What Is A Healthy Period?
Did you know that how often we get our period, how long it is, and what colour and consistency it is can tell us about what’s going on with our estrogen and progesterone levels?
Our period is our 5th vital sign. It can tell us about the state of our health, and help us get to the root of symptoms like PMS and infertility.
What is a normal period?
The ideal period is 5-7 days, starts and ends with a fresh cranberry red colour, has a medium viscosity (not too thin, not too thick) and occurs every 28-30 days. However, many nutrition and lifestyle factors can throw our cycles off and contribute to hormonal imbalance. The good news is, nutrition and lifestyle shifts can also get our cycles back into a healthy flow.
If your period is…
Light prune juice brown and spotty
It’s a sign of low levels of progesterone. The brown colour is old oxidized blood that didn’t make it out of the uterus last cycle. Low progesterone can lead to longer, irregular cycles and cause a build up of uterine lining. It can contribute to longer and more intense PMS symptoms, premature aging, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty maintaining a pregnancy if trying to conceive.
To boost progesterone: Pasture-raised liver, egg yolks, vitex
Pale pink with very light bleeding
It’s a sign of low estrogen. Low estrogen can lead to shorter periods, low bone density, loss of skin elasticity, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, depression, anxiety, fatigue, hair loss or hair thinning, premature aging, and can cause difficulty conceiving. Since our hormones are made from the food we eat, low estrogen is likely due to nutrient deficiencies from poor or extreme diets. We also struggle to produce adequate estrogen when our adrenals are overburdened. If you have super short cycles (2 or more within a 28-36 day cycle) it can indicate low thyroid function.
To boost estrogen and thyroid: Sea veggies (for iodine), protein, omega 3 fatty acids
Dark purple and heavy with clots
It’s a sign of elevated levels of estrogen. Since estrogen builds the lining of the uterus, high levels can lead to cramping, abdominal pain, endometriosis, cysts, fibroids, polyps and more serious issues over time. It can also contribute to extreme mood swings and depression. Supporting the liver is important as the liver breaks down and clears estrogen to prevent it from building up. Supporting iron levels to prevent anemia is important as well.
To support the liver and boost iron: Pasture-raised liver, soluble fibre, nettle, unsulphured blackstrap molasses (both in my iron boosting tonic here), milk thistle
If you’re wanting more support with your hormone health:
Nourished For Life provides you with a nutrient-dense nutrition plan full of hormone supportive micronutrients
Phase Fit provides you with workouts that are supportive for each phase of your menstrual cycle
Inner Zen provides you with nourishing self-care practices that help you manage stress for optimal sex hormone production
Now I’d love to hear from you! Which period type are you? Which symptoms affect you most? What have you tried? Share and let me know!
P.s. If you know someone who might be struggling with #periodproblems, share this article with them!
P.s.s. If you’re interested in learning more about hormone supportive vitamins and minerals, you can check out my free workshop here.