Womens Health: From family planning to menopause.

This post is for all of the women out there, seriously.. if you are a woman I am sure you can benefit from this post in one way or another! If you are a man, you would probably prefer a different article! Like this one (Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream)

My story:

I decided to write this roundup post because one of the first things I looked into when making holistic changes in my life was my monthly cycle. The worst part about my story is this: I decided to leave my health in the hands of companies that were looking to profit off of me versus help me heal. 

When I was fifteen I started a period cycle that would last for two years. I'm serious.. two years of daily, heavy, continuous bleeding, and cramping. I was always tired, I had severe motivation problems, although I played sports and kept up my straight A's in high-school, when I came home from school I slept... a lot! 

My mother took me to an OBGYN that she trusted, and the first medication I was given, of course, was the pill. While the birth control pill usually gave the consumer a light monthly period, mine got worse. Then they tried the Depo shot, next was the Depo shot un-diluted; both failed horribly and honestly just made me feel worse. The doctors were astonished that I was loosing that much blood and wasn't bed-ridden. 

Two years later (at seventeen years old) when the doctors ran out of birth control options, I had an exploratory surgery. The surgeon found out that I had a rare cyst on one of my fallopian tubes and Endometriosis.  This surgeon/ OBGYN decided to try an experimental shot that was typically used in treating prostate cancer on me.. called Lupron Depot.

I remained on this shot for two years, and while it stopped the bleeding it had MANY negative aspects. A well known side effect of Lupron for women is that the shot sends your body into false menopause (yes I was 17 with hot flashes, mood swings, etc). You also have to take calcium supplements to prevent an early onset of osteoporosis. When I was 19, and met the love of my life we decided as a couple that I should try to come off of this shot. Just on the off chance that I ever wanted to have children.

You have to wait one year, per six months of taking the shot, before your monthly cycle returns to normal and you can even think about having children. After I quit taking the shot it was four years before I began having a regular period again, during those four years I would have a few days of spotting but that was always around six months apart. I have had regular periods again for a little over a year now and I'm now dealing with the pain of Endometriosis again, but I am SO thankful to be off of that horrible medicine. My bone and teeth health is something I am also working to rebuild since I was neglectful and did not take my calcium supplements during treatment. 

-Another example (so I don't sound quite as crazy) of a terrible Lupron experience: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/02/09/lupron-part-one.aspx

-My personal choice for relief during discomfort caused by endometriosis is a roller bottle with fractionated coconut oil and 10 drops of eucalyptus. 

-For other Natural Endometriosis treatments/ recipes look here: http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/2009/04/endometriosis.html

For the remainder of this Women's health related round up post, I will share helpful links that I have found while researching holistic health. These are topics that specifically relate to women's health. Since I have been through false-menopause (for two years) I also felt the urge to include some menopause related links! I hope that this information helps you as much as it has helped me! 

"The Change" (aka: Menopause): http://www.oil-testimonials.com/essential-oils/2484/clary-sage-for-hot-flashes-menopause-insomnia

 I love the cloth pad tutorial by littlehouseliving.com

Menstrual Cycle:

The cup: http://www.hollywoodhomestead.com/why-use-menstrual-cups/

Cloth Pads: http://www.littlehouseliving.com/naturalizing-your-feminine-hygiene-routine.html

Cloth Pad Pattern: http://www.littlehouseliving.com/homemade-cloth-pads-tutorial-and-pattern.html

Synchronizing with the Moon: http://empoweredsustenance.com/balance-hormones-with-moon/

 Natural Family Planning post by How We Flourish

Family Planning:

Reasons to consider opting out of birth control: http://www.howweflourish.com/2013/08/26/why-you-should-avoid-hormonal-birth-control/

Natural Family Planning: http://www.howweflourish.com/2013/08/30/natural-family-planning/

Natural Infertility Solutions: http://wellnessmama.com/1326/how-to-get-pregnant-naturally/

Wellness Mama Instructions on how to make a natural labor and baby Kit: http://wellnessmama.com/2541/make-your-own-natural-labor-and-birth-kit/

Where should you give birth? http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2012/02/a-comparison-of-birthing-settings-home-hospital-and-birthing-center-births.html

Teas & Tinctures:

Feminine Balance Tea: http://realfoodoutlaws.com/feminine-balance-tea/

Teas to help cramping: http://overtheteacups.com/teabriefs/herbal-teas-help-menstrual-cramps/

Tumeric Tea: http://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/menstrual-cramps-remedy-heavy-bleeding-remedy-turmeric-tea/

Apothekayla's Healing Salve: yep healing salve is "tha bomb" this mixture also helps your menstrual cycle, simply rub it on your abdomen: http://www.apothekayla.com/2013/04/cuts-scrapes-or-burns.html

Well my friends as always I want to thank you for reading! Without you, I wouldn't do what I do! Let me know if this roundup post has helped you, and if you love any of the linked posts please show the post author some love by commenting or joining up with them on your social networking sites! Until next time -Kayla! =]