5 Reasons to Have a Natural Period

Many people think that having a period isn’t important, that we can use a pill (or other means) to block periods out and avoid the hassle. I used to feel exactly the same way. But there are lots of benefits that come from having a period. 



Wait! What?! There are benefits to periods??

We’ve put together 5 reasons why it’s important to have a natural period - one that follows ovulation. (Note that we are not referring to the bleed you get when on the pill. That bleed happens because when you stop taking the pill for your ‘pill break’ week, the withdrawal of hormones causes the lining of your uterus to shed.)

Let’s establish some basics here: 

• There are different phases to our menstrual cycle (menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase)
• Different hormones are involved in each phase
• The phase that follows ovulation produces progesterone
• Progesterone is wonderful

A graph showing a women's 28 day cycle and the hormones involved



(Just another reminder that when we use synthetic hormones, we typically do not ovulate, and therefore we do not receive the benefits of progesterone. So as you read this you can also ask yourself, "Do I want those benefits in my life?")

So to reiterate - having a natural period results in ovulation, and progesterone swoops in after ovulation.

Here are the top 5 ways progesterone helps us.



1. Regulates Sleep

Struggling with restless nights?

Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain, helping to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety.



2. Provides Mood-enhancing & Anti-depressant Effects

Progesterone supports serotonin and GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and enhances mood by inducing feelings of relaxation and well-being. Low levels can contribute to mood swings and PMS.



3. Supports Bone Health

Progesterone plays a key role in bone density, helping to protect against osteoporosis.



4. Promotes Anti-ageing

Progesterone supports collagen production and skin elasticity, which can help keep your skin looking youthful.



5. Boosts your metabolism

Progesterone plays a role in energy regulation and thyroid function, helping to support metabolism and prevent sluggishness.



Progesterone also lightens your period, reduces inflammation, regulates your immune function, and supports healthy thyroid, brain and breasts. 



We've named just a few reasons why having a true period (with ovulation and the following progesterone) is beneficial.

If you don't have a period, then a whole host of symptoms can arise - this includes pill bleeds and anovulatory bleeds too, because they aren't a true period.

These symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Disrupted sleep/insomnia
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness