Hey, girls! You know, life can be a wild ride, especially when that time of the month rolls around. We’ve all been there, right? Those days when you feel like your body’s on a completely different wavelength. But fear not, because today, we’re diving deep into all things period – related and how it ties into our overall health and wellness.
First off, let’s talk about the physical side of things. When I was a teenager, I thought periods were just this annoying monthly occurrence that I had to deal with. Little did I know, the changes our bodies go through during our menstrual cycle are actually super complex and incredibly important for our long – term health. For example, did you know that the hormonal fluctuations during your period can impact your skin? Yup, those pesky breakouts that seem to pop up like clockwork are often a result of the hormonal dance happening inside your body.
Estrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones at play here. As estrogen levels drop during the luteal phase (the part of your cycle right before your period), it can lead to a decrease in collagen production. Collagen is what keeps our skin looking plump and youthful. So, suddenly, you might notice your skin looking a bit duller or more prone to blemishes. But here’s the good news: there are things we can do about it. I started paying more attention to my skincare routine during my period. I swapped out my regular cleanser for a gentler one, as my skin was more sensitive. And I made sure to up my moisturizer game. A rich, hydrating moisturizer can work wonders in combating that post – estrogen – drop dryness.
Now, let’s move on to the impact of our periods on our mood. Oh boy, this is a topic that hits close to home for many of us. I remember one month, I was in the middle of a really important project at work, and my period decided to show up unannounced. Suddenly, I went from being focused and on – top – of – things to a complete emotional wreck. One minute I was fine, and the next, I was on the verge of tears over something as silly as a misspelled word in my report.
This mood – swing phenomenon is also due to hormones. Serotonin, often referred to as the “happy hormone,” takes a bit of a nosedive during our periods. Serotonin helps regulate our mood, sleep, and appetite. When its levels drop, it’s like a switch flips in our brains, and we can experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, or just general irritability. But don’t worry, we’re not at the mercy of these hormones. Exercise has been a game – changer for me. Even just a 20 – minute walk during my lunch break can boost my serotonin levels. It gets the blood flowing and releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. And when I’m feeling really down, I make sure to reach out to my friends. Talking about how I’m feeling, even if it’s just complaining about how annoying my period is, always makes me feel better.
Another aspect of period – related health that’s often overlooked is the impact on our energy levels. Have you ever felt like you could sleep for a week straight when your period starts? I know I have. The reason for this is two – fold. Firstly, our bodies are working hard to shed the uterine lining, which takes a fair amount of energy. Secondly, iron levels can drop during menstruation. Iron is essential for carrying oxygen in our blood, and when we have less of it, we feel tired and sluggish.
To combat this, I make sure to load up on iron – rich foods. Spinach is my go – to. You can throw it in a salad, make a spinach smoothie, or even sauté it with some garlic and have it as a side dish. Lentils are another great option. They’re not only high in iron but also a good source of protein. And of course, don’t forget about red meat if you’re not vegetarian. A small serving of lean beef can do wonders for your iron levels. But it’s not just about food. I also try to get enough sleep, which can be a challenge when your body is in period – mode. I’ve found that using a heating pad on my lower abdomen helps me relax and fall asleep more easily. It eases the cramps, which in turn allows me to rest better.
Now, let’s talk about period products. Oh my goodness, the options out there can be overwhelming! When I was younger, I thought pads were the only way to go. But as I got older and more aware of my body’s needs, I started exploring other options. Tampons were a game – changer for me. They’re more discreet and allow for more freedom of movement. But finding the right size and absorbency was a bit of a trial – and – error process. I had to learn that using a tampon that’s too absorbent can be just as uncomfortable as one that’s not absorbent enough.
And then there are menstrual cups. I was really hesitant to try them at first. I mean, the thought of inserting a cup into my vagina was a bit intimidating. But I’m so glad I did. Menstrual cups are not only more eco – friendly but also more cost – effective in the long run. Once you get the hang of inserting and removing it, it’s a breeze. And they can hold a lot more than pads or tampons, which means you don’t have to change them as often.
But with all these options, it’s important to choose what works best for your body. Some women might find pads more comfortable, while others swear by tampons or cups. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. I remember when I first started using tampons, I had so many questions. I asked my mom, of course, but I also did a lot of research online. There are some great resources out there that can help you understand the pros and cons of each product.
Now, let’s touch on the importance of pelvic floor health during our periods. The pelvic floor muscles are like a hammock that supports our bladder, uterus, and rectum. During menstruation, these muscles can get a bit more tense, especially if you’re experiencing cramps. Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to issues like urinary incontinence later in life, and trust me, that’s not something any of us want to deal with.
So, what can we do to keep our pelvic floor muscles strong? Kegel exercises are the answer. You can do them anywhere, anytime. Just squeeze the muscles you would use to stop the flow of urine, hold for a few seconds, and then release. Start with a few repetitions a day and gradually increase the number as you get stronger. I like to do them while I’m sitting at my desk at work or while I’m watching TV. It’s a simple way to take care of our pelvic floor health without having to go to the gym.
In addition to Kegel exercises, yoga can also be great for our pelvic floor. Poses like the bridge pose and the child’s pose can help stretch and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. And the best part about yoga is that it also helps with stress relief, which is another big plus during our periods.
As we age, our periods can change, and it’s important to be aware of these changes. For example, as we approach perimenopause (the transition to menopause), our periods might become more irregular. The length of our cycles might change, and the flow might be heavier or lighter. These changes can be a bit scary, but it’s important to remember that they’re a normal part of the aging process.
If you notice any drastic or sudden changes in your period, such as extremely heavy bleeding, severe pain that’s not relieved by over – the – counter painkillers, or periods that stop completely for several months, it’s important to see a doctor. These could be signs of underlying health issues like endometriosis, fibroids, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But don’t panic. Most of the time, these conditions can be managed with proper treatment.
I’ve also found that keeping a period journal has been really helpful. I write down when my period starts, how heavy the flow is, any symptoms I’m experiencing like cramps or mood swings, and what I do to relieve them. This not only helps me keep track of my cycle but also gives me valuable information to share with my doctor if needed.
And let’s not forget about the power of self – care during our periods. This is the time when we should be extra kind to ourselves. Take a long bath with some soothing bath salts. Light some candles and play some relaxing music. It’s amazing how a simple bath can make you feel so much better. I also like to treat myself to a face mask. There are so many great ones out there that can target different skin concerns, whether it’s dryness, acne, or dullness.
Another form of self – care is indulging in our favorite comfort foods. Now, I know some people might say we should avoid junk food during our periods, but I think it’s all about moderation. If a slice of chocolate cake makes you feel better, then go for it. Just make sure to balance it out with some healthy foods too.
In conclusion, our periods are not just an inconvenience. They’re an important part of our overall health and wellness. By understanding what’s going on in our bodies, making smart choices about period products, taking care of our pelvic floor health, and practicing self – care, we can turn those monthly blues into a time of self – awareness and self – love. So, let’s embrace our periods, girls, and take charge of our health!