Understanding Your Period: A Reflection of Hormonal Health

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For many, periods have long been something to hide, work around, or simply endure. But what if we started seeing them as a vital sign—an important reflection of our overall hormonal health? Whether your cycle is smooth and predictable or marked by intense pain and irregularity, your period provides valuable insights into what’s happening with your body. Understanding the hormonal shifts that occur throughout the cycle can help you take charge of your health and wellbeing.

WHAT’S HAPPENING HORMONALLY DURING YOUR CYCLE?

Throughout the menstrual cycle, hormone levels fluctuate, guiding different phases of the cycle. In brief:

  • Follicular Phase (Days 1-14, starting with your period): Estrogen begins to rise, preparing the body for ovulation.
  • Ovulation (Mid-cycle, around Day 14): Estrogen peaks, and luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation.
  • Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Progesterone rises to support a potential pregnancy, then drops if no fertilization occurs, leading to your next period.

These hormone shifts affect energy levels, mood, metabolism, and even exercise performance. (For a deeper dive into hormonal cycles, check out our previous blog on the topic.)

WHAT’S NORMAL WHEN IT COMES TO PERIOD SYMPTOMS?

Period symptoms can vary, but generally, a healthy period includes:

  • Mild to moderate cramping
  • Bleeding with little to no clotting or small clots
  • Changes in mood or appetite that don’t interfere significantly with daily life

WAIT – EXTREME PAIN & HEAVY BLEEDING AREN’T NORMAL?

Nope! While severe cramping, heavy bleeding, and large clots are common, they aren’t normal. These symptoms can signal hormonal imbalances that may require further attention.

Many teens and adults are prescribed hormonal birth control to manage these symptoms. While this can help alleviate discomfort, it also masks underlying imbalances that, if unaddressed, could contribute to other hormone-influenced health issues down the line. Additionally, those hoping to conceive in the future may need additional time off birth control to regulate their cycles and address any imbalances that were previously overlooked.

WHAT CAN INFLUENCE PERIOD SYMPTOMS?

Several factors can impact period pain and hormonal balance:

  • Fatty Acid Levels: Omega-3s can help reduce inflammation and cramping.
  • Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation and can ease period pain.
  • Stress: Chronically high cortisol levels can disrupt hormone balance, making PMS symptoms worse.
  • Alcohol: Increases free estradiol, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone, which can lead to more intense symptoms.
  • Blood Sugar Levels: Fluctuations in blood sugar can contribute to more severe PMS symptoms. To help regulate blood sugar:
    • Reduce refined sugar intake
    • Include protein in every meal (plant-based or animal-based)
    • Incorporate healthy fats, which help reduce cravings and synthesize hormones
    • Vitamin B can aid in blood sugar regulation
    • Higher insulin resistance can occur at the start of menstruation and during ovulation
  • Exercise: Both too little and too much exercise can impact cycle regularity and symptoms.
    • Excessive exercise can lead to cycle disruptions.
    • Balanced exercise—including strength training and moderate cardio—can support hormone regulation.

SUPPORTING HORMONAL HEALTH FOR A BETTER PERIOD

By focusing on balance—through stress management, nutrition, and movement—you’re not just improving PMS symptoms; you’re improving overall hormonal health. And hormones affect everything—your mood, sleep, energy, and long-term well-being.

At our clinic, we aim to shift the conversation around periods from something to endure to something that can inform and guide your health. We support our period-having clients in developing a better relationship with their menstrual cycles, helping them recognize patterns, identify potential imbalances, and find solutions that align with their health goals.

If you’re concerned about hormone imbalances, we can help connect you with resources tailored to your needs—whether you prefer a natural approach, pharmaceutical options, or a combination of both. Your period is an important part of your health story, and we’re here to help you understand and optimize it.