Many women experience period problems, from painful cramps to irregular cycles. Just try searching for menstruation images online and see how many show a woman curled up in pain. I myself used to think that the heavy, seven-day periods I had been having since adolescence were just the bad luck card I had been dealt in this life.
I have been listening to an interview with Le’Nise Brothers, a yoga teacher, nutritionist, and host of the podcast “Period Story”. She argues that there is a difference between common and normal – and that just because menstrual issues are widespread does not mean they are healthy or inevitable.
Our menstrual cycle is one of our vital signs.
It is a signal our body gives us about our overall health status. And when your period is one of your vital signs, it is really important not to ignore it.
Why are so many women having menstrual problems today?
Le’Nise points to our modern lifestyle as a key factor in the rise of period problems. Stress, poor sleep, and a diet full of processed foods, sugar and alcohol create an environment that disrupts our hormones.
The impact on quality of life can be significant. Heavy bleeding can be depleting and exhausting. Painful periods can leave women unable to function or participate in daily activities. PMDD — a severe form of PMS — can cause serious anxiety, depression, and in some cases suicidal ideation.
What are some treatment approaches?
Le’Nise advocates for a personalised approach that considers each person’s unique needs. Some key areas to focus on:
Diet: Whole, unprocessed foods — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. For heavy periods, iron levels are worth paying particular attention to.
Gut health: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in hormone health. Fermented foods and probiotics can help support a healthy gut environment.
Supplements: Vitamins E, D and B6 can be helpful depending on individual needs.
Stress management: Chronic stress disrupts hormones. Yoga and meditation are particularly useful tools here.
Sleep: Consistent, quality sleep is foundational to hormonal balance.
Hormone testing: Blood tests can reveal underlying imbalances that are worth addressing directly.
Painful, heavy, irregular periods are not something we have to accept. As Le’Nise points out, and as yoga teachers have long understood, yoga is not only good for stress relief – it is also a powerful tool for supporting ovarian health, opening space in the pelvis, improving blood and lymph circulation, reducing stagnation and promoting hormonal balance.
Check out Le’Nise Brothers’ book You Can Have a Better Period.
Photo by Mike Murray