When you’re experiencing PMS or period symptoms, it’s easy to think that it’s simply a hormone imbalance. Don’t get me wrong often hormones can be out of whack. As a woman, your menstrual cycle is an indicator of much more. Did you know that these days there are many things that can disrupt our hormones. Herbicides/pesticides, plastics, skincare and beauty products can all impact hormones. Other diet and lifestyle choices can too.

What your menstrual cycle is like on any given month can be a result of many things that have happened in your life in the previous few months. If you experience a period of stress, are not eating well, and are not getting enough fresh air or exercise, this can impact period time.

The contributors to period woes

Often, addressing gut and liver health is necessary for hormonal health. If there is gut inflammation, damage or dysfunction, this will need to be treated in order to achieve hormone balance. If the liver is not clearing toxins well or is sluggish, this can impact hormone breakdown and lead to an imbalance. When headaches and nausea occur around period-time this can be a sign of liver dysfunction.

Stress and depletion can also impact the menstrual cycle. Many women notice a worsening of mood and anxiety leading up to or during their period. If you’ve experienced regular stress throughout your cycle, this can also create more symptoms around period time and sometimes at ovulation. We can’t separate our overall health and our menstrual health. One effects the other!

What we eat can affect our cycles and hormonal health. This affects some women more than others, but your diet is the first thing to examine if you have period troubles. I’ve noticed this over the years, particularly when I’ve been following my Metabolic Balance plan more closely that I have minimal premenstrual symptoms and easy periods.

Nutrient deficiencies can also impact hormonal health. Many nutrients, if too low, will cause or make hormonal symptoms much worse.

Toxicity can also play a role. Copper overload, as well as heavy metal toxicity, can also be an underlying reason why hormones aren’t behaving. I use HTMA to assess this.

So, while your period and symptoms throughout your cycle can indicate a hormone imbalance of some kind, there are underlying factors that also need to be addressed.

Take action and get support with your menstrual cycle. Make an appointment with Nicole today!