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I’m about to get personal in this post, and tell you all about my menstrual cycle. As women, I think this isn’t something we talk about enough – or at least, I know I didn’t when I was younger. None of the things I’m sharing here are medical advice, of course, just my own personal experience.
One of the best things I did for my health was swap out the products I use for my menstrual cycle for natural ones. I used to be riddled with pain every month, would pop a bunch of Midol, and I thought it was normal.
About 12 years ago, someone introduced me to a menstrual cup.
Let me tell you, I thought this thing was WEIRD. I was supposed to put that thing inside me and then reach in to fish it out?! No thanks.
But this was actually the first step into revamping everything around my period.
I started reading about all the chemicals that are found in both tampons and pads, and the impact they could be having on my health. And one of the biggest things is that these chemicals can actually increase your cramps.
My natural cycle swaps
Period underwear
Right after I bought my first menstrual cup… I got pregnant. Ha! So I obviously wasn’t able to use it right away. But I was able to use my period underwear immediately postpartum.
The only brand of period underwear I knew about was Thinx. They weren’t incredibly high flow, so I started using them after the first few days. I could go until mid-afternoon and then I’d change them. It wasn’t ideal, but I was able to use them my entire postpartum period.
For many years, I used these as a backup to my menstrual cup, in case I had any leakage. I did this for probably about 9 years.
Within the last year, though, I decided that I wanted to ditch the menstrual cup completely and use only period underwear. But I had begun hearing some things about “forever chemicals” in Thinx, and I needed some that were more absorbent.
I’ve since found a brand I like much better – Period Co. They have organic cotton options along with a very high absorbency. I’ve been incredibly happy with this brand, and highly recommend it!
Menstrual cup
When I started using the Diva Cup, after I was out of my postpartum period, I noticed a significant change in my cramps. I saw a huge drop in my pain level. Enough so that I knew I was done with tampons forever.
I used the Diva Cup (with the Thinx as backup) for about nine years, but then I started to read some things about how the silicone in menstrual cups isn’t as great for us as I believed. How you can still get Toxic Shock Syndrome from wearing a cup all day or all night. So I started exploring other options.
When I switched to using only period underwear, I again saw a dramatic drop in my cramping (which might give you an idea of how significant my pain was originally!). I’ve actually had cycles with almost no pain at all, which I didn’t even think was possible.
I’ve used my Diva Cup occasionally still, when swimming. But I’m much more aware of my body and my cycle flow
Cloth pads
In addition to the Period Co underwear, I also got some cloth pads. These have been great for days where you need a little extra protection or to just keep in your purse. I’m a big fan!
For cramps
Since using only period underwear and cloth pads, there’s been a dramatic decrease in the pain from my cramps. But they haven’t gone away altogether. There are a few natural remedies that have helped me:
- Dragon Time – this is an essential oil blend that you apply topically. I started using this probably 8 or 9 years ago, and it helps quite a bit.
- CBD calm – I use this essential oil and CBD blend (without THC) for sleep, and one night when I had some cramps in bed, I also put it on topically. And it helped almost immediately!
- Ease the Ache – this tincture from Earthley has helped, but isn’t as good for me as the CBD calm. You can use code SILOANDSAGE to get 10% off your first order
- Fasting and increasing my protein – I’ve noticed that when I fast and eat a high protein diet (especially eggs), my cramps decrease
Hormonal help
Balancing hormones has helped significantly with all things related to my cycle. Progessence Plus has been a game changer for me in my hormonal balance – emotional mood swings, cycle regularity, and more. I notice that my hormonal headaches increase when I don’t use it regularly.
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