Every 30 days, women go through a natural menstrual cycle. Though natural, periods can be uncomfortable and frustrating, especially when they coincide with your plans. Additionally, they can cause painful headaches, cramps, back pain, slow you down, and the premenstrual symptoms can make people run away from you every month. Some people go as far as calling it the “curse” primarily because it can impact your life in numerous ways. However, please do not let your periods rule your life. Though there are some common and expected side effects of menstruation, some are not. Below are some ways you can take some control.
Anxious About the Amount of Blood
If you are through a sanitary pad or tampon every hour and passing clots that are bigger than a quarter shows that you are bleeding excessively. Normal menstruation should be 5-7 days, and anything beyond this is too much. It can signify that you have a condition known as menorrhagia and can cause fatigue, weakness, and anemia. Some ladies have experienced such periods all their lives and may think it’s normal, but it is not. Heavy bleeding may also be an indicator of uterine fibroids, cervical polyps, and PCOS. Abnormal bleeding can take over your life and affect your quality of life. Regular visits to your gynecologists can stop periods from ruling your life.
Painful Periods
Some levels of discomfort and pain are typical when having periods. However, it would help if you were careful to note the level of pain. Is it bearable pain, and does it go away when you take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills? If it goes away, there is no problem, but if the pain causes you to lie in bed for days, there may be a reason to worry. Remember though cramps are okay during periods, they shouldn’t be so painful that you can’t work. In some cases, underlying issues such as fibroids may cause extreme pains, and a visit with your doctor may help find out the cause of the problem.
Irregular Periods
Irregular periods start and last more than the average estimated period. Teen girls usually experience irregular periods for some years, the same as with perimenopausal women. Irregular periods coupled with migraines or missed periods altogether may require a visit to your doctor.
How to minimize the Impact Periods have on your life
Periods are natural, and you may not stop them, but you can try to control the symptoms, so they do not rule over your life. The following can help:
- Ibuprofen – it can help ease the pain for some hours and reduce blood loss. For maximum effect, take them an hour before you go out of the house.
- Menstrual cups – They are a great alternative to pads and tampons. They are worn inside the vagina for up to 1 hour to catch the blood. They are reusable and can help when you want to have some under sheets action.
- Period Panties – The remarkable undergarments are absorbent and worn together with a pad or tampon to prevent accidental leaks. They give you the freedom to go about your activities without any worries.
- Heating Pad – Heating pads are a miracle when it comes to dealing with cramps. Let it sit on your lower abdomen for about 20 minutes for the best relief.
- Masturbation – If you are feeling adventurous, a quick masturbation session can help curb period symptoms. An orgasm can help relieve cramps and slow down the bleeding before you go out.
If you experience a period that stops and starts or anything abnormal during your period, you should discuss it with your doctor. If symptoms during your period are beginning to rule over your life, you should find some answers from your gynecologist.
