Why You NEED Electrolytes and What Your Menstrual Cycle Tells You About Your Health
Why You NEED Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge.
They are found in your blood, urine, and sweat.
Facts
- Some common electrolytes are: sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and bicarbonate
Explain
1. Proper electrolyte balance can alleviate menstrual symptoms like bloating and cramps. Magnesium can help reduce menstrual pain...
- I can personally say this magnesium supplement helped me A LOT with my period cramp pain! (I take 4-6 capsules a day, starting a few days before my period and the days I'm bleeding)
2. Iodine is vital for thyroid hormone production and thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism!
3. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need sufficient electrolytes, especially calcium and magnesium which are crucial for fetal development and milk production.
4. Sodium and potassium are critical for nerve impulses. They allow your brain to communicate with the cells throughout your body.
5. Electrolytes play a role in regulating blood pressure, so maintaining the right balance is vital for cardiovascular health.
Remember: Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns or experience symptoms related to electrolyte imbalances!
Resources
- "Roar" by Dr. Stacy Sims is for you if you're in your reproductive years. She is the leading global expert on female physiology and training and this book is at the forefront of women's health research/ information.. this book completely changed my life! She also talks about electrolytes and how to hydrate as a woman (FYI: it's very different than men)
- "Next Level" by Dr. Stacy Sims is for you if you're perimenopausal or postmenopausal. She explains how to work with your changing body to achieve optimal body composition through specific workouts, fueling, and hydration (electrolytes!).
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What Your Menstrual Cycle Tells You About Your Health
Your menstrual cycle is a window into your health.
There are 5 ways to evaluate your cycle.
Facts
Explain
1. Regularity and Length
- A consistently irregular or absent period may suggest conditions like PCOS, hypothalamic concerns, thyroid disorders, endometriosis, or other hormonal imbalances.
2. Pain and Discomfort
- The intensity of menstrual cramps and associated pain may vary but excessive pain and/or discomfort could suggest: uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or endometriosis.
3. Abnormal Bleeding
- Changes in menstrual flow, like heavy or prolonged bleeding can be cause for concern. This could indicate conditions like uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, or hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disorders or estrogen dominance.
4. Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS)
- PMS is a collection of emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms that some women experience before their period.
- Severe or disruptive PMS symptoms may indicate hormonal imbalances such as estrogen dominance, blood sugar dysregulation, or chronically elevated cortisol.
5. Overall Health Indicators
- The menstrual cycle is a woman’s 5th vital sign! It can reflect overall health and well-being.
- Factors like stress, weight changes, excessive exercise, or underlying medical conditions can influence each of the characteristics of your cycle.
*Keep in Mind* that the menstrual cycle alone isn’t a definitive diagnostic tool, but can prompt further investigation.
Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended and encouraged.
All the information above about your menstrual cycle is from Dr. Corina Dunlap.
Below, I have listed the best resources I know of to help you with your menstrual cycle and hormone health!
Resources
- Flo Living is a revolutionary women’s hormonal health care company that helps you with hormone imbalances and period symptoms.
- "WomanCode" by Alisa Vitti is a must-have guide to help navigate your hormones and life in your reproductive years.
- "In The Flo" by Alisa Vitti is a great introduction to women's hormonal health and it gives you actionable tips that help you to live PMS-free!
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Actionable Tips:
- Check out my favorite clean + non-toxic + organic products, supplements, food, and more CLICK HERE!
- If you are in your reproductive years: track your cycle with MyFlo, 28, Flo, Clue, Wild.AI, or any other period-tracking apps. Understanding your cycle and living in accordance with your natural hormone fluctuations is the best bio-hack you have as a woman!
- To find a practitioner/doctor who specializes in women's health near you who can give you women's-specific advice and will be knowledgeable about ALL women's health topics! CLICK HERE
- If you are perimenopausal: dive into Dr. Mary Claire Haver's work. She is a board-certified OB/GYN who has helped thousands of women going through perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause! She puts out incredible information on social media, but first watch or listen to this podcast to understand the basics.
- To find a practitioner/doctor who is certified by The Menopause Society near you who will answer ALL your questions, educate you, believe your symptoms, and help you! CLICK HERE
- If you are post-menopausal: take advantage of your hormones being the same every day. Follow Dr. Mindy Pelz on social media and check out her Viral YouTube channel for information on optimizing your health and body composition.
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*REMINDER:
This content is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult a doctor for personal health concerns.
