Is This Normal? How to Spot Hormonal Imbalances

Most people think that painless periods are just the luck of the draw; some are blessed with easy cycles and others suffer through excruciating pain. For many, a “normal” period includes symptoms so severe that they vomit or pass out. 

But remember: just because something is common, doesn’t mean it’s normal. 

The medical establishment and society at large has long since marginalized people who menstruate and minimized their pain. Women and menstruators’ complaints are often dismissed. We’re told that pain and discomfort are unfortunate realities that must be endured. 

But this isn’t true – horrible periods are not your destiny. In fact, there are many things you can do to make your cycles and periods much more comfortable.

Here are 3 things that are considered “normal” by society’s standards, but are actually signs of imbalanced hormones. If you’re experiencing any or all of these symptoms, your body is signaling that it needs support.

Cramps and Low Back Pain

If your cramps and/or low back pain are strong enough that you need a heating pad, pain killers (advil, tylenol, naproxen), or a day off from work, they are too strong. 

Cramping and pain around the uterus occurs for two main reasons: excess estrogen and inflammation. Both of which can be reduced to make your periods more comfortable. If you struggle with menstrual cramps, try:

1. Eating a full breakfast focused on protein, healthy fats and fiber within an hour of waking. A great example is a three-egg omelet with veggies or a homemade turkey and veggie breakfast sandwich. 

2. Increase your healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation which means less cramping for you! For whole food sources, eat more fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. If fish isn’t your thing, you can take an omega-3 oil daily.

3. Walk outside daily and prioritize strength training. These forms of exercise help to balance hormones, improve strength and reduce stress. 

Pre-Period Anxiety, Insomnia and Mood Swings

These are PMS symptoms that we’re taught to expect, but actually point to a hormonal imbalance. Specifically, they suggest that progesterone is too low. Progesterone is an anti-anxiety, pro-sleep, calming hormone and it should be sky high a week or two before your period. If it’s low, you’ll feel anxious, moody, and irritable. You might have trouble sleeping, cry for no reason or snap at others unprovoked. You may also begin to spot before your period. 

If this is something you experience, try:

1. Supplementing with vitex aka chastetree berry. This is proven to support ovulation and boost progesterone. 

2. Get in bed by 10pm and get 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Sleep is the first place to start when it comes to balancing hormones and 10pm-2am is when we get our most restorative, revitalizing sleep. 

Long Cycles and Unpredictable Periods 

A healthy cycle should be 24-36 days in length (that’s period to period). If you never know when your period is coming, that is not normal. You’re likely having issues with ovulation and your reproductive hormones. When our cycles are sporadic or longer than they should be, it’s usually because we’re under too much stress which causes disregulation. If this happens to you, try:

1. Prioritizing lunch. Don’t skip it! To balance blood sugar and ensure that our bodies are fed what they need, make sure to have three full meals per day as well as snacks, if needed. Aim to eat every 3-5 hours, but listen to your body and your hunger cues. 

2. Eat enough protein. Most of us grossly undereat this vital nutrient. Half of your reproductive hormones are actually made from protein! Aim for at least 100g per day and try to source it from grass-fed and pasture-raised meat, wild caught fish and full fat grass-fed dairy to support your body and the environment. If you’re plant based, this will require more supplementation and planning to make sure you’re getting enough throughout the day. 

3. Have more orgasms. An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away! But really – it’s proven to lower stress hormones, support fertility, improve sleep and boost our moods.

In a system that tells us pain and discomfort are normal, it’s important that we become our own health advocates. We need to listen to our bodies and take our cycle problems into our own hands, especially if we’re getting dismissed when we speak out about them. If you’re looking for more hands-on support, check out our Extended Membership.