Period Power: 7 Tips to Tame the Red Dragon
Oh no! Not another period!! No need to fear, I’ve got you covered.
Hello to my ladies! Let's talk about something we all know and love (not really): periods. Those monthly visitors can be a real pain – literally. But what if I told you there are ways to make them more manageable? I used to have dreaded stay in bed, lay on a heating pad and pray for relief from cramps and painful breasts periods. I was estrogen dominant and full of chemicals and hormone disrupters from exposures from my environment, foods and beauty products. My period was not the highlight of my month!! As a health enthusiast and Lifewave brand partner, I'm here to share 7 tips to help you take control of your periods and feel like a rockstar (even on your worst days).
1. Ditch the Receipts
Chemicals on receipts are absorbed through your skin and cause hormone disruption. Why is that a problem for women? It can result in painful periods and even trouble getting and staying pregnant.
Yep, you read that right. Receipts are hormone disruptors in disguise. They contain chemicals like BPA and BPS, which can mimic estrogen in your body and throw your hormones out of whack. Regularly handling receipts can lead to:
Hormonal imbalances
Increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive issues
Disrupted thyroid function
Painful periods
I like to choose an emailed receipt when possible. If that is not an option, I kindly ask the checkout person to put it in the bag for me to avoid touching the paper receipt. If you must handle receipts, wash your hands thoroughly afterward, and avoid using hand sanitizer, which can increase the absorption of these nasty chemicals.
2. Avoid Products with Hormone Disruptors
Some personal care products contain chemicals that can disrupt your hormones, like:
- Parabens in shampoos and conditioners
- Phthalates in fragrances and makeup
- Triclosan in hand soaps and toothpaste
Choose products that are free from these hormone-disrupting chemicals to keep your hormones in balance. SkinSAFE has an app that allows you to scan or search over 90,000 products to see how they rate for your specific concerns. Clearya is another app that helps you shop safer options online.
3. Go Organic for Feminine Hygiene
Ditch the conventional pads and tampons, which can contain chemicals and dyes that can irritate your skin and disrupt your hormones. Opt for organic, chemical-free products that are gentler on your body.
Watch out for these nasty chemicals in non-organic products:
- Dioxins: Known to be carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting.
- Fragrances: Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- Dyes: May be carcinogenic or hormone-disrupting.
- Talc: Has been linked to ovarian cancer and other health issues.
Choose organic products that are free from these chemicals to prioritize your health and well-being. This was a more expensive endeavor for sure, but paid off in spades as in as little as one month after switching.I saw a major reduction in period cramps. I like the Rael and L. Cotton Tampons Regular options.
4. Crunch on Healthy, Nutrient Rich, Hydrating Foods and Cruciferous Veggies
Veggies like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower are packed with nutrients that support hormone balance and reduce inflammation. Add them to your diet to help alleviate period symptoms.
5. Indulge in Dark Chocolate (The Right Way!)
Dark chocolate can be a game-changer for period symptoms! Here's why:
Ghirardelli Intense Dark 92% Cacao is low in heavy medals, low in sugar and hits that 90% mark that is so beneficial for X39 patchers!
- Mood Boost: Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a natural mood elevator that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Pain Relief: Dark chocolate contains magnesium, a mineral that can help relax muscles and reduce menstrual cramp pain.
- Serotonin Boost: Dark chocolate contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
- Inflammation Reduction: Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms like bloating and breast tenderness.
To reap the benefits, look for dark chocolate with:
- At least 70% cocoa solids (but I choose 90% for the copper benefits for patching)
- Minimal added sugars
- High-quality ingredients
Enjoy dark chocolate in moderation, and let the good times roll!
6. Boost your Wellness with LifeWave Patches
Some of my favorite LifeWave patches for further promoting a woman’s wellness are LifeWave's X39. It supports the flow of natural energy within your body to encourage and support whole-body wellness and healthy activity. SP6, Alavida and Aeon are other patches I encourage you to ask me about. None of them contain drugs or stimulants. I attribute a great deal of my wellness to incorporating these patented phototherapy patches into my routine.
7. Switch to Higher Vibration Clothing like Lenin, Wool, Cotton, Bamboo and Silk.
It’s time to ask, “What are most of your clothes made of?
Some believe that low vibration clothes made of spandex and polyester, used to make comfy stretchy activewear, can effect your energy levels and maybe even your hormones and fertility. More research is needed to fully understand the effects, but when possible, I choose higher frequency fabrics and believe this choice could contribute to greater wellness. Can’t change your clothes right now? Have to wear a polyester uniform for your job? Another sweet way to work covering your body in high vibration fabrics is to sleep in silk, cotton, or bamboo sheets!
This Pure Bamboo Queen Sheets Bed Sheet Set keeps me cool and is super soft.
Bonus Tips:
- Avoid drinking and eating out of plastic.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
- Use Dragon Time essential oil from Young Living to help alleviate period symptoms like cramps and mood swings. Young Living used to have a fantastic body wash with these ingredients, but sadly it was discontinued. You can use this oil daily on your abdomen instead.
Signs Your Hormones May Be Out of Whack:
Crampy periods
Irregular periods or heavy bleeding
Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
Swollen or cysts in your breasts that get larger during your period
Whiskers on your chin
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to take a closer look at your hormone balance.
Share Your Tips!
Were any of these new tips for you? What have you tried? What are your favorite tips for having a good period? Share them with us in the comments below! Let's support each other in taking control of our health and wellness.
Stay healthy, happy, and hormone-balanced, ladies!