Women's Health
By Kathy Gruver - LMT, RM, NHC, MS in Natural Health & Doctorate in Traditional Naturopathy

The biggest complaints I have from my female clients are cramps, PMS, and menopause issues. And here are the reasons our periods have been considered the CURSE for generations. Many young women still see their periods as something shameful and parents aren’t giving their daughters a healthy perspective on becoming a woman. I think one of the first things we must do is reclaim the power that comes with menstruation and stop treating it like a negative aspect of being female.

Some experts believe the monthly symptoms of PMS are showing us what is out of balance in our lives and personal relationships. Women who are co-dependent or surrounded by alcoholics are more prone to PMS than other women. I find that I only get cramps and moody when I’m already in a stressful state. We are made to ebb and flow with the tides which are controlled by the moon. The mysteries of the moon can be a source of meditation and revealing of personal power. In ancient times women in the village would ovulate and menstruate together. The full moon would bring the height of fertility and the dark or new moon would show all the women menstruating at the same time. It was a sacred event that the community respected. I’m not saying we should put a hut in the town square and gather monthly, but finding what the sacred is for you, is highly recommended. By doing so, you might be surprised to see your cramps lessening and that you actually look forward to your monthly time of creativity and divinity. This is also is a good time to examine the life around you and see if there are aspects that your body is telling you to change or eliminate.

Moving from the sacred to the physical, there are integral physical components to lessening menstrual issues. Diet, once again, is important to help with cramps and other PMS symptoms. And just a note, cramps are a separate entity from PMS and may or may not be accompanied by it. PMS consists of mood issues, bloating, sleep problems, accident proneness, fatigue, salt cravings, rage, joint pain and numerous other physical and emotional symptoms. You can have cramps without PMS. Either way, taking a good multi vitamin is important with the B vitamins providing extra help. Magnesium is often deficient and this is why we crave chocolate during our cycle. Fish oil also helps with symptoms by decreasing inflammation. PMS is often caused by an inflammatory substance produced in the body called prostaglandins which can create those common nuisances associated with our periods. Advil and similar drugs reduce that inflammation and can quell symptoms. Some women are sensitive to meat, eggs, caffeine and dairy and eliminating these for a few days before your period starts can be helpful. Try to lessen your stress through meditation, massage or energy medicine like reiki. Exercise is important, and try to keep your weight under control. Interestingly, the same nutrients that help PMS also help muscle cramps, headaches, mood disorders and sleep issues. So if you have any of those even when you are not menstruating, you may be deficient and should consider adding B vitamins, Magnesium and Essential Fatty Acids into your daily regime.

As the phases of the moon change from that of full light into darkness, we move into the “croning” phase or menopause. Women who have stopped menstruating were considered the wise women in ancient times, and villagers came to them for advice and guidance. Many women in our modern times become depressed around menopause and feel they are no longer valued. They expect their sex lives to end, their skin to shrivel, bones to crack and no one to value them. Nothing could be further than the truth and I believe that attitude also affects the symptoms of menopause. Women with a negative outlook and fear surrounding the event are going to have more problems with the transition. And just because your mother or sister had certain issues with menopause, doesn’t mean you will also. Genetics are an influence, but not a guarantee.

As with PMS having good nutrition and a healthy weight will help the symptoms. And stress, once again is linked to increased issues. The adrenal glands which sit on top of our kidneys control many hormonal functions in the body and can get burned out during periods of increased stress. Adrenal fatigue can affect your functioning during menopause. Reduce stress, do activities that are important for you and your wellbeing. Vitamins and minerals should be taken daily.

If you experience common menopause symptoms what options are available aside from hormone replacement? Hot flashes which are one of the most common are often improved with the elimination of wine, sugar and coffee. Soy protein and other phytoestrogens are also helpful for all menopause symptoms. Herbs like black cohosh, chasteberry, Siberian ginseng and dong quai are also useful additions. The other major complaint is vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. There are many creams and lotions, some containing hormones that can help keep your love life going strong. I also encourage exploring your attitude about sex. Is your relationship still strong and supportive or might your body simply be giving you a great excuse to not connect with your partner any longer?

What about the mood problems that may come with menopause? Many women feel depressed. This might be a hormonal issue, but I believe it also has to do with your attitude about the change and a need to deal with unfinished life business. Menopause is a time for reflection and going inside one’s self. If what you find there is not pleasing, certainly depression could develop. I think except in the cases of severe, debilitating depression, that natural remedies should be tried first. St John’s Wort and L-Tryptophan are wonderful options for mild depression.

With both PMS and menopause I can’t stress enough the need for a healthy attitude. Take these occurrences as an opportunity to get to know you and what you want with your life at this time. Reduce stress, strengthen your relationships and let go of things that are no longer healthy for you; whether it’s a job, habit or a partnership. Look at menopause as a time of new opportunity and a period of growth. And good luck in your quest for finding the sacred feminine in you.

Big Blend Radio - Kathy Gruver was a featured guest on Champagne Sundays radio show on February 21, 2010. To meet the rest of the guests and listen to the entire show, please click here. To listen to Kathy's interview, please double click on the Play Button below.