Embrace Your Period: Empowering Women’s Health- 5 Things You Should Know & 5 Things To Thing You Can Do To Help with Your Periods

Periods we hate them, we miss them, we dread them

but they make us magic

For thousands of years we, as women, have been told that our periods are impure, unclean, or some kinds of taint. Just as with most things that we don't understand they are met with fear and our wombs have been no different. Men, who have no periods but claim gynecology clearly haven't a clue and thus misinformation is fed to us as young woman . Even in our modern time women are shunned or sequestered over a phenomenon that is as natural as the phases of the moon, allows every person to be part of this world, and gives us strength physically and emotionally. There is embarrassment, shame, or taboo around speaking about our periods, vaginas, and emotions. So lets take it back. Though advances in medicine have allowed for some wonderful things it still has so much to learn about women's health. Birth control or stopping our periods all together are not always the best answers. We should bleed each month, we should not be ashamed by it and it shouldn't be traumatic.

I am here to empower you to embrace your period, take charge of it and learn the truth about your period.

Understanding Your Period

Periods are a natural part of life, as essential as the moon's phases. Yet, many women are unaware of what a healthy period should look like. Here are five things you should know:

1. Normal Bleeding Duration
   A typical period should last around four days, not the seven days many of us were told is normal.

2. PMS is Not Inevitable
   Symptoms like cramps, breast tenderness, irritability, bloating, fatigue, and headaches are common but not normal. These signs indicate an imbalance that can be addressed.

3. Healthy Menstrual Blood
   Your menstrual blood should be a fresh red color. Paying attention to the color and consistency can provide insights into your health.

4. Pain-Free Periods
   Pain during your period is not something you have to endure. There are ways to achieve a pain-free menstrual cycle.

5. Rest and Gentle Movement
   During your period, opt for gentle activities like yoga, walking, or tai chi. Intense exercise can exacerbate discomfort.

Tips for Managing Your Period Naturally

1. Maintain Balanced Blood Sugar and Diet
   Hormones control our menstrual cycles, and diet plays a crucial role. High sugar intake, simple carbs, and refined foods can disrupt hormone levels. Limit alcohol and caffeine can be important as they spike cortisol, a stress hormone that can affect your menstrual cycle if it is out of balance. Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods.

2. Opt for Gentle Exercise
   While exercise is beneficial, it should be gentle during your period. Activities like swimming, yoga, walking, and tai chi help move qi and blood without draining your energy.

3. Reduce Exposure to Plastics and Chemicals
   Chemicals like BPA and xenoestrogens found in plastics can mimic estrogen and disrupt hormone balance. Choose organic foods, avoid microwaving in plastic, and use glass or ceramics for food storage. Select chemical-free household products and chlorine-free paper products.

4. Manage Stress
   Stress increases cortisol levels, which can be disrupting your hormones. During your period, focus on relaxing activities that nourish rather than tax your body. Try hiking, reading, dancing, or taking a day off.

5. Reevaluate Birth Control Choices
   Hormonal birth control methods (pill, patch, IUD) can affect your mood, weight, fertility, and overall health. Non-hormonal methods like the copper IUD can cause heavy bleeding, discomfort and are a constant source of inflammation in the body. Maybe it is time to consider why you use birth control and explore the possibility of natural alternatives like herbal medicine, acupuncture, and vaginal steaming.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge

Empowerment comes from understanding and embracing your body. Learn about your menstrual cycle, listen to your body, and make informed decisions. You can always consider more natural methods and lifestyle changes can help regulate your cycle and improve your overall well-being if you find that it resonates with you and meets your needs.

Take Charge of Your Health

You deserve to feel confident and empowered about your menstrual health. By making informed choices and bringing in some natural practices, you can transform your period experience and turn into to something that you can embrace a little bit more.