There are many perks to being a woman – diving into a sea of new beauty products after a trip to Mecca is just one of them!
Something that is certainly not fabulous in the life of us gals is our periods. The devastating pain you felt when you first heard Chris Pratt and Anna Faris were getting a divorce is nothing compared to a particularly bad period. There are a number of medical conditions that can affect your period (like endometriosis), but you could also be unknowingly making them worse by doing these things!
Here are some of the reasons why your periods are bad.
RELATED: Facts about your first period
RELATED: 7 health checks you should never skip
#1 You’re not vigilant about your pill
When you first go on the pill, you’re told to take it at the same time every day, without skipping any days. If you’ve ever forgotten to take it a few days in a row, you’ve probably noticed random spotting or bleeding, but you may not have realised that your period pain when you eventually get it is much more intense. Be vigilant about taking your pill to ensure this doesn’t happen!
#2 You’re not sleeping in a regular pattern
Health Care Women Internationalresearch found that women who have irregular sleeping patterns (like nurses) can get longer and irregular periods. So, while you might not be able to get the full eight hours of sleep per night, try to at least ensure your sleeping patterns are as regular as possible to avoid wreaking havoc on your period.
#3 You’re a stress-head
Your period is all about hormones and stress affects your hormones. So, it should be no surprise that stressing out can really impact the severity and regularity of your menstrual cycle. It might even cause you to skip it altogether which can in turn, make you more stressed! It’s a vicious cycle. Try to give yourself enough ‘me’ time to reduce stress. You could even try meditation to help you chill out.
#4 You’re going overboard on caffeine
Sometimes I can barely function before 11am if I haven’t had my large latte with one. Unfortunately for us women, caffeine can increase tension, anxiety and stress – all of which are also increased before and during your period. Caffeine + PMS = serious mood swings.
#5 You’re drinking too much alcohol
While drinks after work and weekend celebrations are often highlights of the working week, alcohol can actually make menstrual cramps worse. No thank you. Cosmo also tells us that alcohol increases breast tenderness, and can make you more irritable. Joy!
#6 You’re a gym junkie
We’re all for keeping fit and healthy and exercising regularly, but going overboard with your training can imbalance your hormone levels and cause you to skip your period. Basically, using up too much energy (by training too frequently) will cause the body to shut down other functions to preserve energy and your menstrual cycle is one of them!
5 products that making our periods a little bit better right now:
- Lovekins Ultra Thin Regular Pads
- In Essence Balance Essential Oil Balm
- Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Lavender
- Raww Zen Time Aromatherapy Candle
- Magnesium Power Magnesium Oil Spray
Do you get bad periods? Did you know about these everyday causes?
I don’t get periods anymore because I’ve had a hysterectomy. My periods were hell. Severe cramping, vomiting etc. I couldn’t function, and I was too scared to leave the house on day 1 and 2 because I was worried I’d get into a mess. Yuck!
I know it is something to also do with consuming anything cold
I used to try to work out as normal during my period but now I just take it easy and don´t beat myself up about taking a week off. It really does help!
I used to get massive headaches & double over in pain.
I know I could sleep so much better
I’ve marked a few posts by jobsedi as SPAM!
Yay, menopause! I’m loving it, too!
Not something that i have to worry about anymore 😀
I can identify. 40 years of monthly hell! Only just starting to miss some cycles and I’m 54. Can’t wait for menopause. I wish I had surgery but was too scared. Warm baths with Epsom salts, resting during bleeds and no intense exercise did help.
Thankfully those days were over 20 years ago.
My periods are really bad due to hormone imbalances that I have. Horrible cramps, feeling nauseous, bad headaches, it’s the worst.
This is such a great article for to read as I have two girls, one that has no issues at all, the other that is always in pain in that time, anything that I can do to help keeps the whole house happy, Happy girls happy Dad
Interesting to know this information. I always use a heat pack, take alternately ponstan and paracetamol.
A lot of these things impact our general health so it stands to reason that it won’t be good for your menstrual health.
So happy I dont have to think about this anymore my hysterectomy was when I was 40.
Mine have ways been awful!! I don’t think I do any of these things though. Except the pill. I would never take that thing!
I used to be bedridden with cramps and vomitting for years on the first day of my period. I had no choice but to take time off school or work when I physically couldn’t get out of bed. When I went on the pill it helped considerably. I don’t have any major issues now except for bloating for a few days beforehand.
I highly recommend a Mirena (for those who it would suit). Not only cuts down on the pain, bleeding duration volume but for most women, they soon disappear altogether!
lol this is funny!!! I don’t need to worry about all that stuff anymore thank goodness (getting older isn’t all bad ladies!!!) : )
Pill is the worst thing ever. Mine is perfect now and always on the clock since cleaning diet from dairy and meats and other junk…and not touching any pills.
Whilst the tips are helpful, a lot of it comes down to genetics. Some women just have very bad periods that may require medical intervention.
I agree jupiter. If period pains are very bad then it’s worth a visit to the doctor to find out why.
I never suffered much but even so, periods are something I will never ever miss.
Looking forward to the day when I don’t have periods anymore. I think taking the pill for a while actually helped. I’m not on the pill anymore but I used to get really bad cramps, so bad that I used to have a hot water bottle at work. Taking two to three days off (for the worst days) every month was not an option. Now I get maybe two days of bad cramps that I can numb with ibuprofen and paracetamol.
I don’t tend to get really bad pain from my period, but I do get headaches. I didn’t realise caffeine could effect.
Yep stressful month usually means I’m going to have a harder time with my period.
I hate period pain. Even ovulation hurts!
haha love the gifs!
I agree Jupiter! Mine is genetics as my mum and sister both have cramps and pains during that time of the month.
I don’t miss this at all!
Yes – it is painful but nothing except painkiller helps.
Those days have gone for me
The joys of getting a period!
I used to get bad periods but they have eased since going on the pill.
Chocolate and bananas help me.
I think sleeping for the entire day may be the only solution to this.
the heat bag is so good with tummy aches
Another one of the joys of being female…
These are a great place to start…
The joys of being a female. Try to do the best I can every month to minimise my discomfort and pain.
I am running a lot
Actually i feel good having my periods on time.
These are all good reminders to centre – and I have been guilty of doing all of these at some stage and of course , making my period worse! Then my period goes and makes everything else worse with it!
Love being a woman……..NOT! Cramps and backaches are the worse! Dreads them every month!
A very interesting and helpful read, thanks.
Yes , I am guilty about the cofein ….
Caffeine actually helps kick-along paracetamol-based painkillers. With ME/CFS I can’t live without caffeine – I would never be awake!
A heat pack also helps to make you feel better.
Yes just the worse!
I had no idea!