Here is an A-Z period Guide
A for Acne
65% of women experience breakouts during their periods. This is because of fluctuating hormone levels, namely oestrogen and progesterone, along with sebum which causes your skin to become oilier leading to more breakouts!
Practice your skincare routine religiously during thebese few days to prevent any pimples and cysts as much as possible.
B for Bloating
Once again, hormones are to blame. There are some home-based treatments you can try to reduce bloating while on your period – drink lots of water, limit your sodium intake, and don’t forget to exercise!
C for Cramps
Every girl’s worst enemy. Every woman experiences varying intensities of cramps, and the best solution is to have over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate the pain.
If you’re not big on medication, you could try some traditional methods to reduce cramping like placing a hot water bottle on your abdomen, making healthy changes to your diet, and some even suggest that ginger makes for an excellent substitute to medication.
D for Diet
A balanced diet goes a long way in lessening your period symptoms. Here are some recommended items to add to your diet: fruit, green veggies, dark chocolate, nuts, and proteins like fish, tofu, lentils etc.
Some foods you can avoid during these few days are sugar, coffee, alcohol, and red meats.
E for Exercise
Don’t go overboard with heavy lifting and weights! Try some light stretches because it has been scientifically proven to reduce cramping and your mood!
F for Flow
Your menstrual cycle says a lot about your health. Periods should occur anywhere between 21 to 35 days and last 2 to 7 days. Typically, women bleed only 2-3 tablespoons each period, but if you feel like your flow is too heavy, you should consult your gynaecologist.
G for GoPadFree™
Period Panties are a lifesaver for women! GoPadFree™ uses the latest technology to guarantee a leak-proof and stain-free and a super comfortable period experience for women, and is reusable for up to 2 years! No need to wear anything extra ever again.
H for Heating Pads
The muscles in your uterus contract to expel blood, resulting in excruciating cramping. You can purchase heating pads or even heating patches to put on your abdomen since heat is known to be a natural remedy to reduce pain.
I for Iron
Very heavily bleeding, in extreme cases, can lead to anaemia. If you’re experiencing symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and light-headedness, you are probably suffering from an iron deficiency.
Make sure to include lots of greens in your diet, especially during your period, to keep your iron levels up!
Also Read: Busting Myths about periods: A Guide for Teenagers
J for Journaling
Journaling during your period can be therapeutic. Write down what you are feeling, and help yourself navigate through your emotions.
You don’t necessarily have to use pen and paper, you could look up some apps on your phone to help you get into the habit of journaling!
K for Klutz
It’s not just you, brain fog is a real thing! If you find it hard to focus, confuse dates, and generally feel unmotivated on or before your period, it’s just your hormones acting up. Don’t worry, it’ll pass once your period is over!
L for Lavender
Take our advice, and use lavender oil on your period days. Given its anti-inflammatory properties, lavender can help reduce cramps and control bleeding.
M for Mood Swings
PMS- we’ve all been there! Ladies, don’t suppress your feelings, speak your mind and ride this wave, because there are no medicines or solutions to mood swings except waiting it out.
N for Nuts
Almonds are known to be rich in Vitamin E, which is scientifically proven to reduce swelling and painful breasts during cycles. Nuts are also good for keeping your energy levels high!
O for Oranges
Better stock up on Vitamin C. Fruits like oranges are important for increasing oestrogen and progesterone levels to help balance the fluctuations in your hormones, and put you in a better mood for the rest of the day.
P for PCOD
India records more than 1 million cases of PCOD every year. It is a condition wherein a woman’s ovaries produce partially mature eggs, and due to this, the ovaries begin to produce male hormones causing infertility, weight gain, hair loss, and irregular cycles. PCOD can lead to many problems in the future, so if you are showing symptoms, consult your gynaecologist immediately.
Q for Queasiness
Why do some women feel nauseated during their period? It is a result of chemical and hormonal changes and isn’t necessarily a cause for worry. You could have some over-the-counter medication including antacids to quell the queasiness.
R for Romcoms
The best cure to period pain is romcoms! Put on a cheesy film, get yourself a bowl of popcorn and binge-watch all your favourites.
S for Sugar
Although you’re probably craving something sweet during this time, try to restrict your sugar intake as much as possible. Try healthy snacking like a trail mix to satisfy your cravings.
Also Read: Why GoPadFree™ Period Panties Are a Good Investment?
T for Tea
Tea in both contexts! Call up your girlfriends and indulge in a good old gossip session; this is the best de-stressor anyone could ask for. Try the other kind of tea too, like green teas, because they are known to soothe abdominal cramps and help you relax.
U for Ugh!
It’s a well-known fact that women feel icky and generally uncomfortable during this time.
Here are some suggestions on what you can do to feel a little better:
- Take a long, hot shower,
- Binge on a TV show, light a candle, and make yourself comfy in the thickest comforter you own!
V for Vaginal Odour
An unfamiliar smell coming from down there is more common than you think. Vaginas naturally cleanse themselves to keep the bacteria at bay, so you have nothing to worry about.
However, if a strong odour persists, even after your period is over, there could be an underlying cause.
W for Water
Nothing more important than hydration. If you’re not drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day, you’re inviting a host of problems to yourself including bloating, headaches, fatigue, and irregular urination.
X for XOXO
Cuddles can cure almost anything! So cuddle up to your partner, your pet, or even your stuffed toy, and unwind from all the stresses of the day.
Y for Yoga
Yoga is good for your mind, body, and soul. Don’t think of it as exercise, rather as something that’ll help you relax and de-stress.
Z for ZZZ
The answer to all your worries- naps. Turn off your phone, ignore all your notifications, and bring out your comfiest blanket.
Trust us, you won’t regret it.
We hope this comprehensive A-Z guide helps. Let us know some period hacks that make your days easier and we’ll add them to the list.