If you are reading this I am sure you have had your own experiences with menstrual pains (either from yourself, a friend, or spouse). I know people who have such tremendous pain with their menstrual cycles they have difficulty holding down a job. As always, I thought I would share my personal experience and what I have found to be the most helpful in naturally alleviating both physical and emotional pain that can be associated with my cycle.
I would describe my “normal” menstrual symptoms as moderate. Prior to doing the tips that I list below I would have cramping that caused me to double over in pain but I was still able to function and work. I could be quite unreasonably emotional and hard to get along with (so much so that if I could have gotten away from myself, I would have).
The number one thing that has helped my cycle is increasing water consumption. This month, especially for the last week, I did less well on water intake and I could tell in my feelings of moodiness.
Number two for helping my cycle is listening to my body and making sure that I am paying attention to the signals it gives me (throughout the month). Instead of blindly popping a pain reliever if I have a headache, I will work backward and do an inventory of my body to identify where the headache might have come from. If I realize I have been hunched over the computer I will do some stretching and ask my hubby for a back rub or if my water intake has been low I will drink 10 oz of water right away and then make a conscious effort to get another 20 oz into my body in the next hour.
One big piece of this is resolving differences in relationships and not letting bad feelings fester and grow. For me, it is taking time to grieve losses I have had or they really show up during PMS time. I also strive to get eight to nine hours of sleep per night because that really makes a difference for me.
To help with my cycle overall, and especially for the emotional side of things, I have added GLA (gamma linolenic acid) which is an omega-6 fatty acid that our bodies use to form prostaglandins (hormone-like substances that our bodies use to regulate processes). I take two a day and the week to ten days before my period starts I bump it up to three per day.
The first month I added GLA to my daily routine my period started around my normal timing and I mentioned it casually to my husband that my period had begun. He looked over at me surprised and said, “I didn’t think it was coming up so quick.” To which I replied, “I don’t know why you would be surprised, it falls around the same time every month.” He said, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I didn’t have any warning this month that it was starting.” (He meant crankiness and then he asked if he could buy stock in GLA.)
I almost always have a backache the first 24-36 hours of my period. I have found that Shaklee’s Joint and Muscle Cream really eases my back pain. If the cat gives me a snuggle too, it is even more effective.
I also take chewable Calcium and Magnesium supplements the first couple days of my period to help relax my muscles.
I am a big fan of using glad rags or another reusable product for menstrual flow. You can go to www.gladrags.com and check out what they have for both external and internal use. The organic cotton is really wonderful feeling and so much better for our bodies than all the synthetics and chemicals in disposables. Plus, I haven’t had to purchase any supplies in years! It is an investment initially but then you more than make your money back.
Take care of yourself and honor all parts of you. Try not to get so caught up in day-to-day tasks that you don’t listen to the messages your body is sending. We women sometimes get busy and put others ahead of our own needs. Remember if you aren’t good to yourself, you won’t be able to be good for others. Take time to nurture YOU.
Donna Copeland is an Independent Shaklee Distributor who prefers to support her body and provide nutrition to give the building blocks for health and happiness. You can check out the supplements at: www.DonnaCopeland.MyShaklee.com There is a money-back guarantee on all products. Donna is paid by Shaklee for products purchased through her or her website. She is not paid or compensated in anyway by gladrags.
