Stay Away From Me, Period. (Advice and Tips when on your Monthly Period)
The week of the month when girls wish to be guys instead. The time when you keep on bleeding but you don't die (Oh-kay, that didn't sound so good). You feel so uncomfortable and you feel like you want to punch someone in the face. It is also the time when women are at high risk of acquiring infection. And if you have a boyfriend, he'd be most likely the center of your peevishness. I know most girls could relate and their boyfriends would agree. Along with that distress and irritability, some girls experience the so called "Menstrual Cramps" or Dysmenorrhea which make it harder to go through that three-to-four-days (or sometimes more than that) duration of your period.
Dysmenorrhea is the pain usually felt on the lower abdomen or back for women having their monthly period. Pain in the hips, inner thighs and lower back can also be symptoms of menstrual cramps. They can be mild or severe. Some girl even black out because of severe pain due to menstrual cramps.
According to WebMD, to relieve menstrual cramps:
You can take aspirin or another pain reliever such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide).
If you are not fond of taking medicines, you can try a placing a heating pad or a hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen. As for me, I put some efficascent oil (methyl salicylate camphor+menthol) on my back and lower abdomen which gives a hot sensation that lessens the pain I feel.
Contrary to popular beliefs, taking a warm bath may provide some relief and will not result to "craziness" which our elders commonly tell us.
Other tips from She Knows which can help us get through that nasty monthly period:
Hydrate
Staying fully hydrated helps eliminate the bloated sensation we feel before or during our monthly period. Drinking enough water--at least two liters a day--will help speed up digestion and help prevent water retention caused by monthly hormonal change.
Reduce salt and caffeine
Yes, say goodbye for now to those processed and fast foods you usually eat, with their high salt composition, you'll be able to hold water retention at bay and minimize bloating. Nope, you can't drink too much coffee or anything with caffeine. It can irritate the stomach by increasing gastrointestinal acidity making cramps worse and adding to the discomfort.
Get enough calcium
Broccoli, yogurt, cabbage and milk--foods rich in calcium--will help fight muscle spasms and help you avoid cramps. We need at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily, which we can get through eating green and leafy vegetables such as spinach has the added advantage of an extra dose of vitamins that can help lighten the flow.
Add moderate exercise
I know it's hard and I also tried myself (hey, don't give me that look. believe me I did try.) Increasing the blood flow to your pelvic region will give quick relief from cramps . Take a walk or jog, swim or stretch, and it will reduce much of your distress of you monthly period.
Eat some chocolate
My favorite of all those tips! *munching on chocolates* Don't worry, this was actually ordered by the doctor, a daily munch of chocolate during your period. Chocolate stimulate the secretions of serotonin--which gives you a good feeling. The irritation, anxiety and mood swing you may be experiencing are mellowed away as the chocolate hits your system. Better look for high cacao leveled-chocolates... NOW~!
I want these kawaii neko body warmers~! Maybe if I had these, having menstrual cramps wouldn't be so bad. (❁´▽`❁)*✲ﾟ* I saw them here.
(reposted and edited from my old blog)
(photos and copyright not mine)
