In the past, I didn’t really pay much attention to my menstruation. I was always glad that it came as it was supposed to, but I often dreaded the pain and discomfort that I had to go through.

As I’m learning more about the science and mysteries of menstruation, however, my attitude has made a dramatic shift.

Now I feel truly blessed for my menstruation, because I’ve discovered the gifts it brings – valuable information about the state of our health, and hints on how to take care of ourselves.

I’ve learned that there are four common types of health profiles (or constitutions) based on various combinations of PMS and period symptoms.

Of course, this is an overly simplified overview. In reality, each one of us is quite unique and our profiles can be much more diverse and complicated.

Nevertheless, I find the four profiles offer a general direction for us to understand our constitutions, so we can explore, experiment, and find out what works for each of us.

The Cold Type

This type is usually associated with a feeling of cold and dull pain/cramping during menstruation, especially around the lower abdominal area. Applying something warm such as a heating pad usually helps relieve the discomfort.

The menstrual blood is usually dark red with clots. Sometimes the period is late, and can lasts over 7 days.

Tips: It’s important for the cold type to stay warm, especially the lower part of the body. Avoid sitting on the cold floor, walking with bare feet on a cold surface, and eating cold temperature foods/drinks.

Personally I’m a cold type. To keep myself warm during my menses, I like to soak my feet in warm water, drink ginger or cinnamon tea, and keep my belly warm with a heating pad 1-2 days before my period and while I’m menstruating.

The Stressful Type

This type characterizes many familiar premenstrual symptoms – mood swings, depression, irritability, anger outbursts, alternating between craving food and a poor appetite, diarrhea and constipation, breast tenderness, and bloating.

Symptoms often change from month to month, but usually disappear at the onset of menstruation. Irregular periods are also common. Menstruation arrives sometimes early, sometimes late.

Tips: Regularity is very important for the stressful type. Keep a regular daily rhythm – go to bed and wake up, consistently, at the same time every day.

It’s also helpful to learn to express emotions creatively and constructively. And find ways to de-stress on a daily basis, so it doesn’t build up and become over-powering.

The Blood Deficiency Type

These women tend to experience fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, dry skin, blurred vision, brittle nails, poor memory and concentration, and lower back pain, especially around menstruation.

The menstrual blood is usually scant, and pink or light red in color. It’s also common to have a delayed period, sometimes up to 40 days.

Tips: Make sure you get plenty of sleep and rest, and nourish your blood especially after menstruation. Check out foods that nourish the blood, and blood nourishing teas.

The Fatigue Type

The symptoms for the fatigue type include poor appetite, shortness of breath (especially on exertion), frequent loose stools, and mental and physical exhaustion. The fatigue type also tends to accumulate body fluid (edema) in the lower part of the body, such as swollen feet and ankles.

The menstrual blood is usually light red, sometimes heavy and sometimes scanty. The duration of period is usually short.

Tips: The key for the fatigue type is to strengthen the digestive system. Eat small and frequent meals. Make sure to have a nutritious breakfast. Choose foods that are easy to digest and well balanced. And eat slowly.

I hope this article offers some helpful information and inspires you to pay a closer attention to your menstrual cycles, and your PMS/period symptoms and signs.

Our body has a supreme intelligence that guides us toward balance and harmony. All we need to do is to pay attention and honor its needs.