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Season 4 Episode 7
Your Top Hormone Health Questions Answered: Period Flu, Natural Pain Relief, and More
In this intimate Q&A episode of The Flow State podcast, hosts Monica Grohne and Norah Candido share personal updates and tackle common hormone health questions from their community. Between discussing life changes and addressing listener concerns, this episode offers both vulnerability and practical health wisdom.
Understanding Period Flu
One of the most common questions addressed was about period flu - that feeling of being sick right before or during menstruation. Norah explains that this phenomenon is linked to the body's intentionally lowered immune response during the luteal phase. This immune suppression is actually a natural design to support potential pregnancy, but it can leave us more susceptible to feeling under the weather.
Natural Alternatives to Pain Relief
The hosts dive deep into alternatives to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for menstrual pain relief. While acknowledging that these medications work quickly, they discuss potential long-term impacts on gut health and nutrient levels. Some natural alternatives they recommend include:
- Magnesium supplementation
- Heating pads for cramp relief
- Epsom salt baths
- Anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 rich fish and seeds
- Marea's herbal tea blend for cramp relief
The Probiotic Question
An important discussion centered around probiotics and whether everyone needs them. Norah emphasizes that probiotic supplementation is highly individualized and not everyone requires them. She notes that some popular products, like certain synbiotics, might actually cause issues for some people.
Testing and Tracking Your Hormones
The hosts address questions about functional lab testing, emphasizing the importance of knowing which tests to request and understanding typical costs. They discuss how standard lab ranges differ from optimal ranges and why tracking symptoms alongside lab work provides the most complete picture of hormone health.
Personal Updates and Community Connection
In a touching segment, Monica opens up about her ongoing divorce journey and shares insights about trusting oneself through major life transitions. Norah discusses her new venture, the Nutrition with Nora Academy, designed to provide affordable, accessible hormone health education and community support.
Key Takeaways:
- Period symptoms often reflect habits from the previous 3 months
- Natural pain relief options exist but require a more holistic approach
- Lab testing should be strategic and cost-effective
- Tracking symptoms helps identify patterns and triggers
- Community support is crucial for hormone health journey
Ready to support your hormone health naturally? Try Marea's PMS Elixir, formulated with essential nutrients to help maintain hormonal balance and manage common period symptoms. Use code FLOWPOD for a special discount at checkout.
