Is Your Period Pain Normal? Signs It’s Hormonal—and What to Do
- Shantini
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Period pain is common but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. If you find yourself dreading your cycle each month because of cramps, bloating, mood swings or fatigue, your body may be telling you something deeper. As a women’s health naturopath, I often work with clients who’ve been told to “just deal with it,” when in reality, there are effective natural solutions to relieve pain and bring the body back into balance.
In this blog, we’ll explore the signs your period pain may be hormone-related, and what you can do to naturally support your body for less pain and more ease in your cycle.
What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are caused by uterine contractions. These contractions are triggered by prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds that help the uterus shed its lining. When prostaglandin levels are too high, the uterus contracts more strongly—leading to more pain.
Some period pain is normal, but severe or debilitating cramps are a red flag, especially when paired with heavy bleeding, fatigue, digestive changes, or mood swings.
Signs Your Period Pain May Be Hormonal
Pain that interferes with daily life or work
Cramps that start several days before your period
Tender breasts, bloating, or mood changes leading up to your bleed
Pain that’s worsened over time
Diagnosed or suspected endometriosis, PCOS, or estrogen dominance
These are all signs that your period pain may be linked to hormonal imbalance, inflammation, or a deeper condition like endometriosis.
Natural Menstrual Cramp Relief
Let’s look at effective, evidence-based ways to reduce period pain naturally.
Magnesium is one of the most powerful nutrients for relaxing muscles, reducing inflammation, and calming the nervous system. Studies show that magnesium supplementation can significantly reduce menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms.
Food sources: leafy greens, almonds, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate.Therapeutic use: often needed in supplement form (under practitioner guidance).
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Period Relief
Since prostaglandins are inflammatory by nature, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce their excess production.
Focus on:
Omega-3 fats (flaxseed, walnuts, salmon)
Fresh vegetables (especially cruciferous like broccoli & kale)
Ginger and turmeric
Berries and colourful fruits
Avoiding excess dairy, red meat, alcohol, and refined sugar
This kind of eating can reduce pelvic inflammation and promote more balanced cycles.
Track Your Cycle & Pain Patterns
Cycle tracking is a powerful self-care tool. By noting when your cramps begin, how long they last, and what symptoms come with them, you start to uncover patterns linked to PMS, hormonal imbalance, or estrogen dominance.
Apps like Clue or MyFLO are great, but even a simple journal works. Bring this information to your consults—it’s gold for getting to the root cause.
Natural Hormone Balancing with Herbs & Nutrition
Supporting hormone balance is about more than just pain relief—it’s about long-term wellness.
As a naturopath, I use a combination of:
Herbal medicine: chaste tree (Vitex), ginger, cramp bark
Dietary therapy: seed cycling, liver support
Nutritional supplements: B6, zinc, magnesium, omega-3s
Each plan is personalised. For example, if estrogen dominance is contributing to your symptoms, we’ll focus on liver detoxification and fibre-rich foods to improve estrogen clearance.
As a women’s health naturopath, I work with clients worldwide to:
Reduce period pain and PMS naturally
Address cycle imbalances, fatigue, and mood issues
Support fertility and hormonal health across all life stages
If your period pain is interfering with your quality of life, it’s time to listen to your body—and explore a gentler, more holistic path to healing.
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