A woman's menstrual cycle is very personal, and each woman will have a different experience. Did you know that your period can give you insights about the state of your overall health?
Here are some things to look for to give you information about your period:
1) Period Pain
Pain in your body is a product of the inflammation process. During the menstruation process your uterus, which is a muscle, contracts, causing the lining to detach. This detachment is what you see as your period.
If you have pain during your period it is because your body is releasing chemicals called prostaglandins. They are part of the inflammation process. If you have pain during your period, it is a sign that you have excess inflammation in your body.
From a preventative standpoint you might want to look at ways to decrease inflammation, since it is an underlying cause in many chronic diseases.
The pain from you period is called dysmenorrhea. Notice if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, back pain, diarrhea or vomiting. Any of these could be symptoms of something more serious like endometriosis or fibroids. It is important to see your gynecologist to get a workup.
2) Light or Infrequent Periods
If you are sexually active and your period stops, the first thing to consider is pregnancy. Once you've ruled that out, consider your age.
The average age of menopause is 51 years old, so if you are around that age you might be moving into menopause. You can get your hormones checked to see if you are going into menopause.
If you still able to bear children then you might want to look at other underlying medical conditions. These can include thyroid disorders, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian failures or disorders of the brain.
Finally, for any of you that love exercise and work out excessively, it can affect your period. If your percentage of body fat is too low, it can cause your period to stop. This can also be the case if a woman is experiencing an eating disorder.
3) Heavy Periods
Heavy periods can sometimes be a result of conditions like uterine fibroids, miscarriages or clotting disorders. After menopause, this can indicate cancer of the uterus.
Heavy periods can also cause excessive blood loss, which can cause anemia. Be sure to have a blood test to see if you are anemic from excess blood loss.
Insights From Color
The color of your menstrual blood can give you information about your period, according to Alisa Vitti, a holistic health counselor and functional nutritionist. (1)
The normal color and consistency is similar to cranberry juice. If the color is closer to purple and the consistency more like frozen blueberries, Vitti says it's an indication of high estrogen levels. This causes the uterus lining to be thick, and could cause heavier periods.
If the color of your periods is more like strawberry jam or a very light pink color, estrogen levels can be low. Low estrogen can cause other symptoms such as vaginal dryness, low libido, hair loss and fatigue. You might also experience irregular or infrequent periods.
So now you can see how much your period can tell you about other underlying conditions in your body. Take on the challenge to pay close attention to your next period. If you notice anything that should be checked by your physician, make your appointment!
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Daemon Jones
Dr. Dae's website: www.HealthyDaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Dr. Daemon Jones is your diabetes reversal, hormones, metabolism and weight loss expert. Dr. Dae is a naturopathic doctor who treats patients all over the country using Skype and phone appointments. Visit her or schedule a free consultation at her website www.HealthyDaes.com
Reviewed June 22, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith