My Hormonal Health Journey: How I Turned Pain into Passion

Hello everyone! I am beyond excited to share my journey with you. It's been a long time coming, and I can't believe I finally have the opportunity to connect with you through this blog. Thank you so much for being here and supporting me. Today, I want to introduce myself, share why I do what I do, and explain how I got here.

Who Am I?

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Eliana. I am a certified holistic nutritionist specializing in women's health, hormones, menstrual health, and fertility. I have a deep love for natural medicine and holistic approaches to health. However, my path to becoming a nutritionist wasn't straightforward. Let me give you a bit of background.

My Early Years

I got my very first period at 15 years old. It was always irregular, very painful, and unusually long. I never thought much of it because my family didn't make a big deal out of it. My mom said it was normal and that it would be like that for a very long time. So, I accepted it as the norm.

Growing up, I was very passionate about law, policing, investigation, forensics, and criminology. This fascination led me to pursue a career in law enforcement. After high school, I went to college to become a police officer. I absolutely loved it—the education, working with the community, and the overall experience. I was very successful, winning several scholarships and awards, including the President's Medal Award. It seemed like a clear future path for me.

The Struggle with Health

Despite my outward success and fit appearance, I was far from healthy. I always had low energy and fatigue, and my periods were excruciatingly painful. The first few days of my cycle were so bad that I couldn't even walk or stand. I experienced intense PMS symptoms like lower back pain, sore breasts, and headaches two weeks before my period, meaning I felt out of order for nearly the entire month.

My periods were also unusually long, ranging from 40 to 65 days, which I now know is not healthy. A healthy menstrual cycle should be between 28 to 35 days. But at the time, I didn't know any better and just assumed it was normal.

Seeking Medical Help

I visited multiple doctors because the pain and symptoms were unbearable. They all told me it was normal and offered me three options: birth control pills, pain medication, or just enduring the pain. I've always preferred natural methods, so I didn't want to take pills or birth control. I was upset and couldn't believe I had to live like this for the rest of my childbearing years.

Every time I had blood work done, the results were always "normal," which frustrated me because I had so many debilitating symptoms. This is why I now focus on symptoms and not just blood work with my clients. Blood work is important, but it doesn't always tell the whole story, especially when it comes to menstrual health.

A Turning Point

When I was 22 or 23 years old, I came across a post on Instagram about self-assessment of the breast area. Following the steps, I found a cyst in my breast. I was terrified and kept it a secret from my parents for about two months because I knew they would be very scared. Eventually, I told my mom, and we went to the doctor, who referred me to a clinic for an ultrasound and two mammograms.

The technician later advised me not to get more mammograms because I was very young and they can be dangerous. After a couple of weeks of anxious waiting, I got the results: I had fibrocystic breasts, a condition common in many women. But I wanted to know why so many women have it and what I could do about it. My doctor told me that it had nothing to do with diet or lifestyle and offered surgery or doing nothing as my options.

Diving into Holistic Health

Unconvinced by the medical advice I received, I used my investigative skills to dive deep into natural health. This led me to discover a world of holistic nutrition. I went back to school and, after years of studying, research, and reading, I became a holistic nutritionist specializing in women's health.

I learned that menstrual pain, fatigue, PMS, and other symptoms women experience are not normal. They are signals from our bodies that something is wrong. But conventional medicine often dismisses these symptoms and only prescribes medication to mask them without addressing the root cause.

Transforming My Health

While in school, I started implementing what I was learning. In just a few months, my period pain disappeared, my brain fog lifted, and my fatigue and PMS symptoms vanished. I was amazed that by changing my diet, lifestyle, and syncing my periods with my workouts, I could live a normal, healthy life.

I realized that women don't have to suffer. By addressing the root cause of hormonal imbalances and menstrual issues, we can thrive. This realization fuelled my passion for helping other women.

The Challenges Women Face

In our society, women's health issues are often dismissed. We are told that painful periods, fatigue, and PMS are normal parts of being a woman. This mindset leads many women to accept their symptoms without seeking help. However, these symptoms are not normal; they are our body's way of signalling that something is wrong.

When women seek medical help, they are rarely asked about their diet, lifestyle, or stress levels. Instead, they are often prescribed medication that only masks the symptoms without addressing the underlying issues. This approach leaves many women feeling frustrated and helpless.

My Mission

My mission is to educate and empower women to take control of their health through holistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Women are often dismissed by doctors and told that their symptoms are normal. But they are not. There are natural, holistic ways to address and manage health concerns.

By focusing on the root cause of health issues, we can achieve lasting wellness. This approach involves looking at diet, lifestyle, stress management, and optimal supplementation. It requires a commitment to understanding our bodies and making changes that support our overall health.

Connecting with You

If my story resonates with you, please connect with me on Instagram @healthywitheliana_. Let me know what topics you'd like me to cover on the blog. You are not alone, and there are solutions to the symptoms you are experiencing. Together, we can navigate this journey toward better health and wellness.

Understanding the Root Cause

Understanding the root cause of health issues is crucial. Many women experience symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, acne, and hair thinning without knowing that these could be linked to hormonal imbalances or other underlying health issues. By addressing the root cause, we can alleviate these symptoms and improve our overall health.

Practical Steps to Take

Diet: Nutrition plays a significant role in managing hormonal health. Incorporating whole foods, reducing processed foods, and ensuring a balanced intake of nutrients can make a huge difference.
Lifestyle: Stress management, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are essential for maintaining hormonal balance. Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help reduce stress levels.
Supplements: Optimal supplementation tailored to individual needs can support hormonal health. It's important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best supplements for your body.
Tracking: Keeping track of your menstrual cycle, symptoms, and overall health can provide valuable insights. There are many apps available that can help with this.
Education: Educate yourself about your body and health. Knowledge is power, and understanding your body can help you make informed decisions about your health.

My Personal Experience

Implementing these changes in my own life transformed my health. I went from experiencing debilitating symptoms to living a healthy, balanced life. This journey was not easy, but it was worth it. I want to share my knowledge and experience with other women so they don't have to suffer in silence.

The Importance of Community

Having a supportive community is crucial when dealing with health issues. I want this blog to be a place where women can come together, share their experiences, and support each other. You are not alone, and there are many women going through similar struggles.

Future Posts

In future blog posts, I will dive deeper into various topics related to women's health. We will explore specific health conditions, discuss natural remedies, and hear from experts in the field. My goal is to provide you with valuable information and practical tips that you can apply in your own life.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my story has inspired you and given you hope. Remember, you have the power to take control of your health. It's never too late to make positive changes in your life.

A Personal Invitation

If you are experiencing the same struggles I did—painful periods, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or any other health issues—I would love to help you! As a holistic nutritionist specializing in women's health, hormones, fertility, and menstrual health, who has gone through these health struggles, I have the tools, knowledge, and extensive education to help you thrive as a woman. Let's work together to achieve the health and wellness you deserve.

Stay healthy and empowered,

Eliana

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