Good for menopause – and work leave for heavy cycles.

[Caz]

Just sharing some tips, for one trying to avoid HRT – it can be done!

I find that Basil leaves help greatly for inflammation. Rosemary helps with pain. Vit B (Thiamine) is good for boosting the immune system suddenly, as pain starts. Maca Root is excellent as a hormone regulator. Omegas and Evening Primrose Oil for nerves and calm. Valerian plant for stress and to stay calm (it is important to stay calm, because when we feel nervous we tense our abdominal muscles and cause further pain). MSM for inflammation and joint pain. And, while some may disagree, Cannabis for sleep (only at night).

Painkillers help but use them in small doses and as little as possible, as they can also have adverse effects on gut and digestion. During painful periods, rest and laying down is so important. I still don’t understand why women are forced to work even through heavy cycles. We are expected to take painkillers and act like it’s all ‘fine and dandy’, but sometimes the pain is just too much.

I would say it is important for women to have at least four days of rest during their cycles, and that each and every workplace should agree to this – if the woman feels she can’t even stand on those days. Sure, some women breeze through, but others can’t. And it should be law that those who can’t are allowed paid rest leave.

We are not robots, after all. HRT should be avoided, as coming off hormone treatment can be a nightmare. In the end, we should recreate a lifestyle that works around our cycles, instead of trying to force our bodies into ‘keeping up with a busy shedule’.

Menopuase is like puberty – we can’t just override it; it’s a right of passage, but the world as we know it has forgotten this and replaced our natural rhythms with drugs. This obviously is not acceptable to everyone.

• This topic was modified 1 week, 3 days ago by Caz.

[DeepikaHMarch 5, 2026 at 12:21 pm]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this and taking the time to list out what has worked for you. There’s a lot of useful information here, and it’s always helpful to hear about natural approaches and lifestyle changes that others have found supportive. It’s interesting to see the different supplements and herbs you mentioned.

I also appreciate your point about listening to our bodies and allowing rest when needed. Cycles and menopause can affect people very differently, and it’s something that often isn’t talked about openly enough in workplaces or daily life.