The week and the days leading up to menstruation can be extremely difficult for women. The combination of physical and emotional symptoms experienced by women during this time is known as Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS. "These symptoms also affect women around menopause, post pregnancy (known as postpartum blues) and also after a miscarriage including abortion. Sometimes these symptoms are also experienced when oral contraceptives are discontinued," wrote Nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee as she explained PMS.
If you are someone who suffers from cramps, nausea, bloating, mood swings and irritability during your monthly cycle you must make modifications in your lifestyle to ensure trouble-free periods.
Best Sleeping Positions to Ease Menstrual Cramps Dealing with menstrual cramps can be a nightmare for many women. Painkillers, heat therapy, and other remedies can help ease the discomfort, but did you know that the way you sleep can also make a difference? Menstrual cramps can be challenging to deal with, but these sleeping positions can help reduce pain and discomfort during the menstrual cycle. You may need to try different positions to see which one works best for you.
When it comes to managing period cramps, getting a good night's sleep can be a game-changer. In this article, we'll explore the best sleeping positions for menstrual cramp relief, so you can wake up feeling rested and refreshed, without the discomfort and pain. Whether you prefer sleeping on your back, side, or stomach, there's a position that can help alleviate your cramps and improve your overall sleep quality. Let's dive in and discover how to sleep your way to fewer period cramps.
Irregular periods refer to menstrual cycles that are inconsistent in length, duration, or flow. It is not uncommon for women to experience irregular periods at some point in their lives, especially during adolescence, perimenopause, or menopause. However, it is important to note that if you have any underlying health issues causing irregular periods, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some natural remedies that may help regulate irregular periods:
Some women experience the issue of menstrual cramps during their monthly cycle. This happens when the uterus contracts to discard the endometrium but the menstrual cramps can be painful and uncomfortable and some common ways of dealing with them is to use a hot water bottle, drink some hot soothing tea and in a few cases even medication may be taken. Exercise of any form immediately refreshes the body and Yoga is a safe solution as some women deal with menstrual pain in the form of back aches, inner thigh pain, nausea, dizziness, headaches and stools. The conditions differs from individual to individual depending on an array of factors. Yoga boosts your physical and mental well-being to keep you cramp-free during your periods, improves your mood, can be a supportive companion to ease menstrual discomfort, help you to relax both body and mind and is a great way to strengthen and improve flexibility. A session of Yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation can effectively balance your mood and ease menstrual cramps. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddha, Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Research and Development Centre, revealed to Zarafshan Shiraz about the 5 Yoga asanas that can ease period pain or help deal with menstrual cramps:
There are several lifestyle changes that can help to alleviate period pain but first, we must understand why exactly it occurs. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Nidhi Jha, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Advocate for Ujaas and Knowledge Provider for Menstrual Health and Hygiene, explained, “During menstruation, the uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Hormone like substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps.” She suggested 4 easy lifestyle changes that can help to alleviate menstrual cramps or period pain:
Periods are that dreadful time of the month which always bring cramps, backaches and sudden urges to binge eat chocolates and junk food however, health experts insist that compulsive eating might help with mood swings and distract you from pain for a short period but it pushes you further away from your fitness goals, especially if you are trying to lose some weight or are on a diet. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Arpit Kushwaha, Nutrition and Fitness Premium Coach at Fittr, told Zarafshan Shiraz, “Periods can disrupt the levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones leading to a change in serotonin, resulting in Premenstrual syndrome or PMS. PMS refers to a collection of symptoms or sensational patterns that women undergo after ovulation and before their menstruation, like anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. The increased responsiveness to insulin-related hormone levels before menstruation causes cravings for chocolates, bread, cakes, pasta and other simple carbs and fats. Women may also experience low blood sugar which signals the brain to eat more food. Although fighting the menstrual blues might seem challenging, tweaking your nutrition and workout routine during these days can go a long way in helping you stay healthy and focused on your fitness goals during these days.” She listed 5 workout and nutrition tips to remain focused on your fitness goals during menstruation:
PMS is something every woman lives through. The stomach cramps, terrible mood swings, bloating, backache, sore breasts and the list goes on. Some of us even go through all of these at a time and symptoms may vary from mild for the lucky ones to very severe symptoms for the not so fortunate of us.
Stress will make one adopt unhealthy practices such as smoking or alcohol that will harm fertility and just like stress, even your periods can impact your mood because when it comes to menses, unbearable abdominal pain, cramping and other PMSing symptoms will be stressful for many and this Menstrual Hygiene Week, we discuss how it can take a toll on your mental well-being.
You must maintain proper intimate hygiene, especially during your periods. Poor physical hygiene during that time of the month can cause irritation, urinary tract infections, cervical cancer, etc. To stay away from all the uneasiness, you need to follow a few basic hygiene tips.