It’s time to change the narrative about period pain. Many women believe that cramps, bloating, and discomfort are just part of “that time of the month,” but the truth is, pain with your period is NOT normal. While some mild discomfort may occur, debilitating pain is often a sign that your body is out of balance.
The good news is, there are steps you can take to address it and have a healthier, more manageable and healthy menstrual cycle! Taking birth control pills and ibuprofen is not a normal part of managing your cycle!
Let’s explore three essential changes you can make to relieve painful periods.
1. Avoid Inflammatory and Processed Foods
What you eat plays a critical role in how your body manages inflammation, which directly impacts period pain. Processed foods, sugar, refined carbs, and trans fats can all increase inflammation, leading to more intense cramps and discomfort.
Instead, focus on an anti-inflammatory diet filled with whole foods like:
Leafy greens (rich in magnesium)
Fatty fish like salmon (packed with omega-3 fatty acids)
Fruits such as berries (loaded with antioxidants)
Nuts and seeds (high in healthy fats)
Turmeric and ginger (natural anti-inflammatory spices)
Eliminating processed, sugary, and fried foods can lower inflammation and give your body the nutrients it needs to heal and support a healthy hormonal balance.
Drink Organic Red Raspberry Leaf Tea to support the uterine lining
2. Choose Feminine Products Wisely
Not all pads and tampons are created equal. Many mainstream feminine hygiene products contain synthetic materials, fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals that can aggravate sensitive tissues and contribute to hormone disruption.
Switching to organic, dye-free feminine products can make a big difference in managing period pain. Brands like Lola offer tampons and pads that are made from 100% organic cotton without harmful chemicals. By choosing products free from fragrances and additives, you can minimize irritation and reduce the toxic load on your body, helping to alleviate period-related discomfort.
3. Examine Your Household and Personal Care Products
Everyday products like lotions, shampoos, cleaning supplies, and even makeup can contain hidden endocrine disruptors like fragrances, phthalates, and sulfates. These chemicals interfere with your body’s natural hormone production, leading to excess estrogen levels, which can cause heavier, more painful periods and even drive conditions like endometriosis.
To support a healthier cycle:
Ditch products with artificial fragrances and opt for fragrance-free alternatives.
Avoid products containing phthalates and sulfates by reading labels carefully or using clean beauty apps for safer options.
Transition to more natural cleaning and personal care products that use simple, non-toxic ingredients.
Supplement the week before your cycle with omega 3 and magnesium, and reduce your caffeine intake, then the week of consider liver supplements to help with iron and energy.
Reducing your exposure to these harmful chemicals can decrease excess estrogen in your system, leading to lighter, less painful periods.
Painful periods shouldn’t be something you have to live with. By making small but powerful changes to your diet, feminine product choices, and household products, you can take back control of your cycle and reduce period pain naturally. Listen to your body—it’s telling you that something needs to change. Start with these simple shifts and see the difference they can make in your overall well-being.