It's like with most health related awakenings - a wrinkle, a stiff back or grey hair gets you thinking about how long this ol' body's going to last for.
Then we start thinking about the clock ticking on our fertility. Even if you're not planning on having kids, there's a curiosity about the quality of our reproductive organs.
Then we may think "shit, i'm still on the pill, maybe I should try to come off it. But I'm scared because the last time I had a real menstrual cycle I had acne, cramps and mood swings. But I'm sure being on the pill isn't good for me. But then what do I do about contraception? I don't want to have an unwanted pregnancy!" And on and on it goes.
The great part of this situation is that we have arrived at becoming more aware of our cycle, which ironically is the answer to the above concerns. The not so great part is that it's been about 20 years of not giving a shit. And in this 20 years - depending on our hormonal contraception or lifestyle choices - we may have missed out on the vitality that balanced hormones and healthy menstrual cycles provide us. But not all is lost, read until the end for a silver lining.
Why we need to care sooner
Basically the sooner we take care of the vital system that is our menstrual cycle - the less symptoms we experience, the better sex we'll be having, the longer we'll live. Why? Here are the benefits of crucial sex hormones Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone. That if you're on the pill - are being put to sleep right now.
Benefits of balanced Estrogen
- Bone Health: Maintains bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis by supporting calcium absorption. (Hot take - the pill mimics menopause which puts you at higher risk of osteoporosis)
- Cardiovascular Protection: Helps regulate cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Skin and Hair Health: Promotes collagen production, maintaining elasticity and hydration.
- Brain Function: Supports mood regulation, memory, and overall cognitive function.
- Menstrual Cycle Regulation: Ensures proper growth and shedding of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle.
Benefits of balanced Progesterone
- Cycle Balance: Stabilizes the menstrual cycle by counterbalancing estrogen and preparing the uterus for pregnancy.
- Sleep Quality: Promotes better sleep by enhancing GABA, a calming neurotransmitter.
- Mood Support: Reduces anxiety and promotes emotional stability.
- Breast Health: Helps protect against estrogen-dominant breast tissue changes.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Reduces inflammation and supports immune function.
Benefits of balanced Testosterone
- Muscle Strength: Helps maintain muscle mass and strength, preventing age-related muscle loss.
- Energy Levels: Boosts physical energy and combats fatigue.
- Libido and Sexual Health: Enhances sexual desire and arousal.
- Bone Density: Works with estrogen to support strong bones and prevent fractures.
- Mental Clarity: Improves focus, memory, and overall cognitive function.
But what if I didn't care about my cycle for 20+ years?
You're reading this article, which means you follow Seed Cycle Blend, which also means you may be taking Seed Cycle Blend or seed cycling. So you are way ahead your aging non-seed cycling peers ;).
But in all seriousness, even though we can neglect parts of our body or even abuse it with things like late nights partying for years - the beauty of the body is that it heals and recovers. It has incredible potential to rejuvenate itself and combat disease.
Have you seen those inspirational reels of women in their 70's looking fit and feeling their best and their ovaries have literally retired. So, anything is possible if we decide it is.
Heres what to do:
First you get your Seed Cycle Blend if you haven't already - obviously. Second you decide that this system in your body - the menstrual cycle - is worth caring for. Put it on the same level as your skincare, haircare and gut health (gut health being the foundation of good hormones). Next you talk to an expert in female hormone health - don't worry we have an affordable option sorted, click here. This is especially important if you're considering coming off the pill.
Then, when you have an idea of your starting point, maybe with some lab results, you can start making lifestyle shifts to bring balance back to your hormones. You don't need a full overhaul - that's too stressful - you need small and sustainable shifts you can make each month. Give it time.
What I wish for our young girls
- I wish for the parents of young girls to have a basic menstrual education that covers:
- Tracking the cycle with the symptom-thermal method
- Hormone education
- Energetic seasons
- Cycle syncing your lifestyle.
- I wish for this education to be demonstrated in the home by:
- Seeing the mother take her temperature each morning
- Checking where she is in her cycle
- Pushing harder energetically in the late follicular phase and resting hard in the menstrual phase.
- Seeing the mother using her period underwear or period cup without shame or disgust.
- Seeing how the mother communicates her needs to her partner in each phase of the cycle.
- Seeing her mothers partner support her in each phase.
- I wish for schools to include a comprehensive menstrual education for boys and girls.
- I wish for the menstrual cycle to be perceived as a superpower or something cool to have as a young girl.
- I wish for girls to support their cycle with Seed Cycle Blend.
Is this too much to ask? Maybe society isn't there yet - but I really do hope one day we can normalize caring for our cycle the minute it arrives - not just when we notice signs of aging.
If you're a woman in your 20's, 30's or 40's you gain everything by investing in your menstrual cycle and lose a lot if you don't. It is the cornerstone of your health and sets you up for an easeful peri-menopause and menopause (which is a whole other kettle of fish). And if these hormonal stages are going to happen - whether we like it or not - let's be informed, nourished and supported.
Side note: aging gracefully is kind of trending at the moment. Anyone else notice that? I'm here for it.
Take care.... of your cycle.
Rochelle x
