I treat many women in my practice, in all stages of life from puberty to menopause and through the other side. While we are all supposed to be appreciative of our hormone cycles, sometimes it just sucks to be a woman. (Guys, pay attention for your lovely ladies!). Many times we are told to “suck it up” when we have horrendous menstrual cramping, intensive bleeding aka hemorraghing monthly, and that we are “moody” and difficult to be around when are are premenstrual. For women experiencing menopause and the reduction of the capacity to menstruate, it is no less confusing and upsetting. The menstrual cycle can take awhile to ebb and as a result it can be often more intense.
Enter naturopathic medicine. We are privileged to study chinese medicine (including acupuncture and chinese herbs) and herbal medicine that have the capacity to stabilize the mood and regulate menstruation as quickly as blinking. Truly, the women who have suffered with severe menstrual cramping and who are unable to leave the house during their menstrual cycle no longer need to do so, knowing that there are ways to intervene. It’s not just about enduring, it can be about improving your quality of life, and also reprogramming some of the key hormonal signalling from the hypothalamus and pituitary (brain centres for hormonal instruction and release) to the ovaries and uterus.
How would you address intense menstrual cramping?
This is a slower process, but ultimately speaks to the balancing of hormones and cleaning up of the liver throughout the month. The liver makes all of our hormones from cholesterol, and is responsible for keeping hormone cycling going smoothly at the direction of the pituitary, hypothalamus, and ovaries that make things happen. However, in some women, some hormones are not released when they should be and there can be some conflict to put it mildly. In addition to herbal support for pain, there are herbs that can help to assist with regulation. Long-term suffering does not need to occur. Speak with your ND and get relief!