How to Feel Better and Fresh During Periods?
How to Feel Better and Fresh During Periods?
Periods can be difficult and sometimes, terrible. But there is nothing you can do about it as it is an inevitable part of the female anatomy. When periods occur, there is a lot being thrown at your body – from bleeding, cramps, bloating, mood swings, and more. It is normal to feel cranky when you are on your periods.
There is no set age when a female will have her first period. In the majority of cases, it happens during puberty (12 or 13 years). It can occur every 28 days and usually lasts for 5 days. So, for those who are experiencing periods for the first time, it will take some time for you to get used to it. You will have periods until you reach menopause (the early 40s and late 50s) or you become pregnant.
You are always advised to visit the Clinic In Tweed Heads for regular check-ups and more information about this change in your life.
However, it doesn’t mean that you cannot lower your suffering and frustration. Doctors and experts have worked dedicatedly to create some period hacks that can help you feel better and put you at ease on your period.
With that said, here are some period hacks that will help you cope with PMS.
Reducing Period Pain
When the period occurs, you may experience pain in your thighs, lower back, or lower abdomen. This is called menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea. While the cramps are completely normal, the pain can be excruciating. It usually occurs a day or two before your period and can last for a couple of days. Menstrual cramps occur when the uterus releases a hormone called prostaglandin, resulting in muscle contraction within the uterus. The degree of pain and discomfort varies from woman to woman. Some women experience mild symptoms of menstrual cramps, while others have severe symptoms, which includes dizziness, headaches, loose stool, and nausea. You should consult with your concerned doctor if you cannot bear the symptoms. In any case, whether mild or severe, there are some ways using which you can alleviate pain.
- Don’t go all sedentary when you have periods. Engage in physical activities as much as possible, like swimming, walking, and running. Doing exercise will help increase the blood flow to your uterus; hence, reducing the effects of menstrual cramps
- You can ask your physician to provide you with OTC medication or an anti-inflammatory drug if you cannot bear the pain
- Massage your abdomen
- Provide heat to your lower back or lower abdomen. You can use a hot water bottle, heating bag, or a hot water bag
- Take a warm bath
Alleviating Bloating
Bloating is another major symptom during periods. Bloating usually occurs before periods and may last throughout your period. It may make you feel like you have a swollen and tight abdomen or have gained weight. Nevertheless, there is no cure for bloating during periods, but there are some measures you can take to reduce it altogether. Here is what you need to know:
- Catch plenty of sleep because this phase can take a toll on your sleep. Getting proper sleep and rest will help your body to get through your period and repair your mind. Getting at least 8 hours of uninterrupted shut-eye during periods is recommended.
- Engage in some physical activities like yoga and workout. Exercise is important as it helps with increased blood flow to the affected areas, thereby reducing the symptoms.
- Caffeine intake is a big no when you are on your periods. It not only enhances the effects of bloating but also influences your sleep. Caffeine can irritate your stomach, giving you that bloated, crampy, and achy feeling. So, either you limit your caffeine intake or stop it altogether. Along with caffeine, you should also control your cravings for sweet and carbonated drinks. Carbonated drinks can significantly increase bloating. A generous cup of hot herbal tea like raspberry tea, chamomile tea, peppermint tea, green tea, ginger tea, etc. will help you deal with bloating and feel refreshed.
- The types of food you eat during your period also determines how well the phase goes. Irrespective of periods or not, you should always eat healthy. Nevertheless, to counter bloating, you should consume those foods that have low sodium content. Fruits and vegetables are a good choice. Moreover, junk and processed foods can make you balloon. So, avoid them completely.
- Last but not least, drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is the key to feeling less bloated and puffy. If you want, you can drink juices as well that are natural and prepared at home from natural ingredients.
Some women also struggle with overcoming odour. It is completely natural for your vagina to smell slightly sweet or tangy. Since there are thousands of sweat glands, the odour you smell might be your own musk. But during periods, there is a possibility that the pH of your vagina is imbalanced. This may result in the buildup of bacteria. Therefore, you are advised to invest in a good quality vaginal washing product. This will help you in maintaining the pH balance of your vagina and keep the odour at bay.