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Episode 10: I'm Bleeding but You're Mad

Ashlee Episode 10

Tips for Healthier Menstruation

In American society, we have normalized painful periods. Normalizing discomfort over HEALTHY MENSTRUATION. It's not normal -- it's common. And we're are working to arrive at healthy. In this week's episode, I share a quick Reddit AITA, discuss some of the below discomforts of menstruation, and what can help.

Recommended Read: The Fifth Vital Sign by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack 

Some Red Flags: 

  • Longer days of  bleeding
  • Sleepiness & fatigue 
  • Mood Swings
  • Bloating and constipation
  •  Headache
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Pain: abdomen, lower back, asshole
  • Changes in sleep
  • Changes in appetite
  • Weight gain 
  • Acne
  • Irritability and anxiety
  • PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) -- trouble concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, easily irritated, falling into a "just before your period specific" depression - suicidal ideation, reduced interest in interacting with others

Some Kindnesses Just for Us:

  • Allow yourself to slow down - GO TO SLEEP
  • Warm feet, warm womb
  • Give in to your food cravings after you have had a meal 
  • Bananas the week before menstruation
  • Menstrual discs, underwear, cups, organic sanitary products - avoid toxic tampons and pads
  • Sexual intercourse and self pleasure
  • Increase oral magnesium - consider magnesium cream and epsom salt baths
  • Good to the bathroom… consistently after ovulation - increased fiber, watching water, bananas, liquid fiber, castor oil on the abdomen
  • Red raspberry leaf tea
  • Elix
  • Oil of oregano and Black seed oil
  • Wild yam cream
  • Movement throughout the month - give yourself grace before menstruation… please take it easy
  • Get your *Go into yourself* care basket together… food (real meals), snacks, feel good blanket or stuffy, great show to watch, pet or loved one

We got this boo! 

xoxoxox,

Ashlee'

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