There’s no denying that women’s health is greatly underfunded when it comes to research and scientific studies. This is particularly in the case of women’s intimate health, like their period. Combine that with the feeling of shame and embarrassment that often comes with having a period anyway, and no wonder a lot of women feel like they can’t talk openly about their menstrual cycle.
*This is a collaborative post. Image Source
*This is a collaborative post. Understanding your menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a monthly series of hormonal changes to prepare the body for a potential pregnancy. The whole science behind the menstrual cycle surrounds the idea of pregnancy, and so maybe that’s why there’s not enough energy being put behind doing the research. Not everyone wants children, and not every menstrual cycle is the norm. Some really suffer when it comes to period pain.
For those who lack the basics, your menstrual cycle lasts around 21-35 days (this is an average; everyone differs). There are four phases to the menstrual cycle:
Menstrual cycle
This is your first day of the period and involves the shedding of the uterus lining. This results in bleeding.
Follicular phase
After menstruation, the brain releases a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This causes the follicles to develop in the ovaries. This leads to increasing amounts of estrogen that thickens the uterine lining.
Ovulation
High estrogen levels can trigger a surge in the lutenizing hormone (LH). This causes the mature egg to be released from the ovary and, therefore, is the most fertile time within your cycle.
Luteal phase
The egg then travels through the fallopian tube, which is when it’s fertilised by the sperm. If it’s not fertilised, then this empty follicle collapses. This produces progesterone, which breaks down the corpus luteum, where the cycle starts over again.
Tips to support your body during your period
When it comes to supporting your body, you tend to learn a lot about it with time. Therefore, what works for you might not work for someone else. With that being said, here are some helpful tips to support your body during your period.
Do gentle activities
I’ve recently been going to the gym over the last few months, which has been great for my mental health. At the same time, it’s been helpful while I was on my period, too. Of course, it never feels great at the time, but afterwards, I definitely feel as though the gentle activities like going to the gym have helped with those period cramps ,especially.
Track your cycle with an app
Flo is a great help in tracking my cycle and was really handy when we were trying to conceive. I think apps like Flo can be really helpful when you want to track your cycle, as they can help prepare you for what’s to come.
Either that or a period diary can help track your energy levels and any typical symptoms you experience. This might be helpful when planning out your workouts, for example.
Try out heat therapy
There are a number of pain management efforts that you can use when it comes to supporting your body through the menstrual cycle. One type of pain management is with heat therapy. Applying a hot water bottle or taking a warm bath can be beneficial for helping relax muscles and ease cramping, too.
Try pain medication and supplements
Pain medication, like the usual painkillers, can be beneficial to take if you’ve found them to be useful. Personally, I’ve found them to be helpful for easing some of the pain that comes with cramping. Some supplements are worth getting, like tranexamic acid tablets, for example. These tablets, in particular, are used to treat those who experience heavy menstrual bleeding. It works by blocking the breakdown of blood clots, which prevents bleeding.
Stay hydrated and eat food high in nutrients
If you’re keeping yourself hydrated and eating plenty of food that’s high in nutrients, then you’re going to benefit your body a great deal as a result. Look at what you could be consuming more of to help eat food that’s high in nutrients, while also keeping yourself hydrated.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is important to have throughout the week, and it’s therefore essential that you’re getting at least several hours of sleep every night. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep where you can in order to fight fatigue and improve your overall well-being.
With these tips, you’ll be able to better manage your symptoms and pain when it comes to menstrual cycles in general. How do you manage your menstrual cycle when supporting your body?
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post with Evana. All words are my own.
