Ah, the joys and mysteries of a period. Even the most knowledgeable woman can still be baffled by her menstrual cycle. What most women do know is that it’s often a messy, fatiguing, and hormonal time when it does arrive. While it’s not a woman’s favorite time of the month, it doesn’t have to be the most miserable time either. With some information and helpful tips, you can avoid the messes and misery that usually accompanies a period. Here are five things to keep in mind when you period comes.
1. You can skip your period completely if you are on birth control. If you prefer not deal with your period or have a vacation or event coming up, you can skip your period! If you are taking the pill form of birth control, skip taking the placebos on your fourth week and start a new pack. You will bypass your period without any complications.
2. Skip the cramps by working out. While women may want to lay on the couch curled up into a tight ball, it may not be doing anything to help with your cramps. You don’t need to do anything strenuous in your workout, all you need to do is get the blood flowing. This can mean a 20 minute walk on the treadmill or a quick weight training session. You can exercise prior or during your period to help alleviate some of pain you are dealing with. Oh, and ibuprofen can help you as well!
3. Avoid sugar, salt, and caffeine. These can trigger cramps or make them worse. Also, while you may be tempted with cravings, eating an entire bag of chocolate or chips is something that isn’t beneficial for you in the long run. It is best to avoid caffeine and soda the first few days of your menstrual cycle. You can soothe your cramps instead with a hot cup of decaffeinated chamomile tea.
MUST READ: Can A Baby Save A Relationship?
4. Just because you get your period it doesn’t mean you’re not pregnant. Some women, when pregnant will have a “period” during the early stages. If you have had unprotected sex and are not on birth control, you still do have a risk of being pregnant even if there is a period. Having other pregnancy symptoms such as swollen, tender breasts and severe nausea, symptoms you usually don’t get when you normally get your period you may want to take a pregnancy test to confirm if you are pregnant or not.
5. Keep an emergency pack ready. If you aren’t on birth control and have irregular periods, it’s always smart to keep a “just in case” pack ready in your bag. It should contain tampons (or pads, whatever your preference is), ibuprofen, an extra pair of underwear, and wipes. This way you aren’t caught empty handed with a mess on your hands. Throw this baby in your purse and be worry free if your friend comes.
MUST READ: Ways To Tell If You Are Pregnant Without A Pregnancy Test
While it’s not fun to deal with your period, it doesn’t have to be the most miserable time either. By being knowledgeable and ready for when your period comes, you can avoid the pain and the mess.
