Periods usually happen once a month, and the symptoms that go with them just suck!
As if periods weren't bad enough the bloating, headaches, and cramping just make them so much worse.
Here's a few tips to make your period symptoms suck less, and why they work!
Helpful period tips (to ease symptoms)
- Drink more water. If you are like me, water is the furthest thing from your mind when you are on your period. That being said water helps fight bloating, water retention, and cramps.
- Exercise. Again not high on anyone's priority list during that time of the month. Exercising can actually help with cramping and mood swings.
- Stop drinking pop. Wow, so the top three things are also the hardest for me to give up, go figure. Pop is loaded with sodium which can cause bloating or make it worse.
- Heating Pad. If you period cramps are especially awful, heating pads can help soothe the pain away. There's even a new cordless wearable heating pad designed for period cramps that looks very promising.
- Ice Pack. If headaches are your main symptom during your period, using an ice pack will help quickly give you some relief.
- Midol. The pill for periods also know as my best friend during that time. Okay, Midol helps with cramps, bloating and fatigue, and is available over the counter on on Amazon.
- Taking an iron supplement. (Always check with your doctor before starting any new supplements or medicines!) I'm always prone to anemia during my periods which is why my OBGYN told me to take an Iron supplement during my period.
Why do we even get period symptoms?
The big question...why?
Headaches and Periods...why?
According to the Mayo Clinic, right before you start your period, your estrogen levels fall. This can lead to headaches and migraines.
The best relief for them is: ice pack and over the counter pain relievers (like Midol).
Bloating and Periods...why?
Again you can chalk bloating up to the change in your hormones. It can be made worse by eating foods high in sodium, or drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
The best relief for them is: drinking plenty of water to help your body stop fluid retention. Also avoid sodas and and foods high in sodium.
Cramps and periods...why?
During your period, you shed the lining of your uterus. According to the Mayo Clinic, painful cramping is linked to a hormone substance called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins trigger the uterine muscles to contract, but they can also cause pain and inflammation.
The best relief from cramps is: pain relievers (again thank you Midol), heating pads, and sometimes going on a birth control can manage severe cramping (just talk with your OBGYN).
Another newer product on the market is this wearable cordless heating pad which is designed to help relieve menstrual cramps. It's been added to my cart!
Mood swings and periods...why?
Irritability and sudden mood swings are due to those rapidly changing hormones especially estrogen and progesterone.
According to Healthline, changes in estrogengen and progesterone can directly influence levels of Serotonin which can affect your mood.
What's your go-to thing during your period? Let us know in the comments below! We can always use more helpful tips.
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