5 Ways To Make Your Period More Comfortable

Your period is never a comfortable time of the month. Between cramps and mood changes it’s hard to know what would make it more endurable. The good news is there are ways to make your period more comfortable.

It’s okay if you’re feeling a little clueless about how to do that. Doing some research and reading can be a great first step in managing your period’s symptoms. We’ve got you covered there. Here are some great ways to make your period more comfortable.

Heat Helps Make Your Period More Comfortable

Heat will help relax your muscles and reduce cramping. That’s good news for anyone who suffers from mild to very strong cramps during their period. You can use a heating pad, or even just a warm bath. Whatever works best for you is what’s going to increase your overall comfort.

Some heating pads are even made to wrap around your waist and back at the same time. If you’re someone who gets cramps in your lower back as well as your abdomen this is a great option. You won’t have to choose between applying heat to your back or stomach area with a wrap around heating pad.

The next time you feel like your cramps are unbearable, give heat a try. It’s likely to be a really great option and since it’s not a medicine, there’s very little risk to trying this one out. Just remember not to fall asleep with a heating pad on you. You don’t want to burn yourself in your sleep.

Make Sure You’re Sleeping Enough

Getting enough sleep is important to your health no matter the time of month. It’s just more important when your body is working overtime. If you are sleep deprived your period is going to be a little more frustrating to deal with.

It could influence your mood swings and how well you can cope with any discomfort you can’t ease. If you are having trouble sleeping you can talk to your doctor about trying some melatonin during your period.

Sometimes we all just need a little help nodding off, and melatonin can be a great option. Just make sure you ask about how it will interact with other medications. You’ll also want to make sure it’s ok to take with any health conditions you have. Your doctor will let you know if it’s not a good idea. If melatonin won’t work ask about ways you can get some extra Z’s without it.

Remember your doctor is on your side. They may suggest things like less screen time before bed, or leaving your cellphone in another room. They aren’t suggesting these things to make your life harder. They just want to make sure you’re developing the best sleep habits possible.

 

Make Sure You Understand Your Cycle

If you know when your period is coming, and how heavy your flow is, you can be prepared. Sometimes just having the right products on hand at the right time can increase your comfort during your period.

If you’re aware of which days have the heaviest flow, for example, you can be extra ready. Keep the right tampons or pads on hand for those heavy days. Then you don’t have to make any unexpected trips to the store.

You can also use period tracking apps to make sure you’re ready. Apps can let you know a few days before your period is due so you can head to the store if you need to. They also make it easier to answer the dreaded “when was your last period” question at your doctor’s office.

Take The Right Medicines

Sometimes heat and sleep just aren’t enough. It’s entirely okay to take over-the-counter medications when you have your period. Just make sure you’re taking the right ones. If you have a lot of cramping you may want to skip the Tylenol and go for something like Advil instead.

Tylenol may help with a menstrual headache but cramping is better dealt with using medications meant to reduce inflammation. That’s where NSAIDs like Advil shine. Some medications like Midol even combine both of those medicines into one pill so you have the best of both worlds.

You don’t have to use one medication or another. Both Tylenol and Advil can be helpful. It’s just something to keep in mind if you’re wondering why your cramps aren’t getting better even after trying Tylenol. This is another question you can ask your doctor if you aren’t sure what options are best for you and your specific health situation.

Try Working Out

Working out can feel like the last thing you’ll want to do when you have your period but it really can help. If you just can’t shake the tiredness, cramps, and moodiness, give it a try. It doesn’t have to be an intense work out. You can do something as simple as dancing around your room. The point is just to get your body moving. It can help reduce cramping and exhaustion, believe it or not.

If you’re used to having an exercise routine it’s likely you’ll feel better if you don’t skip it just for your period. Your body is already used to relying on working out to feel good. Keep focusing on moving your body even if you have to change the style of work out while you have your period. Remember, anything will help. Don’t be hard on yourself if you have to take it down a notch or two for a few days.

A Few Final Words

Being completely comfortable while you have your period may not be entirely possible. But you can use tips like these to make your life more manageable. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Giving yourself some grace to relax, eat a few foods your craving, or take a nap can help too. And don’t forget it’s only one part of your month. You can get through this. You’ll be back to your fabulous self in no time!