Menopause and Menstrual Cycle Symptoms: It May Not Be Hormonal

Over the years, I have worked with countless women suffering from uncomfortable and/or painful menstrual cycles. Studies have shown that menstrual pain leads to a subjectively-rated decreased quality of life, and that over 40% of women of childbearing age are affected by PMS symptoms. (1,2) Often, these same women who experience problematic periods throughout their childbearing years also experience more symptoms during menopause.

Many of these women have been led to believe that their issues are hormonal. Birth control pills are prescribed for painful and/or heavy periods (2-6), and bio-identical hormones have become the Holy Grail for women during their menopausal years. (7)

Interestingly, there is a very simple Ayurvedic protocol for balanced menstruation and menopause that doesn’t involve any hormones, or natural or herbal hormonal precursors. In fact, from an Ayurvedic standpoint, in many cases, the problem may not be hormonal at all.

Keep reading to discover a natural therapy that may address the root of uncomfortable menstrual issues.

The Waste Removal Traffic Jam

The lymph is the largest circulatory system in the body and is critically important for optimal health, as lymph channels drain waste from all parts of the body. (8) When these drains become congested, it’s as though a traffic jam occurs in your body and it can take a toll on all of the organ systems.

The female reproductive system is drained by a complex array of lymphatics (12) that, according to Ayurveda, are extremely active as a pre-menstrual detox, building momentum from ovulation to the start of the menstrual flow. According to Ayurveda, when women menstruate, much of the reproductive waste is removed through the lymph prior to the actual menses. If the lymph system is congested from years of poor digestion, a sedentary lifestyle and a host of other lymphatic congestive concerns, lymph can back up in the reproductive organs and the menstrual cycle may become painful, irregular, overly heavy or missing.

Congested lymph brings with it the symptoms typically associated with the menstrual cycle, including breast swelling or tenderness, bloating, water retention, and/or breakouts, especially around the mouth and chin. While these are considered a normal part of the menstrual experience in the west, according to Ayurveda these are signs of a congested lymphatic system that is being exacerbated pre-menstrually, when the lymph is being called upon to support the menstrual cycle.

With just a basic understanding of the lymphatic drainage system, we can see why.
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1. Swollen/Tender Breasts

The breasts are a concentration of lymphatic tissue and lymphatic fluid. If the lymph in the body is congested at the time of menstruation, the lymph tissue and fluid may swell, causing breast swelling and/or tenderness.

2. Skin Issues

When the lymph is congested, the skin may be employed as a backup exit ramp for impurities. Just beneath the skin is the skin-associated lymphoid tissue, or SALT. This tissue functions as a defense against any toxin, bacteria, virus, or parasite that tries to penetrate the skin. (9) If the lymph is congested during menstruation, the SALT may also clog. Instead of draining the skin, it may result in breakouts and other types of skin irritation.

3. Diarrhea, Constipation and other Intestinal Issues

Just like the skin on the outside of our bodies, the epithelium—the skin that lines the intestinal tract—is drained by a massive concentration of lymph called the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, or GALT. This is the highest concentration of lymph in the body. Experts say that 80% of the body’s immunity is found here in the gut. (10)

When constipation, diarrhea, or other occasional digestive issues occur, this will typically compromise the flow of this very important lymph fluid. During menstruation, clogged GALT can create a list of issues such as bloating, belly fat, hypersensitivity, elevated histamine reaction to environmental irritants, temporary joint discomfort, tiredness, mild headaches, skin issues, and reproductive imbalances.

4. Respiratory Issues

The respiratory tract is also lined with a type of skin that is drained by mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, or MALT. If the lymph is not moving properly during menstruation, this can result in an imbalance of the respiratory mucous membranes, compromising the efficiency of the entire upper respiratory system. (11)

Your Body’s Built-In Monthly Lymphatic Function Test

The quality, duration, comfort level and timing of the menses offer a monthly opportunity to evaluate your lymphatic function. If any of these symptoms mentioned above are experienced during (or exacerbated by) menstruation, it may be a sign of a lymphatic flow issue.

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Treat the Drains First

When I evaluate reproductive or menstrual problems, I look for other symptoms that are classically related to lymph to help determine if the condition is actually a hormonal issue or one based on poor lymphatic circulation.

Further Signs of Lymph Congestion

• Rings get tight on fingers
• Soreness and/or stiffness in the morning
• Feeling tired
• Bloating/Holding on to water
• Mild rash or skin irritation
• Weight gain and extra belly fat
• Brain fog
• Breast swelling or soreness with each cycle
• Dry skin
• Hypersensitivity
• Mild headaches
• Elevated histamine reaction to environmental irritants
• Occasional constipation, diarrhea, and/or mucus in the stool

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How to Improve Lymphatic Flow & Function

Here is a list of simple things you can do at home every day to improve lymphatic flow and function:

1. Alkalize your diet

Eat more fruits and veggies and lessen the amount of meats, breads, grains, dairy, processed food, and junk food. Try to shoot for a diet that is two-thirds alkaline and one-third acidic foods. See my acid-alkaline shopping list here.

2. Herbal Support

Manjistha (rubia cordifolia) is the herb that is most effective in helping de-stagnate the lymph. I have used this herb successfully for years in support of lymph-related reproductive issues. Manjistha is one of Ayurveda’s most effective antioxidants, which are active in the body’s lymphatic system. (13)

Red root, an active ingredient in LifeSpa’s Lymph Cleanse tincture, is perhaps one of the best lymph decongestive herbs available. It works best for congested lymph and to offset the age-related accumulation of fibrous tissue. (14)

3. Rehydrate

Sip plain, hot water every 10-15 minutes throughout the day for two weeks. Drink 1/2 your ideal body weight in ounces of room temperature water a day.

4. Skin Brush and Massage

In Ayurveda, skin brushing is called Garshana. Raw silk gloves are used to exfoliate the skin. With vigorous brushing, the silk gloves also create static electricity, which is known to alkalize the blood and help move the lymph.

Daily massage in Ayurveda is called abhyanga. A blend of herbs cooked into sesame oil is traditionally used to massage the body daily to enhance lymphatic flow.

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Watch the Podcast: Ayurveda for Women’s Health