10 Dont’s During Your Menstruation - Ananthapuri Hospitals

Are you on your periods - feeling moody and irritated? It is quite normal. During your periods, you feel lazy and maybe not as productive as how you would feel otherwise. Your body does not feel so comfortable, isn’t it? 

Here is why! 

 

During your periods, there will be fluctuations in your hormones. These fluctuations alter the neurotransmitters that are responsible for many functions such as your mood, appetite, pleasure and so on. These changes in the hormone levels are responsible for some of the changes such as breakouts, breast tenderness, and so on - that you might sometimes notice while you’re on your period.

 

The way your body reacts to these will be different from another person’s body. Some of you may be sensitive to these changes, while some others may not feel much discomforts or changes. Either way, it is best if you take some precautions during your periods, to prevent any major discomforts altogether. 

 

Here are 10 things you should avoid doing during menstruation to keep your body healthy and comfortable. 

 

DO NOT HAVE JUNK AND SALTY FOODS

Yes, periods are the time for cravings but fulfilling your cravings to some salty snacks might not be a good idea! Salty foods and junk foods cause water retention in the body and make your tummy feel bloated. It can also worsen the pain you feel during your periods (cramps). Stick to healthy foods instead. 

 

DO NOT GO FOR WAXING OR DENTAL TREATMENT

During periods, as a result of low estrogen, your pain receptors become more intense and your skin becomes extra sensitive. Waxing or going for dental treatment for during your periods is going to be a very painful thing to go through. As if the cramps were not already enough? Schedule your appointments for a day after your periods. 

 

DO NOT HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX

Being on menstruation does not mean you are protected from sex. Sometimes, ovulation and bleeding can take place at the same time if you have highly irregular periods - which means you can get pregnant if you have unprotected sex. Also, the transmission of viruses and germs is easier when it is through the blood. The cervix is slightly open during this time which makes it further convenient for any germs to travel to the pelvis. Always use a condom. 

 

DO NOT SKIP EXERCISE

Menstruation should not be an excuse to skip your workouts. Being sedentary is only going to make the pain feel worse. Although it is advised not to do heavy workout during this period (unless you can compensate it with energy-rich foods), it is always good to take a walk or hit the gym as it reduces your cramps and energises you. 

 

DO NOT WEAR A PAD FOR MORE THAN 4 HOURS

You may get busy with your work but it is important to remember to change your pad every 4 hours. Keeping your pad for a long time can lead to a build-up of bacteria - ultimately causing vaginal infections. It also produces an unpleasant odour, and even worse - stains on your pants! 

Use comfortable pads to avoid any rashes between your thighs. Also, change your undergarments and pad in the night to sleep comfortably. 

 

DO NOT USE VAGINAL WASH

Your vagina washes away all the bacteria using its self-cleaning mechanism. Using a vaginal wash clears off all its natural protection. Use warm water to clean your private parts. Keep changing your pad to keep the area dry, as moist environments can multiply the bacterial buildup and this can lead to vaginal or urinary tract infections. A gynaecologist can recommend a medicated powder. 

 

DO NOT EAT A LOT OF DAIRY

Eating too much cheese or too many milk-based products during the time of your periods is equivalent to adding salt to the wound. You may already feel bloated during your periods because of hormonal changes. Having too much dairy only worsens your cramping, abdominal pain, bloating and gas. Stick to healthy fruits and vegetables instead. 

 

DO NOT SKIP YOUR NIGHT SLEEP

Skipping sleep is never good for you and it is a particularly harmful thing to do during your periods. Staying awake the whole night or even sleeping for lesser hours than usual will affect the stress hormone, also known as cortisol. An imbalance in the hormones can affect the severity of your periods. Get at least 8 hours of sleep to have a healthy mind and body. 

DO NOT SMOKE 

Smoking makes you experience more severe premenstrual symptoms and it leads to cramps lasting two or more days. This is believed to be because of its effect on levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, androgen, and gonadotropin. Studies also show that women who smoke experience shorter and more irregular menstrual cycles. Therefore it is always best to avoid smoking during your periods. 

DO NOT WEAR LIGHT COLOURED CLOTHES 

Getting your pants stained while you’re out is the last thing you would want to happen. The first two to three days of your period is when bleeding is at its peak. If you are not sure about the leaks, do not wear light coloured clothes. Go for dark coloured clothes at least in the first few days to feel more confident and tension free. Use high coverage pads during the first few days to avoid staining altogether. 

Keep track of your menstruation cycle as it would help you remind of your upcoming period and also helps to diagnose any diseases. It is especially important to track your monthly cycle if you are planning to have a baby. 

 

If you experience any severe irregularities in your menstruation, immediately bring it to the attention of a gynaecologist. 

 

The Gynaecology Department of Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute offers dedicated care with comprehensive diagnostic services and treatment facilities for women. Our highly experienced team of gynaecologists are always ready to attend to any of your medical needs. Your health is safe in their hands. 

 

To book an appointment, call us at +91 9400332777 or visit our hospital at Chacka, NH Bypass, Thiruvananthapuram.

• tags
• periods
• menstruation