Period Repair Manual: How to naturally balance your hormones

Are you Considering a switch from hormonal birth control? Searching for a natural way of regulating your menstrual cycle? Look no further! In this article we delve into different aspects of Dr. Lara Briden’s “Period Repair Manual” which is considered a valuable guide to comprehend the intricate processes of your cycle, find the ideal birth control method, and treat different hormonal problems. We will explore the essential insights from the book, emphasizing the underlying health factors, the impact of hormonal birth control, and practical tips for cultivating holistic well-being.

Whether you are suffering from PCOS, have irregular or absent periods, or just thinking of getting off the pill but scared of what that will do to your body. This journey is all about grasping the details of your cycle, finding the perfect birth control method, and exploring resources on mood swings, hormonal wellness, and fertility awareness. Dive into the benefits and insights that could guide you, featuring the fantastic “Period Repair Manual” by Lara Briden. 

“Period Repair Manual” by Lara Briden, a naturopathic doctor, is a must-read. It not only explains the different phases of the menstrual cycle in simple terms but also teaches you to understand your body. Many have found it instrumental in leaving hormonal birth control behind. It also offers guidance for treating period problems with nutrition, supplements, and bioidentical hormones.

Understanding Menstrual Health:

With The central theme of the “Period Repair Manual” revolving around the concept that a woman’s period is a reflection of her underlying health. The author suggests that we should view periods as our monthly report card. She stresses the importance of a relatively non-symptomatic menstrual cycle, highlighting the significance of understanding the hormonal cycle, including ovulation and its role in promoting overall well-being.

Lara wants to change the misconception that implies that hormones are bad. She stresses the importance of having monthly natural cycles to make hormones that are crucial for women’s general health. She mentions that “we need to make our hormones, not take them” that’s because steroid drugs in hormonal birth control are not as good as our own hormones. 

The Pitfalls of Hormonal Birth Control:

One of the book’s major revelations challenges the common reliance on hormonal birth control as a solution to period-related issues. Despite being a standard prescription from medical professionals, Briden argues that hormonal birth control does not address the root causes of period problems. Instead, it disrupts the natural hormonal cycle by shutting down ovaries, depriving the body of natural estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Briden cautions against the misconception that the monthly bleeding while on the pill is a genuine period, shedding light on the withdrawal from drugs.  She insists that the monthly bleed is not a period, it’s simply an induced period. A menstrual cycle is a cycle in which ovulation takes place and that in turn produces the hormones you need for your general health. 

PCOS 

In the case of PCOS Lara discusses how hormonal drugs are actually worsening the underlying problem, and not treating the root problem. Having regular ovulation and making progesterone is the way out of PCOS.

The progestin found in birth control pills is not progesterone and it doesn’t provide your body with the needed benefits. It actually influences our mood and depression where the progesterone that our bodies produce naturally, uplifts our mood and reduces depression. 

Women with PCOS struggle to make enough progesterone, so when they take the birth control pill they think that they are fixing the problem, but they are just sweeping it under the rug. And the minute they stop taking the pill, PCOS symptoms will be more prominent than ever. 

To treat PCOS naturally it’s important to get the right diagnosis of which type of pcos you have before starting to treat it. 

The book defines 4 different types of PCOS to guide natural treatment.

1. Insulin resistant PCOS: high androgens + insulin resistance
2. Post pill PCOS: high androgens + normal periods before taking & stopping the pill. 
3. Inflammatory PCOS: high androgens + signs of chronic inflammation like headaches, joint pain, skin issues, IBS
4. Adrenal PCOS: DHEA-s is the only high androgen.

According to Lara Briden androgen excess is the main marker for having PCOS, SO If you don’t have high androgens but suffer from missing or irregular periods, and polycystic ovaries you might have hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Side Effects and Women Mental Health Impact:

The “Period Repair Manual” delves into the side effects of hormonal birth control, exposing common issues such as depression, loss of sex drive, hair loss, weight gain, and acne. Briden emphasizes the profound impact of hormonal birth control on mood, stating that the connection has been overlooked for years. The groundbreaking study released in October 2016 in JAMA Psychiatry linked hormonal contraception with an increased risk of depression in women.

Transitioning off Hormonal Birth Control:

Briden offers insights into the challenges women may face when transitioning off hormonal birth control. Issues like post-pill acne, post-pill amenorrhea, and the emergence of conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) are discussed. The book serves as a guide to navigating these post-pill challenges and offers a holistic approach to restoring hormonal balance.

What you can learn from this book: 

1- Natural Fertility Awareness:

• Briden advocates for natural fertility awareness methods as an alternative to hormonal birth control. Techniques based on tracking waking temperature and other observations empower women to understand their cycles and make informed decisions about fertility.

2- Nutritional Approaches:

• The book explores dietary recommendations, including the elimination of inflammatory foods like sugar, alcohol, wheat, dairy, and vegetable oil. Briden underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced diet for menstrual health.

3- Supplements for Support:

• Magnesium and zinc emerge as crucial supplements for addressing various menstrual issues. Magnesium is hailed as the “miracle mineral” offering relief for conditions such as PCOS, PMS, and period pain. Zinc, especially vital for vegetarians, is recommended for its benefits against acne and depression.

4- Liver Detoxification:

• For individuals experiencing breast tenderness before periods, Briden suggests focusing on liver detoxification. Specific supplements, including NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), milk thistle, and broccoli sprouts, aid in detoxification and hormonal balance.

“The Period Repair Manual: Navigating Hormonal Health and Empowering Women”

“The Period Repair Manual” serves as an ocean of knowledge for women seeking a holistic approach to menstrual health. By challenging conventional wisdom, Lara Briden guides readers through the complexities of hormonal balance, shedding light on the pitfalls of hormonal birth control and offering practical tips for achieving well-rounded well-being. Empowering women to understand and advocate for their own health, this book is a valuable resource in the journey toward menstrual empowerment and lasting vitality.

The book covers every symptom like sleep issues, hot flashes, migraines, and mood troubles in detail. It’s like my Menopause guidebook, and I’ve even looked up solutions for my friends who found great relief using the advice. Dr. Briden writes with care, explaining things thoroughly without making it confusing. I’m super impressed with the book and its approach. She really focuses on fixing the root issue instead of sweeping it under the rug and going straight to birth control. 

As women, we shouldn’t blindly trust everything a doctor says; we need to understand our bodies, that’s crucial. This book explains why periods come, don’t come, are painful, or easy. By educating one woman, we’re educating a whole generation. It starts with each one of us, trusting our bodies, and keeping them healthy! 🙂  So, get a copy for yourself, your daughter, your sister, your best friend. There’s a lot of information to start taking charge of your menstrual health into your own hands, where it belongs!