The “Period” Piece: Menarche to Menopause

 

Womanhood is a chaotically beautiful spectrum. 

It all starts with a blood stain on your school uniform and all of your other friends freaking out, only to return home for your mom to casually announce that you have gotten your first period which would happen EVERY SINGLE MONTH now.

And suddenly the day comes when you are sitting in your terrace the day before your 45th birthday, thinking that if it’s hot in the room or just you (and that too, not even as a pick up line). 

The Cycle

 Menarche, or the start of menstruation, marks the beginning of the body’s lifelong hormonal journey. It’s when estrogen and progesterone first come into play, setting the rhythm for the years to follow. While this phase comes with its share of cramps, breakouts, and mood swings, it also brings powerful signs of growth, intuition, and inner change — a reminder that the body is always in tune with nature’s cycles.

 But it's during perimenopause — the years leading up to menopause (in mid 30s or 40s) — that many women start to feel the most unexpected shifts. Hormones begin to fluctuate more wildly, and symptoms like irregular periods, anxiety, fatigue and brain fog may appear. It can feel disturbing at times, like a body you once knew so well is now operating with new rules. But it’s not breaking down — it’s rebalancing and rebooting.

Now, Estrogen — the OG multitasker — has been handling your glow, mood, and memory for years. But in perimenopause, she starts flaking — shows up late, leaves early, forgets the plan. Cue the hot flashes, mood swings, and “why did I walk in here?” moments. She’s not quitting, just setting new rules— and with the right clarity, knowledge and support, you’ve got this.

 This transition isn’t the fading out of vitality; it’s the clearing of space for a more grounded, blooming version of you, yourself. With the right support — from nourishment to rest, from herbs to hormone checks — this phase can be one of the most awakening, both emotionally and spiritually.

 And amidst all these shifts, don’t forget to check in with your thyroid. This small gland quietly influences everything from your energy to your mood, your weight to your cycle. Perimenopause and thyroid imbalances often overlap, mimicking each other’s symptoms. So if you’re feeling unusually tired, forgetful, down, or off the vive, a thyroid test can offer real clarity. It’s not just about managing symptoms like a task — it’s about truly listening to what your body’s trying to say.

From the onset of menarche to the gradual transition into menopause, a woman’s body undergoes complex hormonal shifts that impact not just her cycle, but her mood, energy, skin, and mental health. Conditions like PCOS and PCOD often show up along the way—bringing irregular periods, weight changes, acne, and fertility struggles into the mix. 

“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome with hormones that happens during the reproductive years. If you have PCOS, you may not have periods very often. Or you may have periods that last many days. You may also have too much of a hormone called androgen in your body.” (source-https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439)

 Purearth’s Body & Balance Supplement is the Ayurvedic support through every hormonal shift—from the early days of menstruation to the transitions of menopause. Crafted with ancient herbs like Shatavari, useful for treating menstrual and other gynaecological problems to the female reproductive system, and Safed Musli and Vidarikand for strength, energy, and immunity, this blend helps manage fatigue, terrible mood swings, and hormonal imbalances. Bala supports tissue nourishment and bone health, while Himalayan Shilajit enhances stamina and cellular repair. Prepared using the ancient Bhavana Rasayana method for maximum potency, it’s an amazing tonic for building vitality, supporting menstrual health, and keeping your system strong at every stage.

Oil to Heal : Abhyanga

“Abhyanga means massage of whole-body including head with oil.

Abhyanga means applying oil and lightly massaging the body. Often medicated and usually warm, the oil is massaged into the entire body before bathing. It can be beneficial for maintaining health and used as a medicine for certain disorders. It can be incorporated into a routine appropriate for almost everyone.” (Source- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344745102_AYURVEDA_ABHYANGA_MASSAGE_PROCEDURE_-_A_REVIEW)

 This  Ayurvedic practice of warm oil self-massage, supports the body through menopausal changes by calming the nervous system, improving circulation, reducing joint pain, and impulsive, unhinged hormones. It promotes better sleep, emotional balance, and a deeper sense of connection to the body at a time when everything can feel alien, strange or even indifferent.

 It's Not "Just Hormones"

From the first experience of menarche to the final transition of menopause, a woman’s body goes through an intricate, powerful and significant cycle composed of shifting hormones, emotional rollercoasters, and ever-changing needs; And yet, at every stage, someone somewhere always rolls their eyes and says, “You’re just being emotional.”

Yes. we are. Because emotions are humane. Hormones are real. And our experiences aren’t overdramatic—they’re under-supported.

 This isn’t about being “unnecessarily chaotic”. It’s about being listened to when we say we’re in pain. It’s about being taken seriously when we say something feels off. It’s about care that matches the depth of what our bodies go through.

 What’s needed isn’t just medical attention—it’s understanding, support, and a safe space to feel seen. Because this journey, with all its clumsiness and magic, deserves care at every moment.

 Hit the “soothe” button

If you are someone who just started having periods, just know that you are not alone and this can always be made less painful and annoying.  The least you can do for your body is listen to your body, learn about it and get to know it better!

And if you are someone going through menopause; firstly, congrats girl! You survived years of surprise periods, PMS, and painkillers  in bulk. Now comes the grand finale: hot flashes, mood swings, and the occasional “Did I just cry because I just remembered my cat will never speak to me?”

 It’s not the end of the world, it’s a blooming new beginning—and your body is just finding a new rhythm. And here is where Pure Earth’s Tisanes range comes to rescue, they aren't just pretty jars on your kitchen shelf—they're your herbal hype team. Whether you're navigating the rollercoaster of periods or cruising through menopause like a slightly sweaty goddess, these infusions get it.Feeling  frustrated? Sip on the Tulsi & Mogra blend—it’s like emotional therapy in a cup.

Bloated and sad ? The Wild Rosehip & Mint infusion cools you down and perks you up.

Need a gentle reboot? Blue Pea & Seabuck says, “Let’s restart and glow.”

Packed with adaptogens, antioxidants, and plant-powered comfort, this tisane range helps your body regenerate—calmly, kindly, and one sip at a time.

Additionally in the book Beauty Unbottled by founder Kavita Khosa mentions an ancient ayurvedic tonic, Ashokarishta, a classic tonic renowned in Ayurveda for women’s health issues, from a girl’s menarche to a woman’s menopause. It helps in keeping our hormones in balance, eases mood swings, keeps our iron level intact (even what we lose monthly). It gives us energy for day to day life and keeps our system healthy and nourished.

 And most importantly?  Menopause isn’t the end of womanhood — it’s a powerful evolution into a wiser, freer self. It’s not about losing cycles, but gaining clarity.