Protecting a woman’s reproductive system is the single most important focus of her body between the time of puberty and menopause. This time, between puberty and menopause, is also when a woman experiences her monthly menstrual cycle.
Did you know that during this time in a woman’s life she ages most rapidly? This is because the reproductive hormones can be steroid compounds that speed up the aging process.
Historically, menopause was thought to be a positive experience, as it gently and painlessly ended the burden of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although it often lightened the libido, it also allowed for sex without the concern of accidental pregnancy.
Menopause
Women never used to experience physical problems or symptoms during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. In fact, they almost always felt better. Past medical literature, up through the 1800’s, rarely, if ever, mentioned menopause as a problem where women would exhibit symptoms. Heart palpitations and hot flashes were virtually nonexistent.
This all changed around 1950. Women born from 1900 on were the first to experience “symptoms of menopause”…such as: night sweats, hot flashes, fatigue, panic attacks, anxiety, hair thinning, and joint pain.
In the middle of the 20th century, women ages 40-50 began seeing their doctors in large numbers, complaining of these symptoms. Women were labeled as crazy or lazy, it was all in their head, etc. However, as time went on, these symptoms persisted in women and more symptoms were added to the list…such as: memory issues, trouble concentrating, moodiness, weight gain, and dizziness.
Eventually blame was placed on menopause because the one thing these women had in common was their age. The decision was made to place the blame on women’s hormones, despite the fact that plenty of men were experiencing these symptoms as well.
In reality, menopause is a good thing, it actually slows down the aging process and boosts your immune system.
The “symptoms of menopause” women deal with are actually a result of underlying pathogens and toxic load.
Menstruation & Ovulation
During both menstruation and ovulation, a woman’s immune system shifts from other areas of the body to focus on the reproductive system (this shift happens during pregnancy and childbirth as well). This regular, monthly, lowering of the immune system can create opportunities for pathogens like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Shingles, and their cofactor bacteria, Streptococcus, to gain strength and take hold. These pathogens are at the root of women’s suffering and chronic illness.
When a woman is menstruating, 80% of her immune system goes to safeguard her reproductive system, leaving a mere 20% of her immune system to protect the rest of her body and fight pathogens. During ovulation, this ratio changes such that 40% of her immune system goes toward the reproductive system and 60% remains protecting the rest of the body. This lowered immune system is just what pathogens need to make their way into the reproductive organs and begin to cause problems.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS symptoms are caused by a wide range of viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Pathogens, such as EBV, shingles, various HHV’s, streptococcus, etc can enter the reproductive organs and cause inflammation not detectable by medical procedures. This inflammation results in chronic reproductive organ conditions, such as PMS.
Irregular Menstruation
The most common cause of irregular menstruation is a low-grade chronic EBV infection in the reproductive system. The presence of the virus can disrupt the normal function of the reproductive system.
Another possible cause is rooted in adrenal dysfunction caused by EBV. Low thyroid hormone (T4) levels from a hypothyroid condition which is viral, and compromised adrenals that are unable to compensate for the thyroid deficiency.
Heavy Menstruation
Pathogens such as EBV, Streptococcus, and Shingles get into the reproductive system. Viral byproducts coming from an overburdened liver can also get in the reproductive system, along with toxic heavy metals, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, dioxins, petrochemicals, etc. The heavier the cycle, the more troublemakers you have in your reproductive system.
The purpose of a cycle is to cleanse. When the uterus sheds its lining, it is trying to eliminate these pathogens and toxins. Therefore, if you have been cleansing and trying to eliminate these pathogens from your body, your cycle will become lighter. You can even reach the point of no bleeding, because the uterus does not have to shed – it does so to remove toxins.
The more toxins we have, the heavier our menstruation becomes and the harder our uterus has to work.
The Role of Nutrition
When we consume a diet high in fat, including foods that feed pathogens, we are asking for trouble. Foods such as eggs, dairy – milk, cheese, butter, wheat/gluten are all pathogen feeding foods which will worsen every chronic condition. In particular, the estrogen in foods like eggs, dairy, and meat…and in other products like plastics, solvents, and medications, feed viruses and bacteria immensely. Knowing what foods to avoid is critical for healing.
Avoid = eggs; dairy – milk, cheese, and butter; canola oil, animal products; and wheat/gluten
A Path To Health
Moving forward and healing reproductive cycle issues is absolutely possible. You have the ability to be pain and symptom free during your cycle. Doing this requires women to learn how to feed their bodies and not their pathogens.
Lowering the fats in your diet and cutting out “no foods” is essential for healing. You will also want to bring in plenty of fruits – the antioxidants and glucose in fruits feed the reproductive system while starving the pathogens. Another key to healing is the Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie. Drinking this smoothie everyday not only helps to strengthen your reproductive organs, it also begins to remove the heavy metals so that the pathogens no longer use them as fuel.
Some helpful supplements include: zinc, b12, L-lysine, licorice root, lemon balm, micro c, cat’s claw, nascent iodine, ashwagandha, monolaurin, barley grass juice powder, spirulina, nettle leaf, raspberry leaf tea, wild yam, and schisandra berry.
Continuing The Reproductive Issue Discussion
The reproductive system is a big topic with many chronic issues to explore. In a future blog I will be discussing what’s at the root of, and how to heal, some of the major reproductive organ problems facing women today, such as:
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Reproductive Cysts (uterine/ovarian/vaginal/cervical)
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) / Bladder Infections/ Yeast Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis
Our bodies are truly amazing, and it is important we always remember that the body wants to heal. It is our job to learn how to help our bodies heal. By understanding the information Anthony gives us, you are on the path to healing. Be gentle and forgiving with yourself throughout your healing process. It is a journey, but the most rewarding journey, as you gain so much more than just health along the way.
48 thoughts on “The Mysteries of Menstruation and Menopause – Why All The Drama?”
Just to confirm , the ancient practice and now trending practice of drinking period blood or using it as a face mask is no bueno ?
Hi Kimberly! Indeed, no bueno! There are much more powerful healing options available to us for both our bodies and our skin.
Thank you for the breakdown, Muneeza. I have been following MM in ever increasing strictness for 6 years. (I had been V/GF before that). I have done the 369 cleanse many times, though it’s been about 6 months since I’ve been able to do one. I do 32 oz celery Juice every morning for the last 3.5 years, HMDS every day, no fat for long stretches of time. I’ve always had a heavy and regular period, tending on the short side (27-29 days). However, in the last 4 months I’ve had shorter cycles, including three 23/24 day cycles. Going to go check the reddit thread, but I am very confused by these tight moon cycles. Thank you for your work!!
Hi Margaret, thanks for your message and your support! We are happy that Muneeza’s work is helpful for you. 🙂
Sorry but I was wondering if there is any feedback on the very short cycles? The 23-24 day ones, and whether AW has said anything about that. Did not see anything on Reddit.
Hi Margaret, Anthony has never mentioned anything about short cycles. If you have specific concerns let me know. – Muneeza
Hi, I have started following MM 2 years ago. During those years I have been doing several 369, 28 days cleances and two rounds of Thyroid healing cleanses. I am doing all the morning cleanses+ HMD +low fat diet and have stopped all the no foods and became vegan. I am following MM on 100%. My period was lasting about 2-3 days before I have started MM and it continued like that during those 2 years, until this month it stopped completely, even though I had the cramps. I am just wondering is that a good thing or should I worry that I am in a menopouse? I am 36 years old. I am also dealing with Hashimoto and I am not sure is this connected in anyway to my period?
Thanks for all the valuable information!
Mira Thank you for your comment. If you are 36 years old you are very UNLIKELY to be in menopause. The best way to determine your fertility is to use the creighton Model Fertility system to track your mucous. You can find a practitioner to work with on their website and you will learn how to track your mucous so you can truly determine when you are ovulating. If you are not seeing blood, and are cramping you could be having a period with a flow so light it is barely visible on your sanitary napkin.
Thank you for this information. I was just confused by where you said there could be no bleeding bc the uterus only sheds its lining to remove toxins. I thought it creates the thicker liner so there is a safe space for a fertilized egg to implant in the lining. No egg=no need for lining, so the lining is shed and menstruation begins. No?
Megan you are most welcome! What I meant by that is that the more bleeding a woman has, usually is because there are more poisons and toxins. When we are healthy, we often don’t bleed that much or very mildly.
Is liquorice root the same as marshallow root in the way it works ?
No, licorice and Marshmallow are two completely different herbs.
What are the benefits of licorice root as I’m taking marshallow root for the gut lining
https://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/licorice-root-critical-pathogen-fighter
Such valuable information. Thank you, Muneeza. I still struggle a lot with irregular periods and have been also including the Vitex Berry from Gaia for almost two years now but am still a little bit unsure how to best take it.
It says to take it directly in the morning so I take it with my lemon water before CJ. Does it matter when to take it or would you rather recommend taking it with some sort of glucose? And which dosage would you recommend? Also taking it as recommended on the package (1000 mg extract / 3 mg agnuside). Again, thank you.
If you are still struggling, you may be missing something a bit deeper. I would focus on tuning up your anti viral protocol because vitex berry would have worked by now. Does that make sense? I obviously cannot provide health advice here, but you are welcome to join the membership for additional support: https://courses.muneezaahmed.com/ihc-2022
That does make sense; I do feel like I might be missing something but a litte bit unsure what exactly. I’m already planning on joining the membership when being done with moving and I’m so looking forward to it!!
Elisa we look forward to supporting you there.
Hi Muneeza, thanks very much for the information you provide. I also noticed my periods getting weaker since doing MM. This time there was no period at all, just cramps and swollen breasts for 3 weeks Do you have some tips for me what to do? Maybe low progesterone?
Clara there is no way for me to know the root cause of this issue without a consult. This is because there can be many reasons for this happening. It can happen due to a) a high viral load in the reproductive system b) a lot of poisons in the reproductive system. c) weak adrenals to name a few reasons. I would recommend booking an appointment with a practitioner to help you figure out this issue further.
Hi. I have undergone two (unsuccessful) rounds of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) back in 2018 and 2019 (before I learned of MM). I feel like I am still impacted by all of the injected hormones I took (acne, bloating, period cramps). I have been avoiding all “no” foods for 7 months And plan to continue. I also take some of the supplements you mentioned and the HMDS a couple times a week. Do you know if there is anything extra i can do to help rid my body of the exogenous hormones I took previously? Thanks!
Maria it would be prudent to bring in the Morning Cleanse regularly and also to bring in the 369 cleanse at some point when you feel ready to. These cleanses are the best thing you can do for cleansing.
Thank you so very much for your input. I truly appreciate your response. I have been drinking lemon water and celery juice every morning and avoid radical fats until lunch on most days. I have done two 369 cleanses and plan to do another when the weather warms up 🙂 It sounds like I am on the path to restoring by body and will continue the path! Thanks for the support.
Hey Muneeza in relation to pregnancy how much of your immune system goes into the baby? Thanks for a wonderful blog.
Aisling we lose about 50% of our immune system when pregnant.
Hello! This is great information 🙂 I am a little confused though– how is a period that is light from cleansing and less toxins (“no bleeding, because the uterus does not need to shed”) differ from skipped periods? How do we tell the difference? I guess I’m wondering how you can have a healthy, regular cycle without bleeding? How else can we tell we are on our periods?
Usually a woman with a healthy period will not have any other symptoms.
Hi Muneeza! Thank you so much for the article, which helps to explain a lot about what really goes on in women’s bodies! I used to have very heavy cycles and dysfunctional uterine bleeding and have been following MM for over 5 years. I recently completed one round of the Advanced 369 cleanse before my 45th birthday. I am experiencing my usual cramps on my first cycle after the cleanse but to my amazement, there is no bleeding. I am hoping that it’s my body’s way of telling me my blood is not so toxic that is has to shed. But, are the cramps without the bleeding normal? Or should I not be having the cramping, which isn’t painful but not comfortable either. Thanks in advance!
Thank you for your feedback. As far as cramping goes, ideally there shouldn’t be any, but as you heal this will continue to get better.
thinking about Anthony saying we lose our immunity when they take blood so he wants us to get less viles then more vials. Pair that with what you wrote about how our immunity changes during ovulation and our menstrual periods , I have a question. Do we have the same amount of lowered immunity no matter if we have a light flow or heavy flow? What if we start out light and then it a increases is a little bit for the rest of our period? Thanks Muneeza!
Yes, we do have the same amount of lowered immunity…that is what the body does every month to protect our reproductive system regardless of other circumstances.
Thank you for your answer.i have an issue that is really starting to concern me. The last few Cycles I’ve had some issues with me having a extremely long period (10-+ days). Currenrly it seemed like I was almost done after about 6-7 days and then it restarted again. Why would this be happening?
Not sure how relevant this is but I thought I would mention a few years ago I noticed if I was inconsistent with dulse, for the heavy metal detox smoothie, I would start bleeding. Lately I’ve been pretty consistent so I’m not sure if that’s contributing to my extremely long periods lately. Why does dulse have that effect, bleeding, on me?
I can assure you Soena that dulse does not have that effect. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide detailed health advice here. The issue you describe though is unrelated to dulse. It is resulting from Pathogens and poisons in your body.
Incredible post, Muneeza! So if we’re working on cleansing and following MM to the t, we shouldn’t worry if we skip periods? Even if multiple ones in a row?
Thank you for your feedback. If you are cleansing and following MM, your body will eventually heal. The period skipping is just another sign from your body. Keep up the good work and you will become more regular over time.
This is the best article- short and comprehensive, right to the point, shining light on questions I always had. Thank you Muneeza!
Thank you very much for your feedback, I truly appreciate it!
Aw, thank you so much for your feedback, I really appreciate it.
Hi Muneeza, is it ok to take Licorice root if one has fibroids and heavy periods? It’s not listed under fibroid healing in the the Medical Medium Cleanse to Heal book and I read elsewhere it could possibly increase estrogen? I also started getting stomach aches and increased menstrual pain and new uterine pain after starting licorice root. So thought to ask. Thanks! Blessings and joy to you!
Yes, licorice root is absolutely ok to take. Licorice root is not causing your uterine cramping. You may want to start on a smaller dose if you feel sensitive to the supplement.
Thank you so much for this great article on menstruation and menopause! It’s really helpful!
It would be amazing if you could include Pelvic Inflammatory Disease too in a future blog!
Thank you for your feedback. Yes, I will absolutely continue to talk about women’s health in the future and will keep Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in mind. Remember that the root cause is the same as what I discussed in the blog, so use those healing tools;).
Thank you very much for your feedback – I will absolutely try to address Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in a future blog, however the information form this blog applies to PID as well;).
Thank you! I can really tell that I’m shedding a lot of toxins etc during my cycle. I used to have endo but I think there are only some endo ‘cells’ left. I’m 48
Thank you for your feedback and that is excellent to hear that you have been able to heal your endometriosis!
That’s such wonderful news!…and I’m glad you found the blog informative.
hello!
I am 50 years old, already 4 years with MM.
My menstrual period has always been (since 11 years old) very abundant (8 days with heavy bleeding) and it continues to be the same at this age. Is it normal to still have a “normal” (I mean like always) period at this age? Or should I already have menopause?
Cris, Yes – you can maintain the same level of cycle until your body is approaching the end of your fertile season. It sounds like you may not be there yet.