Menstrual Irregularities: A Functional Medicine Approach
Menstrual irregularities are increasingly common and can be frustrating. If you have irregular periods, Functional Medicine might help. This approach looks at the whole person, not just the symptoms. Let’s explore how Functional Medicine can help with menstrual irregularities.
Understanding Menstrual Irregularities
Menstrual irregularities can include:
- Skipped periods
- Heavy periods
- Spotting between periods
- Irregular cycle lengths
- Painful periods
- Bothersome symptoms around your period or around ovulation
These issues can be caused by many factors, so it’s important to work with someone who is willing to dive deep and look at a variety of possible causes (and therefore treatments). Stress, diet, sleep, and hormonal changes can all play a role.
Perimenopause and Menstrual Irregularities
Perimenopause is the time before menopause when your periods become irregular. You might experience:
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Weight gain
- Anxiety or depression (or both)
- Joint and muscle pains
- Changes in your period characteristics
Functional Medicine can help manage perimenopause symptoms and menstrual irregularities through a comprehensive approach.
Hormone Testing and Treatment
One key aspect of Functional Medicine is hormone testing. This helps to identify any imbalances. Once we know what’s out of balance, we can create a plan to fix it. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT) is often used. These hormones are identical to those your body makes. They can help regulate your cycle and ease perimenopause symptoms, and also just improve your general health.
Gut Health and Hormones
Your gut health is important for hormone balance. A healthy gut can help process and eliminate excess hormones. Functional Medicine uses specialized testing to check your gut health. If there are issues, we can recommend changes to your diet and supplements to help improve gut function.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes can also help manage menstrual irregularities. Here are some tips:
- Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in protein and produce. Avoid alcohol, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, processed foods and inflammatory fats (like seed oils).
- Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep helps regulate hormones.
- Exercise: Focus on muscle-building exercises, and sprinkle in some light to moderate cardio on your recovery days.
- Stress Management: High stress can disrupt your menstrual cycle, especially if it occurs in the first half of your cycle. Try techniques like exercise, yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to manage stress.
Conclusion
Menstrual irregularities can be managed with a Functional Medicine approach. By looking at hormone balance, gut health, and lifestyle, you can achieve better health and regular periods. If you are experiencing menstrual irregularities, consider consulting a Functional Medicine practitioner for personalized care.
Remember, a healthy lifestyle is key to hormone balance. Regular check-ups and tests can help keep your health on track. Functional Medicine offers a holistic way to manage your menstrual health and overall well-being.
Nourish House Calls provides Functional Medicine services to patients in Illinois, Florida, Arizona, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Vermont. In-person house calls are available in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, La Grange, Western Springs, Burr Ridge, and surrounding areas. Telemedicine is available both inside and outside of Illinois, including Chicago, Miami, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Portland.
If you would like to learn more about how Nourish House Calls can help resolve the root causes of menstrual irregularities, click here to schedule a free, 15-minute discovery call.