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Remember when you were a young girl? Remember how it was to wait and wait for your period? Remember when the first girl in your class got her period and it was so mystical and magical and foreign? Maybe you were the first to menstruate and maybe you were bewildered by the changes in your body and how were you going to deal with it? How to keep supplies with you? When to know when to attend to your flow? Somehow that mystery and excitement of becoming a woman became a curse. There is nothing mystical about it. Menstruation happens and is a natural wonderful part of being a woman.

We have all seen the commercials – women on television remarking how wonderful it is to no longer menstruate. Because of the decision to not have children or not have any more children and with recent scientific advancement, some women have chosen to have ablation of the lining of their uterus. I have several clients who have elected to have these procedures done to stop their menses and their hormonal imbalances. While some have had satisfying experiences, more seem to have had unsatisfying results ranging from heavier and longer menses to more cramping and nastier bleeds. And, oh, by the way, they didn’t lose the hot flashes, menopausal symptoms or the PMS.

Another way women have chosen to stop their periods is by taking birth control pills continuously without allowing for a progesterone withdrawal menses. There are hormone injections available that prevent menses for several months. Some physicians allow for quarterly menses or some go as far as only allowing two periods a year. Although there is a trend for this type of birth control in young women, I personally know six beautiful children as a result of this type of birth control.

I say, honor and embrace your womanhood. If your menstrual period is painful, long, heavy, too often or cumbersome to you, then your flow may be abnormal. A healthy menses is a wonderful time to cleanse, clear, rest and rejuvenate. It is important to have some time in our busy lives to recall our connection with the natural order of the world. The cyclic nature of the menstrual cycle is a way we can remember the fact that we are young and healthy. Not all women have a healthy period. A healthy menses is one that comes painlessly, with very few small signals of its arrival up to three days in advance, and leaves seamlessly. There is something special and magical about knowing when your cycle is coming. Yes, occasionally there is the slight heaviness in the midsection that signals the upcoming event and the end of the cycle. However there is also the sigh of relief that comes when the heaviness leaves us and we begin the lightness of a new cycle – and sometimes the relief of not being pregnant! If you hate your period, come chat with me and see how we can make your menses a better experience!

Check out Dr. Yolanda Rodriguez at her website at www.mynaturaldoc.com. To set an appointment please call 480.899.3355