Period Talk

Uteruses before Duderuses

Ovaries before Broveries

For so long, periods were seen as gross, shameful, embarrassing, and have been taboo. Thankfully, society is starting to shy away from such perceptions. Periods are a natural part of the female existence and it is important to embrace it, not run away from it - because we really can’t (unless you take birth control, but this post is for people who don’t). When you learn to take care of yourself and love yourself even when your period makes you feel like complete crap, it becomes something actually empowering. Nicole Marrs and I have gathered different tips and information to make this a reality for you.

Period Cups

I started using period cups four cycles ago. It was the best decision I’ve made when it comes to my period. It seems like a lot to pay at once for your period, but you are saving yourself hundreds of dollars in the long run. You only need one cup that will last you a few years. It’s saving you tons of money, and saving the environment from tons of waste. Using a cup has made me feel so much closer to myself and I no longer feel like my period takes control of my entire week. I can pop it in, forget about it, and go on with my life. With pads or tampons, you can’t really do that.

Cramps

I have a terrible history with periods. I’ve had the worst cramps that would actually cause me to faint. I had to stay home for so many weeks because I couldn’t leave my bed. One thing that has proven to work for me is taking a pain killer when the cramps first hit. Even if it’s not that painful in the moment, if you know that it will grow to be unbearable, take an Aleve or Ibuprofen before it even gets the chance to get that bad.

Wisdom From Nicole

For so long, I was told that my cramps were “normal”. After months filled with days that I felt like I was being ripped apart - I knew I wasn’t taking that as an answer. I spent WAY too many hours on WebMD and on blogs that convinced me that I was probably going to die some horrible, rare death due to an unknown virus.

When I finally asked (read : demanded) my General Practice physician to refer me to a gynecologist, my pain had gotten to the point of leading me to extreme anxiety and hopelessness. I was a senior in high school at that point, and I wasn’t going to change my college plans due to my menstrual cycle.

Unfortunately, the first Gynecologist I saw recommended taking 1400 - 2000 mg ibuprofen (advil) when I experienced pain. In addition to this, she prescribed me a low-dose hormonal birth-control to prevent ovulation (which is the most common cause of pain). Her prognosis was that I would grow out of my pain, as my hormones changed and my body further matured.

The two things she prescribed caused my body massive harm - emotionally and internally. The amount of ibuprofen I was taking, over the course of months, caused my intestinal wall to be compromised. It was literally eating away at my digestive tract. I went through endoscopies and colonoscopies and restrictive diets in order to help my stomach heal. So no more advil for me - maybe ever.

The moral of the story is that - seriously - you have to do what you’re comfortable with. Don’t take an answer if you’re not confident it’s the right one. It took me many doctors to find a balance that helps me to live relatively pain free - and it also took me taking my health into my OWN hands. I found foods that helped my body work in a better rhythm. I learned how to allow my body to rest in beneficial ways. You are the only person who entirely knows how your body works - YOU have to listen to it and serve it.

Hormones

There are so many natural products that can help with menstruation (the act of shedding the wall of your uterus - which results in bleeding). In order to do this in an ideal, nurturing, wholesome way, your body needs to equip itself. Here are some of the most commonly used (and recommended) nutritional (found in your food) AND supplemental (vitamins/minerals) that may support your feminine cycle :

Vitex

Vitex (chaste berries) are found naturally in nature AND they’re conveniently found in capsule form in most health food stores. They prompt your body to produce more progesterone, which helps your body to ovulate more smoothly. It can also help with PMS symptoms. Note from Kayla: Nicole recommended Vitex to me and I have been taking it for a couple of months. I did notice a difference during my last period. I also generally feel better. I notice a balance in my hormones.

Essential Fatty Acids

Fish oils, flax seeds, nuts, avocados… they’re all full of healthy fats that help your body to perform its best. It helps your internal-tissue maintain moisture and it also produces overall feelings of well-being. You can either buy a quality capsule (either a vegan flax-seed oil OR fish oil) OR you can simply up your intake in fatty-acid-rich foods.

Turmeric

This spice is a powerhouse of nutrition. In addition to having a beautiful, vibrant color it ALSO helps your body address inflammation (there is a molecule within turmeric that is called “curcumin” which is the root of all the health benefits). It’s hard to ingest the amount of turmeric you’d need to actually get a beneficial amount of curcumin - which is when concentrated curcumin capsules come into the picture. These can significantly help with cramping - as well as GI problems related to menstruation AND muscle achiness.

Don't let your period own you.

Live your best life.