4 Surprising Methods to Alleviate Period Problems and Support Your Womb Naturally

Like many women, I’ve struggled over the years with severe PMS and painful periods. I’ve visited an array of doctors who told me everything from “it’s just your hormones and there’s nothing we can do” to “go on the pill and it will eliminate all your symptoms”. There was never a clear answer as to why the symptoms were present in the first place, furthermore no one seemed very interested in exploring the cause or offering a natural solution that would support my body's needs. These types of experiences are shared by women everywhere, as we try to navigate healthcare systems in a patriarchal society, where women’s concerns, needs, and health are often dismissed and discounted.

After many years of deep self exploration, trial and error, and consultation with helpful health care professionals within the natural health arena, I’ve learned how to balance my hormones and care for my womb properly. Now I have painless and enjoyable menstrual phases that I actually look forward to every cycle. We all deserve to feel healthy and empowered within our bodies. As women, it’s so important to truly learn and support the needs of our bodies, so we can be our own advocates and healers.

Below are four helpful methods to alleviate period problems and support your womb naturally:

1. Adequate Protein Intake As a menstruating woman, it’s vital to consume adequate amounts of protein. Protein is a key building block for female hormones, and it plays an essential role in regulating our menstrual cycles. Not only does it support the liver in detoxifying excess hormones, but protein can also help balance blood sugar levels, regulate energy metabolism, and build lean muscle mass. Insufficient protein intake can lead to hormonal imbalances, including irregular periods and fertility issues. For most healthy adults, the recommended daily intake is approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight—or around 0.36 grams per pound. For example, this means that a sedentary woman weighing 150 pounds would require approximately 50-60 grams of protein per day.

2. Nervous System Regulation

The nervous system transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, including internal organs like the womb. When there are high levels of stress, our bodies prioritize the sympathetic nervous system, which is our “fight, flight, or freeze” response. Without proper stress management, our nervous system can remain in this heightened state long term. This can create serious health implications including elevated blood pressure, decreased motility of the GI tract, and hormonal dysregulation. Engaging in activities that reduce stress on a regular basis is vital for nervous system regulation. This can include meditation, yoga, naps, artistic and creative play, and anything else that allows you to slow down, be present, and relax.

3. Maintain a Healthy Gut

Your gut health and microbial diversity affect how well your gut excretes or recirculates Estrogen. If the gut microbiome is unbalanced it can cause a rise in estrogen levels which can lead to fluid retention, bloating, heavy periods, mood swings, and more. We can encourage healthy microbial diversity by eating plenty of high fiber, vegetables, and probiotic lacto-fermented foods. Also, consider reducing your intake of alcohol, refined sugars, additives, and avoid environmental toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as those found in many cleaning and personal care products.

4. Regular Stretching

A 2019 John Hopkins study examined the effects of yoga on premenstrual syndrome and concluded that aerobic exercise and yoga movements are both effective ways of treating symptoms of PMS and menstrual cramps. The study found that yoga was the most effective option. Maintaining a consistent yoga or stretching practice throughout the entire menstrual cycle can increase flexibility, blood flow, joint mobility, and reduce stress and tension. Focusing stretches on the hips, lower back, and abdomen are particularly helpful on the days right before and after menstruation.

Taking our womb’s health into our own hands and learning to support our bodies holistically is both empowering and necessary. As we learn the subtle voice of how our body communicates with us, we have the opportunity to shift from relying solely on external solutions to deepening our relationship with self. Our bodies are far more wise than we can imagine, and living in optimal health and eliminating period issues are achievable. We are designed to thrive, and learning the ways in which you can support your womb and body is vital.

With love,

Whitney

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