Periods shouldn’t debilitate you.
What???
Yep. Again for anyone who didn’t hear it: Periods should not debilitate you.
Cramps that leave you in the fetal position all day? No way.
Mood swings make your partner run for the hills? Nah.
Bloating cause you to buy a separate closet for that week? Get out!
Breakouts?
Cravings?
Diarrhea?
Migraines?
Heavy flow?
Don’t accept these as normal. These should not take over your life. And yet, up to 65% of women suffer through PMS on the regular - and assume its just the way it should be.
Let me tell you about the first time I was enlightened by this fact:
I was in university (7 years after my first period) and seeing a new homeopath after my old one retired. I had come in for a “tune up” and to work on anxiety that had come up since starting university. We went over my anxiety, my general lifestyle, my diet, and then all my “others”; cravings, tendencies, likes and dislikes etc.
Then we talked menstruation. She asked me about my period and I shrugged it off:
“Pretty normal. Tons of emotional upset beforehand and cravings...and usually I cry the day before. Major cramps on day one, usually I use a heating pad or have some tea but sometimes it keeps me up at night it hurts so much. But, yeah, pretty much normal.”
*SCREECH* Pen down. Eyes up. My homeopath was not okay with this.
“How heavy is your period?” was her next question. I said it was normal, but let me tell you - I had no idea.
The average amount of blood lost during your period should be under 80ml or 2-5 tablespoons.* For perspective: a “normal” pad or tampon holds 5ml (soaked) and a Diva cup is 30ml. Above 80ml is considered “heavy”. Turns out I was in that “heavy” category.
And then, my homeopath said: “Your period should not debilitate you”
Huh? But aren’t we supposed to be moody during our period? Aren’t we supposed to rely on Advil and heating pads and chocolate and everything else comforting during our time of the month?
Now, I’ll be the first to preach that menstruation is an invitation for us to express self-care. It’s a time of cleansing, rejuvenation, and a sign of good health; I fully support self care during your period - but your period should not debilitate you, you should not need to rely on those venues just to get by.
Just like everything else in homeopathy; symptoms are the body talking to us and the symptoms of PMS are our body telling us our system is not in sync. Symptoms such as cramps actually come on due to an increase of estrogen, which causes an imbalance between progesterone and estrogen; this causes more Prostaglandins which cause cramps.
What can affect estrogen levels?
Weight gain or loss
Birth control use - past or present
Diet; sugar, dairy, caffeine, soy, salt, dietary deficiencies
Stress or emotional trauma
So why is it important to pay attention to these symptoms? Because the body is smart and it knows what is up. Severe PMS and heavy bleeding are signs of hormonal imbalances, which can point towards other issues like PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, or cysts. Heavy periods can lead to (or be a sign of) iron deficiency and anemia - which was the case in my life.
I’d been “dealing with” my menstrual issues for years assuming they were normal and I will never go back! After a few cycles, my homeopath had my PMS in check and my periods were 5 days instead of 7. I actually found my periods to feel rejuvenating instead of excruciating.
Now, anytime I experience a change in my cycle, I check in on stress, diet, and general lifestyle to see if there is anything that needs addressing. If I can’t pin point it, I check in with my homeopath to because it’s often a sign I need a tune up.
Homeopathy for PMS
The best method of dealing with painful periods is to treat it under the guidance of a trained homeopath (Let's chat!). PMS is a chronic issue and chronic homeopathic treatment ensures that we resolve the root issue and stimulate permanent cure. Menstrual complaints respond beautifully to homeopathy: plus it's safe, gentle, and won’t interfere with your other therapies.
That being said, there are lots of great remedies out there for minor PMS symptoms, which I'll touch on below.
Remedies for PMS
Pulsatilla: Anxious and very weepy, wants the comfort of their partner/parent. Craves sweets and creamy things. Stool is affected and may be changeable (diarrhea, normal, constipation).
Belladonna: Sudden, intense pain of a throbbing nature. They are worst lying down and better standing
Magnesia Phosphorica: Your typical period cramps, this remedy works beautifully for most everyone. Pains are severe and spasmodic and feel better in the fetal position, with pressure, and with heat.
Magnesia Muriatica: Uterine cramps with pains extending to the thighs.
Sepia: Bearing down sensation, as if the uterus might fall out. Mood is very irritable especially towards family. Craving sour, chocolate.
Natrum Muriaticum: Mood is sad, indifferent and anxious. Cravings for salt. There may be hammering headaches and nausea.
As you read on, remember, your period should not be debilitating! Check in with your doctor to rule out any serious conditions and contact me to get that system back in balance. If you are relying on any therapy, including those below, for relief; there’s something out of balance and it’s best to consult with your Homeopath.
In good health,
Paula
