My Supplement Routine for OCD, PMS, and a Delicious Pussy

Reclaiming My Rhythm: Day 8 of My Cycle

Today, I feel a noticeable shift in my energy. The fog of menstruation has lifted, and there's a sense of renewal coursing through me.

As my body begins its rise through the follicular phase, I’ve been thinking about the support systems I’ve put in place over the past few months — especially my supplement and herbal ritual. I’m going to be real with you! I hate supplements, especially the ones that come in capsules. They taste like plastic garbage in my mouth. BUT, there are some supplements that I truly feel are worth it!

The Supplements I Take and Why

Here’s a closer look at what I’m taking right now — and how each supplement helps support my cycle, hormones, and brain:

1. Thorne NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)

• Why I take it:
  I take NAC primarily to support my brain health and impulse control. It’s been studied for its role in modulating glutamate, a key neurotransmitter involved in OCD, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors. I’m hopeful NAC will help quiet my mental loops and give me more space between thought and action. **I misspoke in the video and said glutathione is the neurotransmitter! It’s actually glutamate.

• Other benefits:
  NAC is a precursor to glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant, which supports liver detox and clears excess hormones — especially important after bleeding.

• Brand info:
  Thorne is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it’s tested for purity and banned substances.

2. Thorne Vitamin D3 (10,000 IU)

• Why I take it:
  Living in Seattle, I don't get enough direct sunlight, especially in the fall, winter, and spring. Seattle is at a high latitude, and during the darker months, UVB rays aren’t strong enough to trigger vitamin D production in the skin. Even when it's not raining, the angle of the sun is too low to generate what we need.

• How it supports me:
  Vitamin D3 is essential for hormone production, immune function, mental health, and calcium regulation. Low vitamin D is linked to fatigue, irregular cycles, low mood, and immune issues — all things I’m working to prevent.

3. Gaia Herbs Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

• Why I take it:
  Chasteberry gently stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, helping the body produce more luteinizing hormone (LH), which supports ovulation and progesterone production.

  After going off hormonal birth control and experiencing seizures around the time of menstruation (when progesterone is lowest), I suspected a pattern:
  Low progesterone = more neurological vulnerability + PMS symptoms.

  Since taking Chasteberry, my cycles became more regular (until I had a short one in January from a too-high dose), so I’m now using it more mindfully.

• How I take it:
  I cycle my Chasteberry. I take it from Day 5 through ovulation or Day 25, and pause during menstruation. This mirrors the body’s natural hormone flow and prevents overstimulation.

• Brand info:
  Gaia Herbs is a Certified B Corp with transparent farming and sustainable sourcing. Their “Meet Your Herbs” program traces each product back to its origin.

4. Gaia Herbs Liver Health

Main herbs:

• Milk Thistle: Antioxidant-rich, protects liver cells and supports estrogen clearance

• Turmeric Root: Anti-inflammatory, supports bile flow and liver detox pathways

• Schisandra Berry: Adaptogen that supports liver function and hormonal regulation

• Dandelion Root: Helps move excess hormones through the digestive tract

• Yellow Dock: Iron-rich and supports elimination

• Why I take it:
  Because healthy liver function = healthy hormone metabolism. The liver clears excess estrogen and metabolized hormones that, if left unchecked, can disrupt the whole cycle. I also take this to support my eczema, which I suspect is tied to sluggish detox.

5. Jarrow Fem-Dophilus

• Why I take it:
  This is a targeted probiotic for vaginal and urinary tract health, using two strains (GR-1 and RC-14) clinically shown to support microbial balance in the vaginal ecosystem.
  A healthy vaginal microbiome supports hormone balance, immune health, and lowers inflammation.

• Brand info:
  Jarrow Formulas is known for its research-backed products and stable delivery systems. They’re especially strong in the probiotic space.

6. Gaia Herbs Lion’s Mane (Occasional Use)

• Why I take it:
  I use this when I need extra cognitive clarity, especially when writing, teaching, or integrating deeper healing work.
  Lion’s Mane supports nerve regeneration (NGF production) and neuroplasticity, which feels essential for my brain recovery post-seizures and concussion.

• Brand info:
  Gaia’s Lion’s Mane is USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.

7. Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate

• Why I take it:
  Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals for hormone health, brain function, and nervous system regulation — and it’s also one of the most commonly depleted.
  I take Thorne’s Magnesium Bisglycinate because it’s a highly absorbable, gentle form that doesn’t upset digestion like some other types can. It helps with sleep, anxiety, muscle relaxation, and PMS symptoms (especially cramps and migraines before my period).

• Hormonal connection:
  Magnesium supports the production and sensitivity of progesterone, and it helps calm estrogen-induced excitability in the brain (aka: mood swings, overstimulation, and PMS meltdowns). It’s also a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, many of which are involved in neurotransmitter balance and hormone detoxification.

• Brand info:
  Like their other products, Thorne’s magnesium is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it’s third-party tested for purity and potency. They also emphasize clean sourcing and high bioavailability in all of their formulations.

The supplements I take are meant to supplement (haha) a strong foundation of health through sleep, nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being practices. They’re part of a broader system of listening, adjusting, and staying in conversation with my body.
As my energy builds during the follicular phase, these tools help me rise with steadiness.

With love,
Jessica

Photo I took in Mammoth Lakes, July 2020.