IN THIS LESSON

What Your Symptoms Are Trying to Tell You

Periods are like our body's little check-in—letting us know how things are running on the inside. Unfortunately, many of us are taught to dismiss them as a nuisance, but in reality, they can tell us so much about our hormonal health and wellbeing. I’ve heard it all, and I can tell you that your period symptoms are not random. They’re your body’s way of waving a flag to get your attention!

So let’s dive into what some of the most common period symptoms really mean. Use the menus below!

Blood

  • Congrats, this is what healthy, fresh blood looks like. It’s coming out nice and quickly, and your uterus is shedding its lining without any trouble.

  • This is older blood, meaning it’s taken a bit longer to leave your body. It’s normal towards the end of your period, but if it’s there at the start, it could indicate sluggish flow or hormonal imbalance.

  • This can be a sign of low oestrogen levels, especially if your flow is light. Oestrogen plays a big role in building up the uterine lining, so low levels mean less to shed.

  • While small clots (around a 10p coin size) can be totally normal, large or frequent clots might be a sign of hormonal imbalance, like too much oestrogen, or even something like fibroids.

Pain

  • This is your uterus contracting to shed its lining. If it's mild, it's likely normal. Severe cramps? That could be a sign of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or other issues like fibroids. It’s worth getting checked out.

  • Your pelvic nerves might be feeling the strain as your uterus contracts. This can also be linked to conditions like endometriosis.

  • If this is happening around your period, it could be another clue for endometriosis or other underlying pelvic issues.

Irregular Periods

  • Cortisol, the stress hormone, can disrupt your menstrual cycle, causing delayed or missed periods.

  • If your cycles are consistently long or irregular, and you experience excess body hair or weight gain, PCOS might be a factor.

  • If you’re in your 40s and your cycle’s going haywire, welcome to the rollercoaster of perimenopause. Fluctuating oestrogen levels can cause irregularities.

Moods, Emotions
& Sleep

  • These could be signs of low progesterone levels or issues with how your body processes oestrogen.

    If it feels extreme, you might be dealing with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), which is isn’t just bad PMT - it is a stand alone issue that needs support to navigate it.

  • If your mood drops significantly before your period, this might be linked to serotonin levels, which can fluctuate with your hormones.

  • Your energy levels are closely tied to where you are in your cycle:

    • Follicular Phase (Week After Period): This is your energy sweet spot! Oestrogen levels are on the rise, so you should feel energised and alert.

    • Ovulation: You’re probably feeling your best here—oestrogen peaks and testosterone gives you a boost too.

    • Luteal Phase (Week Before Your Period): Time to slow down. Progesterone takes over, making you feel more sluggish. It’s also why you might feel more tired than usual or crave naps.

  • If you’re waking up drenched in sweat, especially in the luteal phase or during your period, it could indicate low progesterone or perimenopause or even endometriosis.

Cravings

  • This could be linked to low magnesium levels, which tend to drop just before your period. Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar, so if you’re low, your body might crave something sweet.

  • Your body’s looking for a quick source of energy, and cravings for starchy foods might signal low serotonin levels. Carbs can temporarily boost serotonin, but there are healthier ways to manage this!

Final thoughts

Your period is like a monthly health report—if you listen closely, it can tell you what’s going on with your hormones, stress levels, and overall wellbeing. Don’t ignore it or suffer through pain thinking it’s normal. Periods shouldn’t hurt, and if they do, it’s a sign that your body needs some TLC.

Want to take a deeper dive into understanding your period and how to support your body naturally?

Check out my book Periods Aren't Meant to Bloody Hurt.

Or for something more in depth, consider one of my Consultation Programmes

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