But I realize the vast majority of women aren’t quite as passionate about their periods. In fact, most women don’t like their periods—and that’s putting it mildly. The biggest problem is likely not that you have symptomatic cycles, it’s that you believe a bad piece of mythology that has you believing that suffering is part of the deal. But it’s true: Your period can provide valuable clues about not only what your hormones are doing in real time each month, but they might also help identify your risk for disease after menopause. Studies1 show that PMS is associated with higher levels of inflammation, which is a driving factor behind many conditions, such as heart disease. Many of you may want to shut your eyes and avoid facing the less-than-pretty reality of how your period looks and feels, but confronting the signs head-on is the key to unlocking your hormonal health and overall well-being. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently declared the menstrual cycle to be a vital sign—similar to your blood pressure, temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate—in determining your overall health. You can take the free V-Sign Type quiz to help you determine your unique period type. Then, find out what it might mean for your hormonal health: Lasts: 5 to 7 days Color: Begins and ends with a bright, cranberry shade Consistency: Jell-O mix that hasn’t yet set, medium viscosity Occurs: Every 28 to 30 days Consider this your textbook version of the ideal period. Maybe you’ve even read that description in an actual textbook. But what you haven’t read (and what may be the most important thing you’ve never heard about menstruation) is that your period can change month over month, and you can absolutely change the color and texture of your bleed with diet and lifestyle changes within one to three cycles, depending on the severity of your issues. You might have: Low progesterone levels, a trigger for many period-related problems. You may also struggle with ovulation issues, irregular cycles, or PCOS. You might have: Elevated estrogen levels. If your diet prevents your liver from breaking down estrogen, it can build up and cause a slew of hormonal problems like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or fibroids. You might have: Low estrogen levels. You may have a vitamin or nutrient deficiency from extreme dieting and adrenal burnout. You might have: A sluggish thyroid, even though your lab results indicate you’re in the “normal” range, perimenopause, PCOS, or premature hormone aging. The majority of period problems can and should be healed with diet and lifestyle changes, and you can heal yourself by taking the necessary steps—your hormonal health is in your control! You know your blood type, your personality type, your love language, your astrological sign, and your Myers-Briggs type—all of which you use to make informed and important decisions about how you handle your life. Now you know what your period type might mean for you, too. Related reads:
