Common Cycle Related Symptoms
Your period is like a monthly report card on your health. The symptoms you experience throughout your cycle can tell you a lot about your hormones, nutrient status, and overall health. Instead of brushing them off as “just part of being a woman,” let’s break down what your period symptoms might be trying to tell you—and what you can do about them.
Cycle Length & Flow Issues
Long Periods (More Than 7 Days)
Prolonged bleeding may be linked to estrogen dominance, uterine polyps, PCOS, and perimenopause.
Foundational Support:
✔️ Optimize estrogen clearance through gut and liver support
✔️ Reduce inflammatory foods and excess sugar
✔️ Check thyroid function if symptoms persist
Heavy Bleeding
If you’re soaking through a pad or tampon every hour, heavy bleeding could be due to fibroids, high estrogen, low progesterone, thyroid dysfunction, or copper IUDs.
Foundational Support:
✔️ Support progesterone by prioritizing a whole foods nutrient dense diet (don’t skimp on calories or carbs!)
✔️ Optimize estrogen clearance through gut and liver support
✔️ Increase iron-rich foods (grass-fed beef, lentils, spinach)
Painful Periods
Period pain, or dysmenorrhea, can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping that affects daily life. This pain often stems from hormonal imbalances (like estrogen dominance, low progesterone), inflammatory conditions like endometriosis, or fibroids.
Foundational Support:
✔️ Increase anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3-rich fish, turmeric, and ginger
✔️ Add in a magnesium glycinate supplement to support muscle relaxation
✔️Opt for teas like red raspberry leaf or white peony that can help reduce pain and cramping
Missing Periods (Amenorrhea)
If your period has gone missing, the underlying causes could be stress, under-eating, PCOS, or thyroid dysfunction.
Foundational Support:
✔️ Increase overall calorie intake (especially healthy fats, protein, and nutrient dense carbs)
✔️ Address stress and prioritize restorative movement
✔️ Test thyroid function and sex hormones for deeper insights
Ovulation-Related Symptoms
Ovulation Pain
Some women experience mild cramping or sharp twinges of pain around ovulation (mid-cycle). This can be due to the follicle rupturing to release an egg or fluid irritating surrounding tissues. While mild discomfort is considered normal, severe pain could indicate something deeper like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or inflammation.
Foundational Support:
✔️ Anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s (wild-caught fish, flaxseeds)
✔️ Magnesium to relax muscles and ease cramping
✔️ Address gut health if inflammation is a factor
Spotting Around Ovulation
Light spotting mid-cycle can be considered a normal sign of ovulation. If it’s persistent, it could indicate estrogen dominance, low progesterone, or an anovulatory cycle.
Foundational Support:
✔️ Support liver detox with cruciferous veggies (broccoli sprouts, broccoli, Brussels sprouts)
✔️ Balance estrogen metabolism with flaxseeds and fiber
✔️ Reduce endocrine disruptors (plastics, synthetic fragrances)
PMS & Acne
PMS (Mood Swings, Bloating, Fatigue, Cramps)
If the week before your period is miserable, it could be linked to estrogen dominance, low progesterone, or blood sugar instability.
Foundational Support:
✔️ Prioritize protein + healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar
✔️ Reduce caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms
✔️ Support nutrient status with B vitamins and magnesium
Cyclical Acne
Hormonal acne (especially around the chin and jawline) signals androgen imbalances, sluggish liver detox, or potentially gut dysbiosis.
Foundational Support:
✔️ Support liver detox with dandelion tea and bitter leafy greens
✔️ Reduce inflammatory processed foods
✔️ Balance gut bacteria with lots of prebiotics from plant diversity
Your period is not just an inconvenience—it’s a powerful indicator of what’s happening inside your body. If your symptoms are persistent or disruptive, they deserve attention! Intentional nutrition and lifestyle shifts can help bring balance, so your cycle works with you, not against you.
If you are looking for a deep dive on your hormonal health explore our 3-month comprehensive balancing program for female adrenal, thyroid, and hormone health. Understand your hormones and unlock the root of the imbalance through Your Hormone Revival™.
Need more personalized support for your hormones? We have worked with hundreds of women experiencing symptoms just like you and have been able to get them long lasting symptom relief. If you are looking for deeper support sign up for our 1:1 Functional C.A.R.E Method™.
