Period pain is not normal
I know people get triggered by this statement because how many of us have not suffered from period pain? With menstrual cramps, achy backs, fatigue and just feeling really crap?
The narrative in movies, conversations and memes is that menstruation is suffering, period pain is normal and menstruation is an inconvenience.
Yes, the memes about our cycle can be funny. Some true. And for some of these stories we keep repeating, the narrative, really isn’t helpful.
Instead, I’ll say:
Period pain is not normal but it is common.
Sure there is a sensation when our endometrial tissue layer is ready to be released and the process that releases the blood. When prostaglandins flood the system. When the uterus starts to contract to support the process of releasing the menstrual tissue.
So yes there is sensation. Menstruation is a big deal. And it really is quite incredible that our bodies can do this every month.
However, if the period pain is debilitating and affects your daily life then there is some kind of imbalance even if it is “just” stress.
Living with the cycles
Because our hormones and doshas (from an ayurvedic approach) change through the different phases of the cycle it makes sense to adjust accordingly. To live with our cycle rather than ignoring these shifts.
We may feel more tired or sensitive (physically and emotionally) during our periods compared to the late follicular phase or ovulation. And that is normal.
In my book Teaching yoga for the menstrual cycle - an Āyurvedic approach, I discuss this in detail with the connection to yoga. But the principles apply to every part of our life. I share more of this in the Feminine Cycles & Seasons online course.
Start to notice the different phases of your menstrual cycle. From menstruation, through the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.
How is your diet, your cravings (healthy or unhealthy ones), your energy, your mental and emotional capacity, your creativity, your strength or your motivation?
Once we start to live with the cycles we can start to embrace to energy of the menstrual phase too.
Of course, our natural tendencies, our constitution and our lifestyle will affect our periods. I wrote about this in my previous blog How do doshas affect menstruation? When we know our tendencies we can adjust throughout the cycle. Not just around our periods.
But I hate my periods
Having menstrual cycle awareness may not be the panacea. It might offer some understanding though. And if you experience very painful, irregular, heavy or no periods you should always advocate for yourself and ask for support from your medical professional. There can be many variables from endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, thyroid or other hormonal imbalances that affect our cycle which we may need support with.
This can be through chemical drugs, prescriptions from doctors or ayurvedic practitioners or other health care providers. It can also be potential surgery. Or lifestyle and diet changes.
It’s not all in your head. It is in your body. Not just the uterus or ovaries. The hormones are part of a full-body system. And this includes stress hormones too - our mind.
Having a comfortable period
Here are a few things to make your period more comfortable:
Acceptance and acceptance of how you currently experience your period
Hot water bottle
Period pants. Seriously I wish they were available through my years of pads moving around in my pants and of plastic sticky sensations at my sensitive vulva… but they came about in my 40s and I love them. I get mine from WUKA and I love the various styles from boy shorts (great for sleeping in or heavy flow) to the lace ones because they make me feel good and the stretchy ones for yoga leggings. Check WUKA out here and use ANJA_YOGINI for a discount!
When I use tampons I get organic cotton ones from TOTM
Gentle movement and restorative yoga practice. I share some of these in the Feminine Cycles & Seasons online course and in my book
Easy to digest foods - although I also enjoy chocolate
A good book or magazine
Comfortable clothes. I get extra sensitive around my period so soft gentle material is best for me
What do you enjoy for a more comfortable period?
Check out my book Teaching yoga for the menstrual cycle - an Āyurvedic approach, I discuss this in detail with the connection to yoga. I also share more of this in the Feminine Cycles & Seasons online course.
