Welcome to episode 5 of the Inspirited Wellness Podcast!
Click the link below to listen to the podcast, or read on!
Inspirited Wellness Podcast Episode 5 – Are Periods Necessary? Changing the Narrative
If you follow my Facebook page, you may have seen my post last week linking an article titled, “Periods are Optional. Here’s the Why and How.” I responded in this Facebook post, but I have so much more to share so I did a podcast on the subject.
Women using birth control to stop their periods is nothing new, it’s been going on for years. But this is the first time I’ve ever seen a doctor actually say that periods are optional, unnecessary, and that “some health experts believe you may be healthier without them.”
Modern Medical Mindset on Display
This really illustrates the disconnect many medical professionals have about the body and the way they compartmentalize of all the organs and bodily functions. Instead of getting to the root of the problem to figure out why women are having distressing symptoms, modern medicine’s answer is to just shut down the offending body part.
The Power to Choose
I’m very pro-medical choice. I believe that people have the right to choose whatever medical procedure they want. I’m not talking about suppression of information, even if it’s information I don’t agree with and believe it’s harmful to health and wellness.
But!! I also believe that doctors have a responsibility to inform their patients of the potential risks of whatever medications or procedures they’re offering.
Be Informed
I want women to be knowledgeable about the possible outcomes of any medication or procedure so she understands what may be taking place in her body and take steps to mitigate any side effects.
We know that the Birth Control Pill depletes certain nutrients, especially vitamin B. Knowing this, a woman choosing to be on the pill can take steps to make sure she’s eating foods high in those nutrients, or even supplement her diet.
That’s a good thing, yes?
Don’t Be an Uniformed Healthcare Consumer
My frustration with this article was that the information about suppressing menstruation is being put forward by this doctor as a great option with no risks or side effects.
Understanding that all of your organs and systems work together and that a disruption in one area ripples out to other areas, you recognize that shutting down one area of the body will have consequences to overall health, as well as potentially effecting hormones and emotional well being.
The Birth Control Pill and other forms of hormonal birth control cut off communication between the brain and ovaries. There are ALWAYS consequences to suppressing natural bodily functions.
Setting the Foundation – Mindset
There’s so much to share on this issue, but I believe that it’s vital to begin with mindset. How do you think about your period?
I want to help break this pervasive way of thinking about menstruation, and by extension, our bodies.
This negative way of thinking about something that happens every month for years, trickles down to our daughters and perpetuates the idea that our periods are something to be hated.
Is this how we want our daughters to think about their bodies?
So, What Do You Really Think About Your Period?
Really dig deep and ask yourself:
- What do I believe about my body?
- What do I tell myself about my period and how it effects my life?
- Why do I believe this?”
- What was I taught about menstruation as a girl and was it positive or negative?
- Is any of this true?
I believe that if you answer these questions honestly, you’ll realize how much negative programming we’ve internalized from the very beginning.
Period Pain
I understand that many women and young girls have mood swings and discomfort at certain points in their cycles. It’s estimated that over 84% of women experience pain during their periods so this certainly provides your brain with proof that your period is a dreaded occurrence.
We can absolutely cover this in a future episode because this kind of suffering is not necessary, but I really want to focus on mindset in this episode because this is where real change begins.
Get to Know Your Cycle
Did you know that you have a unique rhythm to your cycle and getting to know this rhythm can help you live a happier life? Use this innate rhythm to your advantage and be intentional about where your energy is going during the different times of the month.
Let me explain. There are points in your cycle where you’re naturally more energetic and creative. This is the time to plan projects and have important meetings.
There are also times during your cycle where you’re naturally going to be more sensitive and inwardly focused. You may lack motivation and energy. This is not the time to have difficult conversations or to go all out on a project that requires a lot of energy.
Using your Cycle to Your Advantage
If you spend a couple months tracking your cycle, the symptoms that occur, and your mood, you’ll see a pattern and be able to better predict when these different peaks and valleys in your energy happen.
When you get to know your unique rhythm, you can actually plan your month in a way that’s productive, as well as bringing an awareness and connection to your body instead of hating on it.
Let’s face it – we can’t always plan our month based on our cycle. But having that awareness allows us to understand what’s happening in our bodies and we’re better able to relax and give ourselves more grace when we feel tired and irritable – instead of trying to muscle through.
Scratching the Surface
This is super basic, but I hope it gives you some things to think about.
We really need to change the narrative when it comes to how we think and talk about our periods because if you think negatively about your menstrual cycle, I guarantee that your daughters are too.
This idea that periods are an inconvenience and a burden is so ingrained in our society and women’s health will continue to suffer if it continues.
Legacy
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want young girls to grow up thinking that their bodies are scary, shameful, and need to be managed and controlled.
How do you talk about your period to your friends or spouse? How have you presented information to your daughter? Think about the subtle and not so subtle ways we unconsciously imprint negative thought patterns into our daughter’s minds.
A young lady’s first menstruation can be a beautiful, bonding experience for mom and daughter as she moves into a new phase of life.
Think of ways you can celebrate!
Where to Go From Here
Step 1:
Question your thoughts. All change begins here – not from a place of shame or blame because no lasting change comes from those emotions. Just be curious about why you think the way you do and question if those thoughts are true.
People often want to jump right to fixing the problem first. They just want to know which gemmotherapy extract or homeopathic remedy to take for their particular issue. Let’s step back and fix the wonky thinking first!
Step 2:
Get to know your body! Read books to learn how your body functions and how your cycles, hormones, nutrition, and stress all play a part in your health. If you’re having symptoms, your body is sending you a message.
Here are a couple of book recommendations:
Track your cycle and note:
- Where you are in your cycle
- Any symptoms that are presenting. (Tender breasts, cramping, acne, etc.)
- Your mood and energy level throughout the month
Step 3:
Take action! Make lifestyle and dietary changes based off of what you’ve learned in steps 1 and 2.
Step 4:
After you’ve laid the foundation from steps 1-3 and you still need help, I’m here for you.
You’ll probably see a lot of positive results simply from making simple changes, but in this world where almost everyone has deep seated chronic disease, sometimes our bodies need help from natural medicines to get back into balance. It doesn’t have to be a first resort though! Lay the foundation and move forward when you hit a plateau.
Until next time, much love and many blessings to you, and yours.
Christina
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The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and not a replacement for medical advice. Any questions or concerns regarding your specific health-care needs should be addressed to your health-care provider. The author is not a medical doctor and will not be held liable for any outcomes linked to this information. The user takes full and complete responsibility for all outcomes to yourself or any other party as a result of any information contained or linked on this blog.
