How to Build a Better Relationship with Your Period – Even When It’s Tough
It’s no secret that forming a positive relationship with your period can feel nearly impossible when you’re experiencing painful or disruptive symptoms every month. Whether it’s severe cramping, mood swings, heavy bleeding, or any number of other unpleasant side effects, it’s understandable why so many of us see our menstrual cycles as an enemy rather than a natural part of life.
But what if there was a way to better understand your period so that you could work with it rather than against it? This is exactly what I want to explore with you today – the idea that, once you decode the signals your body is sending, you can begin to work with your menstrual cycle in a way that’s empowering, rather than something you simply endure.
Understanding Your Symptoms: The First Step Towards a Healthier Relationship
The first step in this journey is getting to grips with the symptoms you experience. Painful periods, erratic cycles, and intense PMS are often signs that something isn’t quite right. But rather than suffering in silence or feeling at the mercy of your hormones, it’s essential to start paying attention to what your body is trying to communicate.
When you begin to track your symptoms, patterns will often emerge that give you valuable insights. Perhaps your anxiety spikes at a specific point in your cycle, or maybe those intense sugar cravings are linked to a certain hormonal shift. By becoming more aware of these patterns, you’re taking the first step towards gaining control and ultimately working with your cycle rather than feeling like it’s something that happens to you.
Getting to a Diagnosis: The Importance of Listening to Your Body
It’s crucial to remember that you don’t have to suffer needlessly. If your period symptoms are impacting your daily life, it’s worth seeking a professional diagnosis. Conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other menstrual-related disorders are far more common than people realise, and getting a proper diagnosis is key to managing them effectively.
Armed with the right knowledge, you’ll be in a much stronger position to start making choices that support your overall wellbeing. Whether that’s through diet, lifestyle changes, or specific treatments, having a clear understanding of what’s going on in your body is essential.
We’re Not Meant to be at the Mercy of Our Hormones
The idea that we should be controlled by our hormones is outdated. Yes, hormonal fluctuations are a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. Once you understand what’s happening in your body, you can begin to work with your cycle rather than being a passive participant in it.
Think of it as learning a new language. Just like mastering any new skill, it takes time and practice, but the more you engage with it, the more fluent you become. Before long, you’ll start to notice when certain symptoms are likely to arise, and you’ll be better equipped to manage them.
Learning the Language of Your Body
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with confusing symptoms, but learning to tune in and listen to your body is incredibly empowering. The more you understand your body’s unique rhythm, the more confidently you can navigate your cycle.
By embracing this process, you’re not just improving your relationship with your period – you’re also taking a step towards greater overall wellbeing. When we learn to work with our cycles, we’re no longer at the mercy of our hormones, but instead, can actively shape our experience each month.
Taking the Power Back
Building a positive relationship with your period when you’re dealing with difficult symptoms can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. The key lies in understanding your symptoms, getting the right diagnosis, and learning how to work with your cycle. You deserve to feel empowered by your body’s natural processes, not defeated by them.
So, take that first step – start paying attention, track your symptoms, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. Your period doesn’t have to be something you dread; it can become a source of insight and even strength, once you know what it’s trying to tell you.
Look out for my group (Name reveal pending!) that will be starting up in the autumn, we are going to be lasering in on this stuff so you become the experts!