Ointment into the cramped areas - this is one of my favorite remedies to
recommend, as it works so well and so quickly! Another option for cramping is to sip ginger and lobelia tea, and to massage lobelia into the cramped areas. This is also effective for bloating, weight gain, flatulence, headache, and indigestion. If you find you are constipated, take a couple of Dr. Christopher’s Lower Bowel Formula capsules, or drink a glass of prune juice. Often, a large bowel movement is all it takes to get rid of immediate symptoms!
It is important to remember that the treatment that works for one may not necessarily work best for another. If one natural remedy doesn’t work, try something else! Be patient, experiment and see what works best for your body. The beautiful thing is that these protocols work for all menstrual disorders: both heavy and light bleeding, clotting, amenorrhea, and so on, because
they are toning the reproductive system and strengthening the whole body. As you make these lifestyle changes, don’t be surprised to see your health improve in other areas as well, mentally and physically!
