Its one of the few things I’ve grown to dread – five days of back pain, cramps, and heavy bleeding that leaves me worrying about lots of things – from whether I’m going to get blood on the couch, to whether I’m going to be able to stand up without collapsing again from pain.
My periods aren’t unique – it’s thought that most women have painful periods occasionally and that others suffer through it permanently. Its primary causes could be ‘just because its a period’ or there could be an underlying cause to it.
But there are ways you can minimize, or negate most of the pain – so here are my top tips to do so.
- Eat, drink and sleep
It might be really difficult to do but try to eat normal food, drink plenty of water, and sleep as much as you can. If you are in a lot of pain, and it’s disturbing your rest, then take some painkillers, and continue to take them until your periods ease off. If you find, however, that you’re having to take painkillers regularly to control your pain during your menstrual cycle, then consult your general practicioner (GP) or family doctor.
Chocolate is NOT a good idea now, and whilst some people swear by it, it’s important to try and avoid chocolate, coffee (if you can)… and anything containing caffeine in fact.
A balanced diet is always important, but it’s especially important around your periods. - Exercise – gently
Though this is one of the hardest things I found to get used to, exercise during your periods is a good idea. I recommend Yoga, or gentle walking exercises (there’s a series of articles in the women’s health category about walking that are really wonderful and can give you some starter pointers. - Relax, recover, recoup
Painful periods are not a reason for the world to end – but just as other people are given slack when they are off colour, its important to give yourself a little slack, and make sure you’re relaxing as much as you can. The dishes CAN wait ten minutes if your stomach is cramping badly, and painkillers and other therapies work far better on a relaxed body. - Hot water
Baths are great for many reasons – relaxation, to treat stress, or ease pain and make you feel better. Being clean during my period is something that I’m a real stickler for, and I’ve found my sense of smell becomes heightened so it really bothers me.
If you can’t manage a bath, or are finding your stomach hurts after one – get a hot water bottle and hold it against your stomach or the small of your back.
It is important to make sure that if you feel anything is ‘wrong’ with your period, you’re running a temperature – its late by more than a few days, or you’re passing smelly, discoloured liquid (at any time of the month) that you go speak to your GP.