Menstruation.
Also known as a “period”.
Also known as:
- Aunt Flo
- That time of the month
- Crimson Tide
- Code Red
- Monthly Friend
- Lady Business
- The Curse
- Shark Week
In 2016, a period tracking app called Clue did an international survey about cultural norms surrounding menstruation. The results revealed over 5,000 names for menstruation. We use a lot of code words to avoid talking directly about menstruation, even though almost half the people on the planet have a monthly period.
PMS and bad period cramps are a common problem.
Feeling discomfort before a period (premenstrual syndrome or “PMS”) and period cramps during your flow are very common and affect most women of childbearing age who menstruate. Almost 3 out of 4 women live with PMS. The symptoms of PMS are both physical and emotional and will vary from one person to the next
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Low back pain
- Bloating
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Nausea
Another common symptom of PMS is food cravings. If you live in the U.S., you may have noticed the cultural link between PMS and chocolate. In a 2017 study of 275 American women, almost 50% of them reported having cravings for chocolate just before the start of their period. Research supports the understanding that PMS chocolate cravings are a cultural norm, not a nutritional remedy.
Only about 5% of women have premenstrual symptoms so severe that they receive a diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). But even a less severe, more moderate case of PMS can cause stress and period cramps that disrupt your normal activities. A 2012 study of 408 young women reported 38% of participants stated they missed school or work because of menstrual pain.
Why do I get PMS and period cramps?
Why do I get PMS and period cramps?
A normal menstrual cycle occurs every 21 to 35 days with no PMS, or mild-to-moderate PMS, followed by a period. Scientists believe that PMS results from the monthly cycle of interactions between hormones and brain chemicals. PMS can appear anywhere from one to two weeks before your period and should ease soon after bleeding starts.
Period pain and cramping result from muscle contractions in your uterus. Menstrual flow happens at the end of the monthly cycle during which your uterus prepares itself for pregnancy by building up its lining and your ovary releases an egg. If you don’t get pregnant during the menstrual cycle, your uterus will need to shed the lining it built up during the month.
Approximately every 28 days, hormones in your body signal the muscles in your uterus to contract to push the excess lining out. This shedding of the lining is your period and usually lasts from four to eight days.
If you have irregular periods, very painful cramping, unusually heavy bleeding, or bleeding lasting longer than seven days, visit a gynecologist (a specialist in female health) for an exam. And speak to your doctor if you notice your PMS is causing serious, lasting depression or irritability.
What will help with PMS and period cramps?
PMS symptoms and painful period cramps are a lot to deal with while trying to meet the demands of school, a job, or the needs of a family. When PMS and period cramps start, most women try everything they can think of to ease the symptoms and pain: heating pads, soaking in a tub, massaging with essential oils, yoga, sex, exercise, and of course, chocolate.
You’ve probably taken over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to try to stop your PMS headaches and menstrual cramps. Unfortunately, these common oral pain relievers don’t always help with severe period cramps, nor are they designed to help with the emotional symptoms of PMS. And sometimes over-the-counter pain relievers can cause unpleasant side effects, like an upset stomach.
Another common treatment for period cramps is the oral contraceptive pill (birth control made of artificial hormones, also known as “the pill”). But many women choose not to use birth control, can’t take the pill because of its side effects, or don’t want to put artificial hormones into their bodies.
Hundreds of clinical studies have researched alternative therapies and the value of various herbal supplements to help with PMS and period cramps. The makers of Varafem have designed an all-natural product based upon the science-supported concepts of replenishing, balancing, and maintaining hormone levels during your menstrual cycle.
What is Varafem?
Varafem was founded by a husband who was looking for a way to help his wife with her painful menstrual symptoms. That husband also happens to be a pharmacist who wanted his wife, and all women, to live life to the fullest without suffering from their period. He searched for, but didn’t find, an effective, safe, all-natural product; so he developed one. He brought together Varafem’s team of physicians, pharmacists, and naturopaths who identified a combination of vitamins, minerals and herbs best suited for women who menstruate.
Varafem is a completely natural nutritional supplement that works with your body all month long to help maintain hormonal balance and addresses PMS and period cramps. And recognizing every woman—and her period—is unique, Varafem went a step further by offering customized formulas to address your most troubling menstrual symptoms.
Varafem takes the research and guesswork out of deciding which herbal supplements, and how much of each, will be beneficial for you. But always consult with your doctor first before taking any supplements.
How do I use Varafem?
Your period is personal, therefore Varafem offers a personalized approach to dealing with PMS and period pain.
You start with the Varafem Base Kit of multi-vitamins, iron and Omega-3. The Varafem team created this foundational supplement that includes many of the vitamins and minerals studies show may reduce PMS symptoms and period pain. This includes calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Together with the Varafem Base Kit, you can customize your solution by adding the Varaboost kits you need to help relieve your worst menstrual symptoms. Varaboost kits contain additional natural ingredients that have been scientifically studied for their effects on menstrual symptoms:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid (Fish Oil) for decreased inflammation and period cramps
- Green Tea Extract to help maintain energy levels and relieve bloating and cramps
- Vitamin E to reduce breast tenderness and pain
- Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) to alleviate PMS symptoms
- DIM (diindolylmethane) to improve acne and emotional PMS symptoms
- Magnesium to ease cramps and promote calm, clarity, relaxation and sleep
- Curcumin (Turmeric) works as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain reliever
- 5-HTP (Serotonin) for less irritability and fewer mood swings and cravings
Once you have decided on your customized Varakit and placed your order, we package a 30-day supply into personalized daily pill packs for you. Then your order is shipped straight to your door.
Don’t suffer through another month of PMS craziness and killer period cramps. Visit Varafem.com to learn more about our products, use Vara’s chat box to help you customize your order, and sign up for the Varafam newsletter.
Let’s take PMS down a notch!
