It has been more than two years since I’ve written about health and wellness.
But, I have been actively working on my health and seeking answers to the issues I had. I’m not sure how often I will post on this topic, if at all, but I wanted to share this update in case it is helpful to someone else experiencing similar symptoms.
Disclaimer: I’m writing about menstrual cycles in this post.
Anemia, and Adenomyosis diagnosis
Last time I shared on this topic was in February 2022. I talked about nutritional deficiencies and chronic anemia in particular. I’ve been aware of my anemia since my early twenties. It’s a chronic issue, as you can imagine, being a female with a “normal” monthly menstrual cycle.
Anemia is such a common problem that I didn’t think there was an underlying cause apart from the bad periods I had. That also is so very common that I didn’t think there was anything that could be done about it. Previous doctors recommended iron supplements and I tried many different types but was not helped.
After my third child, I noticed that my periods were heavier and lasting seven days. So, I went to my family doctor for a physical and, after discussing my heavy periods, I was sent for an ultrasound which showed I had Adenomyosis. This condition occurs when the endometrial tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It results in an enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods. While the exact cause is unknown, childbirth is thought to be one of the contributing causes and I’ve had the joy of doing that three times. However, from my research, I think inflammation is a major factor, at least in my case, because I’ve always had challenging periods.
Hormone Therapy Treatment
My doctor referred me to a gynaecologist for treatment. It took ten months before I could see her and, when I did, she recommended an IUD. The purpose of the IUD was to lighten my periods using hormones which would make them eventually become less frequent until I went through menopause in a few years. The prospect of not ever having a period again was so wonderful that I was very quick to agree and it was installed a few months later in December 2022.
My first period after the installation was very painful and heavier than usual. I was told this would happen and that there would be an adjustment period lasting about 6 months. However, after 3 monthly cycles, I continued to spot daily with heavier flow on random days and a 1-2 day break here and there. This continued for nine months until I had a followup appointment with my family doctor during which she said that wasn’t normal and suggested that I return to the gynaecologist.
The gynaecologist acknowledged that my experience was not normal and hypothesized that the IUD had decreased my estrogen, which thinned the lining of my uterus, and now the IUD was irritating the tissue thereby causing spotting. Her recommendation was that I take more estrogen to counteract that. From my own research, however, I think it was actually the opposite and my estrogen was very high to begin with and being on the IUD worsened that. My hormone levels were never tested because I had a “normal” 28 day menstrual cycle.
IUD removal
Throughout this time on the IUD, I was in prayer about my health. I prayed for healing two years prior to this and God has given me many insights since then. I can see now how He led me to address several factors contributing to my heavy, painful periods in particular.
The year on the IUD was unsuccessful in treating the problem but it was still a blessing because it gave me a break from the pain and the anemia. With that came some mental clarity. I could see that there were some foods that seemed to worsen my flow and pain. I could see how He also led me to address stress and poor sleep, which were contributing factors.
So, going into this appointment with my gynaecologist, I had already made the decision to have the IUD removed and attempt to heal my body naturally through lifestyle and dietary changes. The gynaecologist chuckled when I said that and assured me that I would be back to see her. I acknowledged that likelihood because bad periods are so common it’s practically the norm. However, I had to have faith to follow where God was leading me and see what He would do. The IUD was removed in December 2023 and I have not returned to see her.
Healing and natural treatments
I made a plan to work on healing myself starting in the new year of 2024. I bought a health planner for this purpose and was intent on working on this problem with all my effort. However, in February, just a few weeks into the year, God showed me that He would do it.
He brought to mind the story of the woman with the bleeding problem (in Luke 8:43-48) and He led me to pray for healing, citing that He is the same God.
My periods after that were lighter and pain free. I was very tentative and waited to see if that was a fluke. But, the second one was the same. The months following that were not so. However, in walking with God through them, He gave me further insight into the multiple causes which I have since addressed. Now, in 2026, my periods are normal with minimal pain even on the first day. Thank You, Lord!
I was led to a wonderful book by Madeline MacKinnon on natural hormone healing through nutrition. This helped me to believe that a normal period, without lots of pain and that leaves you depleted, was actually possible for me.
I also discovered through blood tests that I was very deficient in vitamin D. I am originally from the Caribbean but have lived in Canada most of my life. I spend very little time outdoors especially during winter, so I should’ve known that. However, I did not realize how important this vitamin is to overall health. Deficiency leads to improper absorption and management of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D is necessary to manage cholesterol, so deficiency in the former will lead to an excess in the latter. I also found connections to anemia, high blood sugar, and sleep disruptions. I am taking supplements but really need to get more sunshine.
I also found that I am deficient in magnesium and vitamin B12 resulting in muscle stiffness throughout the month. This is also the reason for the pain I usually experienced. During the first day of my cycle, I now increase my intake of magnesium bisglycinate supplement and get relief without pain medication. Further research suggests that I may have a genetic disorder in a part of the thyroid that is responsible for managing levels of calcium and magnesium in the body. I should mention here that there are several women in our family with this health issue, and that’s what led me to discover this. There is no fix apart from supplements so I haven’t confirmed this theory with testing.
Stewarding my health today
My strategy these days for stewarding my health is to watch what I eat, take supplements, and be mindful of stress. If I believed that I had years of life ahead of me, then perhaps I would do more. However, I believe the time is very short and that I will soon have a new body.
Here are some foods that I’ve found to worsen my periods and now limit or avoid:
1. Eggs, which increase estrogen.
2. Wheat and fried foods, which lead to large clots.
3. Dairy, which causes inflammation and disrupts magnesium/calcium balance.
4. Black tea and chocolate, which stimulate the uterus. Perhaps that is a good thing to ensure good flow, I’m not sure. I still drink black tea because it has health benefits but limit during my period.
Let me close here with the reminder that our God is Creator; He made the body and He is our Physician. I encourage you to trust Him to guide you in its care.
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14
** For more on this Physical Wellness journey and the challenges, click here>>
