Coping With Common Period Problems
One of the things I liked about being pregnant was nine months with no period. It’s not something many of us like, but we gals have to put up with it until menopause stops it from occurring. Even then, if you take hormone replacement therapy, you may still contend with issues related to menstruation.
There are things that can be done to help all of these problems, and most of them are fairly easy. The herbs and foods are widely available and you may not need to find a health food store to purchase them. Most are in your grocery store.
Anemia: Every month we lose a lot of iron when we shed the lining of the uterus. That’s why most women’s vitamins contain the mineral. If you don’t want to take a tablet, you can get iron from many foods, including beef, nuts and spinach. The main symptom of iron deficiency is fatigue, so if you are a little more tired than usual, time for some iron.
Bloating: It can be felt in our abdomen and seen in our feet. Water retention causes this problem in about three quarters of women of child bearing age. One solution may be found in dandelion roots. That pesky weed was actually brought to the U.S. because of its many benefits and this is one of its purposes, to act as a diuretic.
Cramps: This is one of the most annoying aspects of menstruation. Some very fortunate women never have the problem, but most of us do. It can range from mild to severe, and if it is the latter you will need your doctor’s help. However, home remedies can be used. Cramp bark is one of the best, as is willow. However, if you are allergic to aspirin, don’t take willow as it has the same constituent.
Mood Swings: Many women tend to get irritable and emotional before and during their period. It’s not something they want to have happen, but the hormone changes act on the brain. If the problem is fairly minor, chamomile, lavender and/or passionflower could be all that’s needed. If your mood swings cause serious difficulties, including thoughts of suicide, it is time to visit your doctor.
Before taking any new supplements, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor and/or pharmacist. This will help you avoid side effects and drug/herb interactions. Make sure the doctor knows about any medical conditions, medications or supplements you already use.