If you’ve been told your painful periods are “normal,” or you’ve spent years missing school, work, or events because you’re doubled over in cramps, this episode is for you. Pain is not the price of womanhood, it’s a sign your hormones, minerals, liver, or inflammation pathways need support. As someone who spent over a decade with three cycles a year and vomiting from cramps, I’m breaking down exactly what causes painful periods and the simple steps you can take to finally change them.In this episode I’m sharing:The two types of painful periods: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, and how to know which category your symptoms fall intoWhy excess prostaglandins (inflammation) make cramps unbearable and what you can do this month to reduce themHow to use omega-3 rich foods like salmon (and chlorella if you need a supplement) to lower inflammation before your periodWhy blood sugar spikes make period pain worse, and how focusing on fiber + protein can immediately calm your hormonesThe plate method I use with clients to stabilize blood sugar and reduce PMS, cravings, headaches, and mood swingsHow to tell the difference between high-fiber foods that help your hormones vs. “healthy” grains that actually spike blood sugarThe simple liver-supporting foods that make a huge difference: dandelion tea, bitter greens, lemon water, milk thistle, and castor oil packsThe most effective supplement for painful periodsRemember: debilitating periods are not something you’re meant to just live with. They’re communication from your body, not a life sentence. This episode will help you understand the real reason behind your pain and give you clear, realistic steps to reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, support your liver, and finally experience a calmer, more predictable cycle.Leah’s Favorite Things: https://www.leahbrueggemann.com/favorites—I’m Leah Brueggemann, a Functional Diagnostic Nutritional® Practitioner and Hormone Health Coach, helping you balance your hormones in effective and realistic ways so you can live a healthier, happier life.Through the Balance Hormones Naturally podcast, you’ll discover why your cycle is so important to your everyday health and how you can use nutrition to help support the rise and fall of your hormones and finally feel truly amazing. We dig deep to understand and heal the root causes of your symptoms so you can achieve lasting results through manageable and realistic lifestyle changes, allowing you to live a healthy and balanced life without a life-long pharmaceutical prescription.Let’s connect:📷 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balancinghormonesnaturally/🙋🏻‍♀️ Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leah_brueg/🌐 Website: https://www.leahbrueggemann.com/📧 Email: [email protected]