Menstruation is often referred to as the fifth vital sign when it comes to women’s health; so it is a great indicator of overall health. We call it our ‘monthly report card’!
So why is it something that most females grow to dread every month?
It starts with imbalances. Female hormonal disorders or imbalances can lead to many debilitating symptoms. These signs and symptoms include bloating, headaches, cravings, menstrual cramps and pain, acne, fatigue, anxiety, moodiness, and missing or irregular periods.
Unfortunately, many of us are familiar with these issues. Our reproductive hormones fluctuate throughout our menstrual cycle, bringing with them normal changes in our mood, cognitive function & energy levels. When this normal rhythm is disrupted, issues can occur.
Disruption can be caused through diet and lifestyle factors, psychological stress, environmental toxins, excessive alcohol consumption, intensive exercise, travel, or other illnesses.
Commonly seen hormonal disorders include Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Dysmenorrhea, Menorrhagia, and Endometriosis.
The good news is these issues are not normal, and you don’t need to suffer in silence.
Between 20% and 40% of women suffer from PMS so; you are not alone. But there are also many ways to improve the symptoms of hormonal disorders. Working with a Naturopath is is great first step that is often followed up with the statement ‘I wish I did this earlier..’
The naturopathic approach to treating these types of issues involves a detailed assessment of each female and their presenting symptoms to determine the root cause of their imbalances. This includes an in-depth analysis of the patient’s dietary and lifestyle factors, body systems, and social and environmental
factors, to identify any obstacles that may be preventing normal hormonal function.
This may lead to a variety of testing options including either blood or urinary to determine what is happening on a physiological level.
It is important that to create a stable foundation upon which we can build a healthy hormonal cycle.
We can add to this foundation everyday through healthy habits such as, a nourishing diet, regular
exercise, stress management techniques and optimising sleep hygiene, and of course having a healthy dose of chocolate during your menstrual phase!
Herbs and nutrient compounds are an amazing way to treat hormonal disorders, in an individualised way. For example, within herbal medicine Vitex-agnus chaste is a hormone regulator which works by decreasing the hormone Prolactin, and modulating our luteinising hormone and progesterone levels, therefore decreasing the symptoms of PMS.
Within nutritional medicine, magnesium protects against menstrual cramps by relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus, and it also reduces
prostaglandin hormones, that contribute to period pain.
Some more of our favourite herbs and nutrients to use for hormonal support..
Herbal Medicine
Vitex- Agnus Castus – ‘Chaste Tree’
Viburnum Opulus – ‘Crampbark’
Paeonia Lactiflora – ‘Peony’
Withania Somnifera – ‘Ashwaganda’
Schisandra Chinensis – ‘Schisandra’
Nutritional Medicine
Magnesium – from dietary sources such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, spinach.
B Vitamins – Leafy greens, seeds, shellfish, liver, legumes.
Omega 3 fatty acids – Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines.
Vitamin C – Citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, bell peppers.
Vitamin D – Spending time in the sun, mushrooms, eggs and oily fish.
Although symptoms appear similar in many hormonal disorders, each person is different therefore your treatment should also be tailored to your individual requirements. It is important to speak with a qualified practitioner to find out what will work best for you.
If you would like to chat with any of our experienced naturopaths, you can book a free 15-minute discovery consultation through our website!
Carolyn Culliton
