Secrets to nail “that time of the month”

Monthly periods can affect people differently. They may be unpleasant to some individuals and excruciating to others. When you menstruate, your body goes through hormonal changes that can affect your mood, emotions, productivity, and reactions. While many women may feel the need to pretend that everything is okay in order to ward off stereotypes, menstruation can cause great physical and emotional discomfort, and it’s important for you not to overlook your well being at this time of the month. 

If you’re wondering how you can keep matters under control and if you can prevent your period from interfering with your daily activities, here’s what you can do to nail that time of the month.

Limit cramps 

The number one unpleasant symptom of monthly periods that can prevent many individuals from carrying on with their day is excruciating cramps. Instead of curling up in your bed all day, take some ibuprofen as soon as you feel any discomfort. Depending on how bad your cramps are, the anti-inflammatory properties of the medication should ease the pain within an hour. You can retake the medicine every six or so hours for the first couple of days.

On the other hand, hot compresses placed on your abdomen can provide you with immediate relief. You should make sure to keep yourself warm throughout the day and avoid consuming any cold drinks, seeing as they can slow down your menstrual flow and thus make your contractions more painful. A hot bath with no added soap or shampoo can also help make your flow smoother, especially right before bed. 

Wear the right underwear 

When you’re on your period, it’s natural to be anxious about sitting down properly to avoid leakage and embarrassing stains. You may also fret about your sleeping position, as no one wants to wake up with cramps and an added chore of cleaning up stained bed sheets. However, leakage can easily be prevented with the right underwear. Cotton briefs can hold your sanitary pad in place and thus prevent potentially embarrassing accidents. 

That said, if your flow is heavy, you may have to opt for alternatives. Luckily, there are shorts made specifically for use while sleeping, and these undergarments are a fool-proof prevention method to leakage even when your sanitary product is full. These shorts can also be worn while you’re up and running, as they’re lightweight and thin despite the padding. On the other hand, you should also make sure to wear a comfortable, roomy bra to avoid exacerbating your breast tenderness.  And if you and your partner don’t mind the idea of bedroom fun while you’re dealing with that time of the month, you should never forgo protection. Recent studies show that individuals on their period have an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and infection. That said, your partner will also be at risk of being infected with blood-borne diseases, which are likely to be transmitted during unprotected intercourse.

Watch your diet

Your diet right before and during your period can affect mood changes, the severity of cramps, and bloating. Limit your sodium intake to prevent further bloating, which may also impact contractions. On the other hand, you should ideally steer clear from caffeine, seeing as it factors in the tenderness of your breasts. Caffeine can also cause increased anxiety and more dramatic mood changes. 

For hot drinks that ease your cramps, always go for caffeine-free herbs and teas. A good alternative to coffee is cinnamon, which can promote wakefulness and help you feel more alert while you’re on your caffeine break. Drinking lots of fluids and staying hydrated can also reduce the severity of your cramps, just make sure you avoid cold beverages.

Menstrual cycles can come with plenty of emotional and physically draining side effects, some affecting individuals more severely than others. Make sure to stay warm in order to keep the cramps under control for the first couple of days. If your cramps are too severe for you to endure, opt for OTC anti-inflammatory pills, and retake them every six hours if needed. You should also pay attention to your diet before your period is due, and make sure to limit your sodium intake to reduce bloating. Whatever you do, stay away from douching, as this can disturb the natural PH of your private parts.

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