Many women hate their period.
Heavy menstrual cramping and bleeding only further support that negativity.
Sadly, this occurs in 30 to 40 percent of the reproductive female population.
So what’s really to blame for these symptoms?
In my experience, PMS in many patients is associated withhigher estrogenand lower progesterone states.
Estrogen is a proliferative hormone, meaning it causes the lining of your uterus to grow or thicken.
The higher your estrogen, the thicker it gets and the more you bleed.
Progesterone is a more soothing, calming hormone.
It’s also an anti-proliferative hormone, meaning it keeps that growth in check.
This is likely due to progesterone dropping.
In fact, many women are so sensitive to this fluctuation that the drop triggers headaches and other symptoms.
But what if week four of your cycle didn’t have to be so dreadful?
Consider these natural solutions to reduce high estrogen and boost progesteroneultimately improving PMS symptoms and that heavy bleeding!
Change your diet to support estrogen-progesterone balance.
Believe it or not, some foods can increase estrogen.
That’s the bad news.
In just one example, many patients with heavy bleeding have a condition called endometriosis.
Research showsa dairy-free dietmay help reduce inflammation and improve endometriosis.
I have seen this both in patients and in myself personally.
Some other changes that might be helpful include:
2.
Reduce stress with deep breathing and calming exercises.
In reality, this means that stress is your body’s biggest hormone hijacker.
The more stress you are under, the less your “B team” can help with hormone production.
Deep breathing, meditation, and calming exercise like yoga have proved helpful for reducing stress as well.
Consider supplementation with vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
Many of us are nutritionally deficient and don’t even realize it.
It also is a cofactor for both progesterone production and neurotransmitter production like serotonin.
Vitamins are very important for your adrenals and for energy during this time of the month.
B’s are also important for neurotransmitter production like serotonin (which makes you feel good).
Other cultures have used herbs for centuries to help boost hormone levels.
Eleutherococcus (ginseng) may help with memory, endurance, and energy.
They can help you narrow down the options and find the nutrient and dosage that will work for you.
Have your hormones checked.
Your heavy bleeding could also stem from having poor thyroid function.
By testing your hormones, you’re free to also discover whether you have higher estrogen levels.
If natural remedies to boost progesterone aren’t effective, consider natural progesterone replacement therapy.
I’ve seen this help a countless number of patients.
Consider using theEnvironmental Working Groupto learn whether your products are safe or only contributing to your PMS.
Hopefully, these five steps can help you no longer dread that monthly cycle!
