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Painful Cycles: Hormones and Lymphatic Congestion.




Many women who suffer from uncomfortable and painful menstrual cycles in their teen years go on to experience even more problematic periods during their childbearing years.  A higher percentage of these women also go on to experience difficult pregnancies.  They are more likely to have problems with fertility as well.  Later on, these same women will likely experience the more difficult aspects of menopause. 


When the lymphatic system becomes backed up or overwhelmed (as a result of infection, cancer, or obstruction) the natural flow of lymph is impeded; this can also happen as a result of toxic overload, unhealthy lifestyle choices, or hormonal imbalance, and ultimately lead to disharmony in the body. As a vital part of the immune system, it’s said that the lymphatic system is critical in treating nearly all types of chronic illness, including hormonal imbalance.


Hormonal Issues?

Most medical personnel in our part of the world believe that the problems we associate with bad periods are hormonal in nature.  Prescribing birth control pills as a solution for painful periods is common.  For menopausal women, bio-identical hormones were, and sometimes still are, considered the best solution for nasty menopause symptoms, and in fact, nasty symptoms at menopause are considered to be normal.


One of the most common types of hormone imbalance in women is estrogen dominance. While this happens naturally, to some extent, as we age and our hormone profile changes, it can also be caused or exacerbated by toxicity, poor diet, exogenous hormones, and trauma. Estrogen dominance occurs when there’s an imbalance of this hormone relative to progesterone levels, throwing off the ratio of these two closely-related hormones. It may cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms, including hormonal headaches, heavy periods, PCOS, hot flashes, acne, depression, anxiety, and even increase your risk of thyroid dysfunction, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and autoimmune disease.


Lymphatic Rather Than Hormonal?

Interestingly, in Eastern cultures and in Ayurvedic medical protocols this is not so.  The lymphatic system is looked at and treated first in problems of both menstruation and menopause.  In many cases, these problems have shown themselves to not be hormonal at all.  They believe that out-of-balance hormones are the result of clogged lymph and not the original issue.


Lymph Congestion During Menstruation

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, lymph drainage increases. When women menstruate, the lymphatic system acts as a companion system to menstrual bleeding.  The lymphatic system removes much of the reproductive waste.  If the lymph is congested, the menstrual cycle may become painful, irregular, overly heavy, or go missing altogether.


Congestion in the lymph can bring about the typical PMS-associated symptoms of breast swelling or tenderness, temporary breakouts of acne, diarrhea or constipation, bloating, water retention, headaches, and an increased tendency to colds, sinus issues, and other respiratory issues.


The Lymphatic System and PMS

Consideration of how the lymphatic system works makes these symptoms a very logical result of lymphatic congestion. 


Swollen breasts

High concentrations of lymphatic tissue and lymphatic fluids exists in and around the breast area.  If the state of the body between menstrual cycles is already congested, the additional stress of reproductive waste trying to move through the lymphatic system will, logically, create further congestion.  The cyclical additional load on the lymph system creates congestion of the lymph vessels and fluids in the breasts.  This will naturally result in swelling and tenderness.


Acne and other skin issues at cycle:

Congested eliminative organs utilize the skin as an alternative pathway.  Important lymphatic tissue lies just below the surface of the skin.  Called skin-associated-lymphatic-tissue, it is referred to in medical terms as SALT.   This lymph tissue is the body’s first defense against toxins, bacteria, viruses, or parasites that try to penetrate the skin.  These lymphatic tissues clog up, especially if the lymph is already overwhelmed as menstruation begins.  Instead of allowing waste being picked up by the lymphatic system to drain through normal channels, the pores of the skin are utilized.  Acne, eczema, and other types of skin irritation occur.


Digestive Issues around Cycle:

Long-standing constipation, diarrhea, or other digestive issues can seriously compromise the free flow of fluid in this important lymph area. During the increased load on the lymph brought on by menstruation, this gut-associated-lymph-tissue can become clogged. The results can be any combination of bloating, candida overgrowth, extra belly fat, allergies, joint issues, fatigue, headaches, edema, and reproductive issues.



There are many symptoms associated with lymph congestion. For women, the function of the lymphatic system can ebb and flow with their menstrual cycles. It is important that people see lymphatic circulation as one of the most important systems in our body. It needs regular maintenance and servicing as you would your most precious car or similar possession, for it to work efficiently.


We recommend many different suplements, herbals, and therapies to help with lypmhatic flow. Having healthy hormones needs a healthy lymph system.


What can you do to assist lymphatic drainage?

Because the lymphatic system does not have a central pump (like the heart in our circulatory system), we need to incorporate daily movement and breath work to encourage the proper flow of lymph. Other practices that can help to support the lymphatic system are skin brushing (wet or dry), maintaining a balanced diet, and reducing the toxic load on your body wherever possible.



Are you struggling with hormonal issues? If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms related to lymphatic dysfunction or hormonal imbalance, get in touch to schedule a visit so we can work together to support your healing.

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