New Year Solutions & Finding Light Through the Journey

Editor's Note: This article was originally written as part of Pauline Houle's monthly newsletter series. It has been lightly edited for readability and updated to remove dated references while preserving Pauline's original voice, message, and heartfelt perspective.

Good day, dear woman reader!

I am continuing with my second year of publishing this monthly newsletter, and as I look at all that has been done, I truly hope these writings have helped my readers in some meaningful way. I hope my writings have helped you heal in more ways than one, and have encouraged you to keep growing and evolving.

As the beginning of a new year arrives, I found myself wondering how I would express my wishes for you. I also knew I did not want to encourage the famous "New Year's resolutions," as they only seem to work for so long and rarely last beyond the first month.

My wish was answered when a friend sent me what I felt was the perfect way to express it. I have made her message my own and would love to share it with you.

From Maureen Moss:

And so it is, dearest hearts, that we are coming to the close of a most unique year, one most of us will never forget for any number of reasons.

As we close one year and enter another, let us not make New Year's Resolutions, for those are born of the mental mind and will quickly be undermined by another thought.

Instead, let us personally create New Year Solutions that are born of the heart, leading us to our own personal and highest nature. Let us decide to love ourselves so much that we will never create another scenario that works against us and promise to stop pitting ourselves against ourselves.

That alone would solve a lot of problems.

As far as I am concerned, I wish for you to discover what enlightenment means to you. I wish you to feel it in the smallest corners of your heart with every challenge you encounter and to know there is always a light waiting at the end of the tunnel.

Discouragement that sneaks in during those moments is but a cloud passing before the light, and always a passerby if we refrain from giving it all our power.

This month, I would like to share some suggestions from a woman physician, and I hope they can help you if my own approach has not completely eased your misery.

Premenstrual Syndrome PMS

The following information is from Dr. Julia P. Poynter.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects most women to some extent during their reproductive years. Symptoms can range from mild fluid retention to severe mood swings and depression.

1. Understanding PMDD

The most severe form of PMS is called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). One FDA-approved treatment is Serafem, a renamed and chemically equivalent version of Prozac.

Women who wish to reduce or eliminate PMS symptoms but prefer not to take Serafem may find relief through other methods that have proven helpful for many women.

2. Increase Calcium Intake

Research has shown that consuming 1,200 mg of calcium daily may reduce nearly half of PMS symptoms, including mood swings, depression, and menstrual cramps.

Calcium is also an important nutrient for women of all ages in helping prevent osteoporosis later in life.

3. Make Exercise a Priority

One of the best ways to reduce PMS symptoms is through regular exercise. Not only can exercise lessen or even eliminate premenstrual symptoms, but it is also an excellent way to reduce stress and lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

5. Consider Vitamin E

Women who experience premenstrual breast tenderness may reduce or eliminate this symptom by taking 600 IU of Vitamin E daily.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Vitamin E may also have protective effects on the cardiovascular system and could offer additional health benefits.

5. Evaluate Your Diet

Dietary changes that may help reduce PMS symptoms include:

• Following a low-fat vegetarian diet

• Reducing refined sugar, salt, red meat, alcohol, and caffeine

• Increasing complex carbohydrates

• Eating more leafy green vegetables, fruits, cereals, and whole grains

Many women find these simple changes make a noticeable difference.

6. Magnesium for Sugar Cravings

Women who crave sugar during the days leading up to menstruation often find relief by supplementing their diet with 300–500 mg of magnesium.

Magnesium may also help reduce breast tenderness.

7. Vitamin B6

Some women experience a decrease in symptoms by taking 50–300 mg of Vitamin B6 daily.

Care should be taken not to exceed recommended amounts, as excessive intake may cause side effects such as numbness.

8. Alternative Therapies

Alternative treatments that some women find helpful include:

• Approximately 1,500 mg of Primrose Oil daily

• Natural progesterone cream (amount varies by product)

9. Hormonal Options

Some women are able to control PMS symptoms by using oral contraceptives. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of hormonal treatment, since the side effects are sometimes more bothersome than the original symptoms.

10. Over the Counter Relief

Over-the-counter treatments that may help include ibuprofen, naproxen, and other medications specifically formulated for relieving premenstrual symptoms, such as Midol.

Aspirin may not be the best choice during menstruation because of its potential to increase the length and severity of menstrual bleeding.

So, dear women, I hope this information helps you make informed decisions regarding the management of your feminine cycles.

I wish you a January that sets the pace for the rest of the year, allowing you to align yourself with your dreams and reach your full potential.

I wish us all a year filled with growth, results, and success.

NEXT MONTH: I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.

Warmly and with my affection,

Pauline Houle
Therapist & Author

Join me for an intimate live virtual gathering, where we’ll talk openly about our menstrual history, emotional healing, and how to reclaim our power. You’ll be welcomed with compassion, insight, and community.

Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and reflects the knowledge and perspectives available at the time it was written. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition and should not be considered medical advice. Every woman’s health journey is unique. Please consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare routine, starting supplements or medications, or making decisions about the management of PMS or any other medical condition.