We need to talk about the period I had in April
My last period (April) was the best period I’ve ever had in my life.
Granted I often have good periods. I’ve always told you that. But I have had bad ones before in the past. And I’m a big believer that my routines and beliefs about my body and diet etc are a big part of why I generally have good periods.
But my GOSH. My April period was INSANE. My literal ONLY symptom was that I was bleeding lol.
Not even a SPECK of a cramp.
Not even a tiny dip in energy.
Just soooo comfortable. Even more comfortable than I wrote about in November where I said: “I do get cramps, but they are SO minimal. Very manageable and I can pretty much go on living life”
Well, my April period had NO cramps. None.
Now one of my quarterly experiments last year (2023) was using a Chinese Medicine tincture again and more regularly for months on end to see if it positively impacted my period.
As I wrote in that article— it did. Especially for my ovulation cycle— helping it feel more energized.
I still 100% believe Chinese Medicine tinctures give us some of the BEST herbal formulas for our periods. However I was not using one before my famous April period.
While I LOVE these tinctures… it can be pricey. I was using Elix (and I do love Elix even though they only paid me out on 75% of my contract last year) But nonetheless— I still think they are AMAZING (I would never have worked with them if I didn’t think that) and I recommend them to my girlfriends to this day. Am I a little sad they didn’t pay me in full? Sure. But they’re still a good brand. Also plz don’t say anything to Elix about not paying me in full lol. It’s a long story and I don’t want bad blood but I also want to give the girls the juice yanno. It’s a fine line. You know I love telling you about behind the scenes stuff!!
ANYWAY. In January 2024 I get pregnant so I stop using the tincture.
In March I miscarry.
After I miscarried I chose not to restart the tincture because 1- my herbal formula was not updated for my new circumstance/symptoms and 2- I was depleted in my health funds after that miscarriage. I just couldn't justify the price at THAT time. I knew I was going to have to hard on the basics. Which is fine! At the end of the day the basics move bigger boulders than the “nice to haves” like Chinese Medicine tinctures.
Now after miscarriage I expected my following period to be more painful. More heavy. Because that is often the case.
But six weeks after my misacarriage, I get my period (in April.)
And it is UNREAL how it was literally the best period of my life.
Now of COURSE, being one for data and speculation, I look through my notes and examine my past 6 weeks to figure out WHY that was.
Here are my guesses:
1. My stress the WEEK before my period was kept low. Like, low low. I had spent 5 days with one of my besties Hope and those 5 days were full of PLAY and REST and JOKES and releasing that inner child for multiple days on end. (I realize I can’t do this to this extent every month I am just saying what was different.) I am ALWAYS one for play and rest. But perhaps I need even more? Might be hard to get even more rest as I already take adequate rest but I choose to see life more playful and fun each day.
2. I had spent significantly more time in the sun the two weeks leading up. Like a lot more than I usually do. Yes, I wear my sunscreen. But yes, I also let myself get vitamin D. This time around, I was spending more time outside than I usually do.
3. Increased protein. At this time I had been doing my 100-120 grams of protein for about 2 weeks before my period. AKA my blood sugar was balanced better than it had been in years. We can do a lot, we can’t do it all. I didn’t always prioritize protein. I started prioritizing it and I feel so much more energized. Blood sugar DOES impact a period. Was it the biggest needle mover for my April period? Could be. (P.S To meet those goals I do drink a protein shake a day. Still using Ora Organic protein powder)
4. Lower caffeine a week leading up to my period. The week before my period I was still drinking coffee, but less. And most of my caffeine at that time was coming from green tea extract and other “softer” energy sources.
5. I was consistent with caring for my liver. I was taking NAC consistently which worked for MY body and I was drinking a lot of herbal tea that was good for my liver. Hormones are processed in the liver ;)
So that was my takeaway. Of the five, which do you think was the biggest needle mover? And is there anything you feel YOU could do to get a more comfy period?
You know I’m going to say it— you’re worth the effort and healthy practices. :)
