PERIODS AND PMS

Periods!! They were always a great excuse for missing swimming when I was at school, but whether you love them or hate them, we all have to deal with them on some level… even the men who are reading this, so don’t think that you can ignore this one!

Periods affect 50% of the population at some stage in their life. So whether your daughter has just started her periods or you have work colleagues who are struggling or your partner cries/shouts/screams/threatens you with something sharp(!) read on to see if there’s anything that might help.

Periods can make life tricky. The cramps, the mood swings, and a variety of other delightful surprises can at times be really debilitating. It’s no wonder that periods have earned such a bad reputation. For all involved, navigating this monthly cycle can feel like a very unwelcome challenge.

But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be this way?

Menstruation is actually a vital part of our body’s self-care system, even if it doesn’t feel like it. It’s a natural process that keeps our bodies in balance—think of it as hitting the reset button! However, like everything else, if the reset button comes with a whole host of alarm bells, then the body is trying to tell us something that we need to listen to. And no, the contraceptive pill won’t ‘cure’ this – it just postpones the issues until you’re ready for a baby, and then you realize the symptoms are all still there.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the menstrual cycle, PMS, and the common challenges that come with them. Plus, we’ll explore how homeopathy can help turn this monthly “adventure” into an experience where you feel more in control, and maybe even a little bit proud of your body’s inner workings.

We’ll also explore how homeopathy can offer remedies that help support menstrual health and help you feel more in control of your cycle.

 

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PERIODS

The menstrual cycle is a regular process that involves several stages. It starts with menstruation (when your body sheds the uterine lining), followed by the follicular phase (when an egg matures), ovulation (when the egg is released), and the luteal phase (when your body gets ready in case pregnancy happens). On average, a cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person.

There are several hormones involved, but the main ones regulating the cycle are estrogen and progesterone. As these hormones fluctuate throughout the month, they can affect your physical and emotional health, which is why many women experience symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and mood swings during their cycles. Oestrogen can be hugely affected by chemicals in our day-day lives and this can in turn have a real impact on our periods.

OESTROGEN AND YOUR PERIODS

We’re all surrounded by chemicals in our everyday lives—plastics, cosmetics, cleaning products, and even pesticides—that can mess with our hormones. These chemicals, called hormone disruptors, can mimic oestrogen and mess with the delicate balance that regulates our menstrual cycle.

This can cause:

1. Oestrogen Dominance: Chemicals like BPA can trick your body into thinking it has more oestrogen than it actually does, leading to things like heavy periods, bloating, and mood swings.
2. Hormonal Imbalance: Some disruptors can block oestrogen production or interfere with its normal function, which can lead to irregular periods and even fertility issues.
3. Long-Term Risks: Constant exposure to these disruptors can increase the risk of conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and even hormone-related cancers.

How can you protect yourself? 

• Try to reduce plastic wherever possible: Switching to glass or stainless steel is your safest bet, as even with ‘BPA free’, manufacturers are just replacing BPA with other chemicals that may be just as harmful—like BPS (Bisphenol S) or BPF (Bisphenol F).
• Choose Natural Beauty Products: Look for personal care items without phthalates and other chemicals.
• Eat Organic When Possible: Reducing pesticide exposure can help protect your hormonal health.
• Go Green with Cleaning: Use natural cleaning products to avoid unnecessary chemical exposure.

It’s impossible to change everything immediately and also hugely expensive, but by replacing things bit by bit as they run out, you can gradually cut out the chemicals that surround you. Taking small steps to limit your exposure to hormone disruptors can really help keep your hormones to stay in balance and support a healthier menstrual cycle.

COMMON PROBLEMS WITH PERIODS AND PMS

Menstrual health doesn’t always go as smoothly as we’d like. A lot of women deal with symptoms that can really interfere with their daily lives, often leading to time off school or work every month. Here are some of the most common struggles:

Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
Cramps are the most common problem! They happen when your uterus contracts to shed its lining. The pain can vary—sometimes it’s mild, but for some, it’s intense enough to make getting through the day tough and often leads to taking a lot of painkillers.

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
PMS is that bundle of symptoms that usually shows up in the days or weeks before your period. Things like bloating, headaches, fatigue, irritability, breast tenderness and mood swings are common. For some women, it’s just a minor annoyance, but for others, it can be so bad that it they often feel they have no where to turn to. It can really affect your relationships with close friends and family, but also work colleagues.

Irregular Periods
Sometimes, your period just doesn’t show up when it’s supposed to. Stress, diet, exercise, and hormonal changes can all mess with your cycle. Irregular periods can be frustrating, and they might cause anxiety, especially when it comes to health and fertility concerns.

Heavy Menstrual Flow (Menorrhagia)
Heavy periods can be draining. For some, the bleeding is so intense that it leads to fatigue, anemia, and just feeling generally wiped out.

Emotions
Hormones can also affect your emotions. Anxiety, irritability, and even feelings of sadness can pop up throughout your cycle. It can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and sometimes it’s hard to keep your balance.

SELF HELP

While periods and PMS can be challenging, they also represent an opportunity to tune into our bodies and reconnect with ourselves. This book, PERIOD POWER by Maisie Hill is a great way to tap into the strength of your cycle and how you can use it to really maximise your strengths each month, whilst also nurturing yourself at times when things are tough. By shifting the way we perceive menstruation—from something negative to something that’s part of our natural cycle of health—we can create a more positive experience.

Here are some tips to help teens and women of all ages reframe their menstrual health:

1. Practice Self-Care
   Take time for relaxation, meditation, or light exercise to help balance hormones and reduce stress. Enjoy nourishing foods and remember that essential fatty acids are really important for our hormonal health.
2. Track Your Cycle
   Understanding your cycle can help you anticipate PMS and period symptoms, making them easier to manage. Apps and journals can help track changes, symptoms, and mood, giving you greater control over your health. Again I’m going to point you in the direction of Maisie Hill, as she has a huge wealth of knowledge and information. Have a look here.
3. Normalize the Conversation
   Talking about periods openly can help reduce any shame or embarrassment. This is especially important for teens who may not have adequate education on the topic.
4. Embrace the Changes
   Periods are a natural sign of the body’s rhythm and health. Instead of seeing them as inconvenient, try to view them as a reminder of your body’s strength and self-regulating capabilities. Tap into the inner wisdom that women used to harness during their periods. Try and write down your dreams during your period. You may find it quite fascinating. If you haven’t read The Red Tent, I’d really recommend it to everyone.
5. Seek Holistic Solutions
   Whether it’s through homeopathy, diet changes, or mindfulness practices, explore ways to naturally support your body through each stage of your cycle. Finding what works for you can help you feel more in control and empowered.

HOW HOMEOPATHY CAN HELP

Homeopathy treats you as a whole person, rather than simply looking at individual symptoms. Remedies are chosen based on your physical, emotional, and mental state, and the goal is to restore balance and stimulate the body’s innate healing abilities.

When it comes to periods and PMS, homeopathy offers a range of remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and support the body’s natural processes. Rather than focusing on suppressing symptoms, homeopathy works to address the root causes of imbalance.

• Sepia
  Best for: Hormonal imbalances, fatigue, and menstrual cramps
  Sepia is a go-to remedy for women who feel emotionally drained, detached, or overwhelmed, particularly during their menstrual cycle. It can also help relieve symptoms like cramps, bloating, and fatigue that often come with PMS or menstruation.

• Pulsatilla
  Best for: Irregular periods, mood swings, and emotional symptoms
  Pulsatilla is often recommended for women who experience irregular or delayed periods, especially when they’re also feeling tearful, weepy, or emotionally sensitive. It’s great for women who are experiencing hormonal fluctuations and crave comfort and reassurance.

• Magnesia Phosphorica
  Best for: Menstrual cramps and pain relief
  This remedy is often used for women who experience crampy, spasmodic pains in the abdomen, especially when the pain feels better with warmth or pressure. It’s particularly helpful for those who suffer from intense cramps during their period.

• Natrum Muriaticum
  Best for: Emotional stress, irregular periods, and PMS
  Natrum Muriaticum is useful for women who experience emotional stress, sadness, or a sense of isolation during their cycle, especially when PMS is marked by feelings of being overwhelmed or grief. It can also be helpful for women with irregular periods.

• Lachesis
  Best for: Heavy bleeding, hot flashes, and premenstrual tension
  Lachesis is often used for women who experience heavy menstrual flow or severe hot flashes. It can be particularly beneficial for women in their perimenopausal phase or those who have a tendency toward extreme mood swings, irritability, or physical discomfort related to their cycle.

 

Periods and PMS don’t have to be feared or stigmatized—they’re part of what makes you incredibly powerful! With the right support, you can tackle every phase of your cycle like the superhero you are. Homeopathic remedies are here to help, and these five above are just the beginning! There’s a whole world of options to explore that can support you through anything your cycle throws your way.

If you’re ever struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out—because with the right guidance, every stage of your cycle becomes a chance for personal growth, self-care, and total empowerment. You’ve got this! You can do anything! ✨