Its Time We Stop Suffering In Silence During Our Periods! Breaking The Myths Which Keep You Suffering Needlessly.
We hardly talk about our periods let alone the suffering associated with the menstrual cycle. Most of us think we’re destined to suffer during our period, but let’s debunk the myths associated with our menstrual cycle and why it’s so important to shift our mindset during this time of the month.
Dr Disha Sridhar
I am a Gynaecologist Obstetrician ( MD, DNB OBGYN )with an emphasis on INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE.
PERIOD MYTH #1: Pain is unavoidable.
There are hormones responsible for uterine relaxation and contraction—PGE1, PGE2, and PGE3. PGE2 is the only prostaglandin that is actually responsible for the contraction of the uterus, causing what you know as cramps. PGE1 and PGE3 are responsible for the relaxation of the uterus. Eating the wrong types of fats can lead to the production of more PGE2, therefore leading to a more painful period.
PERIOD MYTH #2: PMS IS INEVITABLE.
PMS or, premenstrual syndrome, occurs when there is excess estrogen in the body and not enough progesterone. To alleviate these symptoms, it’s important to eat the right food to promote the production of progesterone. It’s also important to not let PMS go untreated, as determined by a National Institute of Health study called the BioCycle study. This study found that women who left PMS symptoms untreated in their 20’s and 30’s were more likely to develop the four big diseases of inflammation later in life—diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia.
PERIOD MYTH #3: All of your symptoms should be treated separately.
For Acne you should go to a dermatologist, for mood changes a psychiatrist and so on…but spot treatment of symptoms can’t address the root cause of the problem which is in your endocrine system. Whether you experience acne, bloating, PMS, or any other symptom, the whole body must be treated, not just one symptom at a time. The endocrine system is what needs to be looked at when you experience a host of symptoms during your cycle, as the body works as a unit and all of your hormones are impacted by one another.
PERIOD MYTH #4: Your period needs to be medicated in order to be managed.
The truth is that all of the different types of period problems can be managed through diet and lifestyle changes, and not necessarily through synthetic hormones or birth control pills.
PERIOD MYTH #5: Menstrual blood is unclean.
Did you know that outside of cord blood, it’s one of the richest sources of stem cells? It’s important to shift out of our mindset that period blood is “dirty” and to become more comfortable with handling our period as well as talking about them!
PERIOD MYTH #6: There is no cure for your period condition.
Every condition associated with your cycle can be handled naturally and put into remission by addressing the root cause of the problem. Whether it’s PCOS, PMS or Endometriosis or anything else. You must address the root causes of your symptoms, namely your endocrine dysfunction, to truly improve your condition.
PERIOD MYTH #7: Suffering is your destiny
The truth is that you live in an incredibly powerful body!When you recognise that beyond your body’s ability to create another human being is your ability is to become the best version of yourself- a powerful and creative woman, then you’ll know you won’t be relegated to suffering forever.Remember that health is your birthright and my job is to help you achieve that. Wherever you may be right now, you are a wonderful woman, and once you get the right information, you can make better choices. Stop masking the symptoms and heal the root cause! It’s time to listen to your body and reconnect with yourself. So, what are you waiting for? The science of your body is on your side. Change your life today and become the person you most want to be because this world needs you!
Love, healing and happiness!
Dr.Disha
MBBS, MD, DNB( OBGYN)
Originally published July 15, 2019 by Dr Disha Sridhar