Treating menstrual complaints

It is important for us to know and understand what is going on in our bodies if we are to manage and take control of our periods and our menstrual cycles. What actually is menstruation? Why do we bleed every month? What causes cycle complaints? And what can we do about menstrual complaints?

So many questions! We provide answers to all of the above and explain each phase of the menstrual cycle. True to the motto #LiveYourCycle, you will receive tips on treatment options for menstrual complaints and learn how you can even use different phases of your cycle to your advantage in your everyday life, and live in harmony with your cycle.

Our body works wonders during each phase of the menstrual cycle – a true miracle of the female body. A skilful interplay takes place between the required metabolic processes and the release of important hormones.

In every phase of the cycle, our mental and physical state changes – that is, each phase determines how we feel, what affects us, how strong our motivation or creativity is, and whether we want to actively engage in life or prefer to rest. The better we understand our cycle and its individual phases, the more we can actively work with it. True to the motto #LiveYourCycle!

Cramps and heavy periods can quickly put you out of action. As painful and unpleasant as menstruation can be, it fulfils an important purpose. To regenerate the uterus, the body goes into a kind of reset mode. This requires an enormous amount of strength, comparable to competitive sport! So it makes sense that we feel weaker than usual during this phase.

Focusing on what our bodies are actually doing – something powerful and miraculous – can help us to understand menstruation as an important part of the menstrual cycle. Your attitude can therefore play a key role in managing your period. But this doesn’t mean you should just put up with menstrual complaints. You can find out more about the causes here.

Like the menstrual cycle itself, the nature and severity of menstrual symptoms vary from person to person. Depending on how you cope with the stress and restrictions in your daily life, various treatment options are available.

• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and hormonal contraceptives such as the pill are well-known treatment options.
• However, there are also herbal alternatives to relieve menstrual complaints. Yarrow and shepherd’s purse are tried and tested traditional medicinal plants that have been used in the field of gynaecology for decades. Because of its antispasmodic and pain-relieving properties, yarrow herb is used for the symptomatic treatment of mild cramps during menstruation.
• In addition, relaxation exercises, sports and heat can also alleviate the painful cramps.

If you have persistent and severe menstrual complaints, you should seek medical advice. Organic changes such as endometriosis, fibroids or inflammation can also be the trigger.

• If you feel weak, rest. The aim is to achieve the maximum possible relaxation while your body is exerting maximum effort. It’s perfectly okay not to be as productive as usual.
• Look after yourself and treat yourself to a cup of tea, a hot water bottle, reading a book, getting a massage or whatever else your body needs. No matter what it is, your body knows what it needs.
• Pay attention to the signals your body sends and listen to your body. Make sure you drink enough fluids during your period and nourish your body with the nutrients it needs.