Getting to Know Your Sacred Parts 

The new year is upon us, and as women, we probably have so many inspirations and aspirations to follow. We have our vision boards up, affirmations, goals, and agendas. But, many of us may forget how important it is to have our health, specifically our menstrual health, for a prosperous new year. Our menstrual cycles are considered a vital sign of health, and if our health is not up to par, we may not be able to complete those visions and aspirations on our dream boards. 

Our menstrual cycles govern our emotions and energy levels throughout the month. Every week, we are a different person! This is quite normal and not a cause for alarm. I have worked with many women over the years to restore their menstrual and hormonal health holistically. I always encourage them to develop an intimate relationship with their menstrual cycle and begin to look at it as their greatest ally for insight into their physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. After all, as women with big visions and dreams, we have nothing if we don’t have our health. Let’s look at what your menstrual cycle can tell you about your body and health.
Flow 

During periods, average blood loss ranges from 5ml to 80ml; this is less than ten tablespoons of blood loss. Some of us may experience light flows, whereas others may experience heavier flows. When the menstrual cycle starts to deviate from this range, it could indicate that our hormones are misbehaving. Hormonal imbalance is often the cause of most menstrual disorders. Consequently, this leads to scanty or heavy flow. 

Color 

Did you know the color of your menstrual fluids provides a lot of information about the state of your health? Let’s explore this for a moment. Typically, the range of hues demonstrates various components of the menstrual cycle. Bright red blood signifies the start of the period. Dark brown or purple blood can indicate slower moving blood. This can be due to a tipped or flexed uterus, resulting in your blood not properly expelling each month during your bleed. Dark brown or purple blood can also signify hormonal imbalances such as estrogen levels being too high concerning progesterone levels. Throughout the menstrual cycle, pink blood can mean anemia, poor diet, or low estrogen levels. 

Regularity 

Your menstrual cycle works like “clockwork .” Typical cycles can range from 21-35 days. However, cycles can often deviate from this norm. Cycles shorter than 21 days are considered short cycles, and cycles longer than 35 days are long. Short cycles are often an indication of missed ovulation, and long cycles are often an indication of elevated estrogen levels. 

Pain 

Pain during your menstrual cycle should not be ignored or shrugged off. Often women ignore the signs of underlying conditions because they believe that cramps are a normal part of your menstrual cycle. However, cramps are not a normal part of a healthy menstrual cycle. Cramps affect your quality of life and can often signify an underlying menstrual condition such as endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, or pelvic infection. These conditions are often due to elevated estrogen levels known as “estrogen dominance .”If you experience severe period pain, then make an appointment with your GYN for a checkup. 

By now, it has probably become clearer to you that hormones are the foundation of your health. The menstrual cycle provides important feedback on reproductive health. It signals 

whether your reproductive hormones are balanced and working harmoniously with the other hormones. Your menstrual cycle is much more than a benchmark for puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Every hormone in the body has an intricate connection. Akin to a domino effect, if one falls, it takes down others with it as well. 

As a woman with many aspirations and goals, why not put getting to know your body at the top of your list! As you begin this phase of the year, make quiet time to get in touch with your menstrual cycle; learn the language that your body speaks. This one thing will set you up for more success in the year to come.