The Easy Solution for PMS and Menopause
Hormones, those crazy little things.
What do you know about your hormones?
Do you want to know how to control your hormones?
Come on a little self discovery, as I learn more about my hormones, and how I can get them in control so that I can get the best out of life.
I will help you see how you can better cope with the symptoms of PMS and menopause, with some simple little techniques, that you can apply today.
Hunting For Answers
Recently I was doing some research to combat my severe symptoms of PMS... hot flushes, bloating, cramping, mood swings, irregular bleeding, joint aches, sleep changes, brain fog, tender breasts….all things I have experienced since a teenager. To my surprise I kept coming up with the name "perimenopause".
Perimenopause, something usually experienced in a womans 40s or 50s. So how could my symptoms since a teenager until now my late 20s be the same?
The culprit - out of balance hormones. For perimenopause women its when the ovaries start to slow down the production of hormones, while actual menopause may be years away. While for the younger PMS victims, its the transition of our hormones helping our bodies get ready for their reproductive years.
The Answer - Controlled Stretching
How can I restore the hormonal balance?
An excellent way to alleviate or diminish many of the symptoms while rejuvenating the body is Pilates and controlled stretching!
Pilates slow and controlled movements and breathing techniques can do much to help our endocrine glands, female reproductive organs and digestive tract by improving blood circulation through the pelvis that supports our ovarian function. Gentle stretches can release tension and lower back stiffness.
How Does Stretching Help
What about the PMS and perimenopausal emotions triggered by our out of balance and erratic hormones?
Yoga like exercises can also support the body by decreasing muscle tension, and reducing stress which lowers cortisol levels, calming the nervous system and then in turn strengthening the immune system.
What sort of stretches can help?
Supported poses which use blocks, bolsters, blankets and cushions.
Restful poses to ease pain and strain during times of discomfort.
Inversion poses are great for balance, concentration and circulation.
Controlled Stretching vs PMS
What symptoms can controlled stretching help? Insomnia, cramps, achy tired legs, excessive or irregular menstrual flow, memory and fuzzy thinking, gas and bloating, hot flushes, mood swings, breast tenderness just to name a few. Constipation and frequent urination can also be symptoms of our female complaints. Its never too late to start prevention of osteoporosis using weight bearing postures to strengthen bones and muscles. Especially is this helpful for pelvic floor muscles which many women find weakened due to loss of muscle tone as they get older.
Of course the usual lifestyle and nutrition essentials - getting at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week, eating a balanced diet of whole foods including: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, plenty of protein and drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day, will help to relieve symptoms.
The Right Clothes - The Final Ingredient
Stretching exercises also help improve our self image, which every woman going through physical and emotional changes needs help with. What better way to do that than to be ready for your next workout in the right gear!
Female For Life is a women's sportswear retailer that focuses on providing the highest quality gym wear for women in all shapes and sizes. With a wide range of Yoga clothes from petite to plus size, they have comfortable, stylish and inspirational items for whatever body you are in.
High quality Yoga wear from Female For Life not only makes you look good, but it will also make you feel good. By supporting you in the right places you will enjoy your workouts, and it will give you that extra energy boost that you need to do that last supported pose.
Link List
- Womens Health Magazine
Great inspirational magazine. Well written articles, and some great workouts. - Health INsite
An Australian government backed womens health initiative.