Want to know something? I think it’s crazy how no one talks about how rapid weight gain can throw off your hormonal balance and mess up your menstrual cycle, among many other things. I had to find out the hard way. I’m speaking from a woman’s perspective here (not sure if this applies to men’s hormonal changes too, but it might). Recently, I found out that gaining weight in a short period of time from poor dietary and lifestyle habits, does more than just make you thicc. My thighs, stomach, and waist were larger than ever, and not in the best way.

I was at my heaviest—175lbs to be exact. Between 2018 and 2019 I had gained 30lbs and it was all because I was “eating whatever”, like most of us do (processed foods, sugary treats, cheese, restaurant food/takeout, and drinking A LOT). I rarely went to the gym, but I did at-home yoga videos on occasion. Throughout my journey, I learned that occasional exercise and sweating is crucial to optimal bodily function, aiding in natural detox, and yes, improving my periods.

Another reason I gained weight was from working in the city. I enjoyed the benefits of endless food options. Little did I know it was causing internal damage and it started when I noticed something was off about my periods. For the first time, I was spotting–and it wasn’t due to pregnancy. I was painfully bloated all the time, not just when I was PMS-ing. I was out of breath walking up one flight of stairs. My cramps were getting worse, I developed gastrointestinal issues, and I felt miserable.

So What Was Wrong?

I found out I’d had fibroids. I had no idea what those were or how they could’ve grown. All I knew was that I was in serious pain and my periods were getting increasingly painful.  After multiple doctor’s visits and doing research on my own, I found out that it was due to a few things: high estrogen levels, chronic inflammation, poor food choices, lack of exercise, and an overall unhealthy lifestyle. My glucose, cholesterol, and BMI were out of this world. I barely recognized myself. I hated how I looked in my clothes. That’s when I knew something had to change.

How This Ties Into Your Menstrual Cycle

I’m sharing this for any woman who is in the same situation or knows someone who is. Fibroids and cysts are very common, but they shouldn’t be. Some doctors tell women that they need to get a hysterectomy in order to get rid of fibroids, but that’s not completely true. Painful periods have been normalized in a way that makes women think that there is no solution for relief. If no one has shared this with you yet, know this: PAINFUL PERIODS ARE NOT NORMAL. No argument. If something is off about your periods, write down your symptoms and get checked out.

The Main Takeaway

If you struggle with losing weight or find yourself repeating unhealthy habits, first figure out why you want to lose the weight. Finding your ‘why’ is key. You need a reason to keep you disciplined and motivated to make the right choices for your healthy lifestyle. Whatever that may look like.

With love,

The Period Plug