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Period Tips from One Female to Another
PERIOD. I’m not talking about class periods or the statement “period”, I’m talking about a woman’s monthly menstruation cycle. As a woman myself, I can say that my first experience with my period was not great. I come from a family where talking about your natural bodily needs is not common or comfortable to talk about. So, I never got the “talk” about the changes our bodies go through during puberty. This, in turn, made my first period a scary experience. I was 12 years old when I got my first period and the truth is, I didn’t even know it at the time. I honestly thought that my body was injured and I was bleeding out, which I know is completely hilarious, so feel free to laugh. It took a lot of courage for me to talk to my mother about it because I didn’t know what to expect from her. Once I told my mom that I got my period, she only told me where our menstrual products were so I could use them – and that was it. No advice on how to deal with my period, just the products to deal with it. Now, I’m an adult who has experienced many menstrual cycles. From experience, I know that periods can be difficult and scary, but I’m here to give my fellow females some friendly period tips to make your period easier.
Tip #1: Be comfortable with your body
Bleeding from your “lady parts” isn’t the most pleasant thing you’ll go through in life. It can be nauseating and frightening to see blood on your underwear for the first time or even worse, to have your blood seep through your pants. You may even feel disgusted with your body for having to menstruate every month. I know that I did. However, don’t forget that having to menstruate every month is completely normal and natural. Every month a female’s body makes preparations for pregnancy. If no pregnancy takes place, then the uterus sheds its lining. This is what causes a female to bleed from their “lady parts” every month as part of their monthly cycle. Most women have gone through this or eventually will. There is nothing to be uncomfortable about when it comes to periods.
Tip #2: Don’t be afraid to explore period products
One of the first things to overcome when you get your period is figuring out which period products best works for you. In the period product industry, there are so many options to choose from including, but not limited to: pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, period underwear, and more. It can be scary to see the different types of period products that are available for menstrual cycles but don’t be afraid to try them out. This way you’ll find out what works for you and what doesn’t. I know that many period products can look very intimidating, but don’t let this discourage you from trying them out. For all you know, it might be the perfect product for you.
Tip #3: Get out of bed and exercise
Oh, how comfortable a bed with a comforter can be when you are on your period, however, this is a reminder to get on your feet and exercise. Yes, I said exercise. I know that periods can make females feel like they should stay in bed all day, especially with the period symptoms (e.g., cramps, tender breasts, bloating, headaches, etc.).
Getting up and exercising can improve and lessen the severity of period symptoms. This may be because of the “happy” hormones, A.K.A. endorphins, that are released while exercising. So, don’t forget to exercise. It doesn’t have to be a difficult workout that drenches you in sweat. You can go on a walk, jump rope, do a 10 minute HIIT workout from YouTube, or find another low-intensity workout to do. Just try not to stay in bed all day!
Tip #4 Eat good foods
With periods also come food cravings. I know from experience that greasy, processed foods sound so amazing when I’m on my period. However, it’s these same foods that can make your period a terrible experience, as they can trigger and worsen period symptoms such as cramps, bloating, tender breasts, etc. So, skip that burger and go for a nutritious meal instead. A healthy diet that’s low in salt, animal fats, and caffeine can help alleviate period symptoms.
Well, my fellow women, we have come to the end of my period talk. I hope that this advice makes your period a little easier for you.
This post was written by Patricia, an intern at Immunize Nevada.