Menstruation, otherwise called “periods”, affects 15.5 million women in France. To give you an idea, they represent 2,200 to 3,000 days in the life of a woman. Since they are inevitable (or almost) and sometimes disturbing or even difficult to live with. Therefore, it is good to learn to live with it so as to no longer suffer from this recurrence. Sometimes painful, putting our mood and well-being to the test or even a busy persecutor of our comfort; the rules mistreat us. Transform 2 to 5 days of nightmare by reducing the constraints of the menstrual cycle. Here are our habits and tips to relieve your periods!
First of all, you have to understand them! What are the rules?
Without taboo , periods are simply the monthly loss of blood through the genitals in women from the age of 12 on average, in relation to the menstrual cycle. They return cyclically over a 28-day rhythm.
Why do we have our periods?
These come from the destruction of the inner layer of the uterus, the endometrium. The endometrium allows the implantation of the fertilized egg. Without fertilization, it is evacuated in the form of bleeding.
What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle takes place from the first day of your period to the day before the first day of your next period. It is often 28 days.
It begins as previously mentioned on the first day of menstruation and is then characterized by two main phases:
- The pre-ovulatory phase (until the day of ovulation, i.e. 14 days)
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The post-ovulatory phase (which ends the day before the next period).
“Don’t talk to me, I’m on my period…” Understanding the symptoms of the menstrual cycle
It is without shame that we can say that when we have our period, those around us can quickly suspect it. Impacting both physically and psychologically, the menstrual cycle disrupts us and can make us lose control.
“Normal” physical symptoms of menstruation:
- Bloating
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Acne
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Back pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Sensitive to painful chest
- Increased appetite
Advanced psychological symptoms:
- Changing mood
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Crying fits
- Temporary depression
- Daily disinterest
Around 9 out of 10 women are affected by menstrual cycle symptoms, to varying degrees. For some, we are talking about premenstrual syndrome (PMS), occurring a few days before their period. More serious forms exist and if you feel concerned, do not hesitate to consult your doctor, gynecologist or midwife.
Habits and tips to better manage your menstrual cycle and increase your well-being
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Food as a special partner
The role of diet is essential for a peaceful menstrual cycle. Eating a good diet and following a nutritious diet can greatly help you cope with your periods. The element to be avoided or even banned is, unsurprisingly, sugar .
Why does sugar negatively affect your cycles?
It is actually linked to the overproduction of insulin which will cause, when there is an excess, the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. You have just identified the culprits...
When I say “nutritious adapted diet” I do not mean a diet for weight loss, which is not the current topic. I especially recommend that you eat more fatty fish such as salmon or mackerel. Also favor all other foods containing omega-3, which are very effective in combating lower abdominal pain.
To avoid: Red meats and coffee, at least when pain is present.
2. Choose your contraception wisely
Quite a subject, contraception has been at the heart of debates for years. Which contraception is most suitable, how do I know if it really suits me, are there contraceptives that eliminate periods? You can find out more about contraception in this article: https://sante.journaldesfemmes.fr/sexo-gyneco/2584585-contraception-methodes-choisir/
Otherwise, here are two effective methods to combat the harmful effects of the menstrual cycle.
- The hormonal IUD : Effective against heavy and painful periods. This method is accompanied by an intrauterine device to place if you do not plan to become pregnant soon. It releases progesterone. It could, ultimately, reduce or even stop your periods.
- The pill : It reduces the production of prostaglandins which can be effective and sufficient for women suffering from moderate hormonal symptoms. It is recommended to reduce headaches and migraines. Taking the pill continuously suppresses periods or makes them “artificial”. However, reddish discharge may appear every month, especially at the start of taking it.
3. Food supplements
Today, more and more brands are entering the market for food supplements intended to respond, in a natural way, to needs that have not yet been treated from within.
Women have been in the spotlight for several months with the release of products intended to promote the well-being of the menstrual cycle or of women in general and their comfort.
REBORN PARIS is at the origin of the Life and Balance treatment, intended for all women who wish to promote this comfort and daily well-being. Effective during menstrual cycles but also peri-conception, during the first months of pregnancy and pre-menopause, Life and Balance is an innovative and natural gummies cure to take without moderation during your period to relieve and support you.
Life and Balance food supplements can regulate mood, soothe abdominal pain and bloating, considerably reduce fatigue thanks to a full supply of vitamins and minerals, regulate intestinal flora, be an energy booster...
4. Heat to soothe your period
Traditional method to preserve, heat is our ally during periods. Choose a hot water bottle or a good shower (without burning yourself!). This tip will relax your tense period muscles and soothe the pain.
5. Physical activity not to be neglected
Maintaining regular physical activity during your period helps to relieve and limit menstrual pain. This will provide better oxygenation to your body while activating blood circulation.
Opt for relaxing sports that won't take too much energy. Yoga is the perfect discipline to combat painful periods. Stretch, go for a walk...
6. Original but true... Sex to calm hormonal pain
Making love during your menstrual cycle is a solution like any other! The secretions of orgasm towards our brain and in our body cause a soothing and restorative effect. Orgasm relieves pain, more than you might realize. A method that will also relieve your migraines.
7. Hygiene of life
Having a correct lifestyle should not change according to needs; but it is essential to better manage your cycles. Avoid cigarettes, alcohol and coffee as much as possible during your period and this will have an impact on your comfort and a considerable reduction in pain.
8. Hydration
Needless to say, water is necessary and a miracle cure for many bodily problems. Staying hydrated is a very good way to soothe yourself and treat the harmful effects of periods.
Here we come to the end of this little recap on this global phenomenon that is menstruation. Now that you know what happens in your body each month and that you are able to recognize the pains of the menstrual cycle, it's up to you to adopt these few good habits to create your tailor-made well-being routine. Far from being inevitable, and close to being a real gift from nature, learning to live with your periods will greatly fulfill your needs. Ladies, it’s up to you!