Let’s be frank: periods can be a pain. They’re the monthly visitor who brings struggles from minor inconveniences to a full-blown, life-disrupting event.
Almost every woman has experienced a period in their life, and their experience can differ vastly.
However, understanding your menstrual health is essential to keeping your body healthy. Whether that’s managing your periods through birth control, easing aches with paracetamol, or dealing with them cold turkey. According to studies, a third of women describe their periods as heavy and 1 in 20 women consult their doctor about their heavy periods, proper period management is essential.
Dealing with periods can be a deeply personal thing, whether it’s looking for the right medication or deciding on the sanitary products that work best. It is also something that each woman learns with their experiences, and some methods of handling a period can be effective for one person but completely inconvenient for another.
This is why the advances in science have been so important in improving period care and management. Brands can now offer various medications, such as Evana and their Evana heavy period tablets and other period-specific pain relief.
The options are endless!
Period products have changed a lot since the Victorian invention of the Sanitary Belt. Today, we have a range of more comfortable and convenient products that allow you to continue unimpeded by your period.
With so many options available, it might be hard to choose what products you use, so to help, here is a breakdown of the most common period products:
• Pads: These are considered the OGs. They come in different shapes and sizes but ultimately do the same job. From super thin liners to overnight mega-absorbent winged pads, there’s an option for every function and flow. Pads are often the short-term cheaper solution and can be made of various materials, such as organic cotton or rayon, and are available in both disposable and reusable options.
• Tampons: Often regarded as the “other option” to period pads, tampons are considered more intimidating. They are often preferred for their internal protection and offer more freedom of movement. Understanding the different absorbencies and your own flow is key! Brands such as Tampax have a huge range of options and for the more eco-conscious FLO use plant-based bioplastic for theirapplicators.
• Menstrual Cups: A recently more popularised alternative to traditional period care, menstrual cups are considered more eco-conscious. These reusable silicone cups collect your flow and can be worn for up to 12 hours. Depending on the brand menstrual cups come in different sizes and colours, for those who want to customise their period care. When using the cup, there can be a bit of a learning curve, but many swear by their comfort and sustainability.
• Menstrual Discs: Functioning similar to the menstrual cup, discs have a different shape and placement. They are a much newer edition of period product range, with the first reusable silicone menstrual disc being released in 2018. Some women find them easier and more comfortable than menstrual cups, the disc is something to look into for those looking at alternative period products.
• Period Underwear: Talk about a game-changer! This is the preferred sanitary product for free-flow folk. Super absorbent underwear that looks and feels like regular undies? Yes, please! Perfect as a backup or for lighter days, they’re washable and reusable, making them another win for the planet and your comfort.
Picking out the right products is about knowing your body and what you find most comfortable. Sometimes, it’s worth considering trialling alternative products to gauge how comfortable you are using them, despite how intimidating some might look at first.
Mastering Period Management
Despite the abundance of period products out there, it’s important not to forget that periods aren’t just about the products. In fact, for some women, deciding what product to use to manage their bleeding is the least of their problems. Some suffer from extreme hormone driven mood swings, whilst others might experience intense cramps or even unusually heavy bleeding.
How to handle these symptoms is also different from person to person; some choose to control their periods through medication, others medical interventions such as the implant or coil, some might choose a combination of both and others might choose to handle their periods by monitoring them.
Here are just some of the methods you could consider to helpmanage your own period:
• Tracking Your Cycle: Understanding is everything! Whether you’re using a simple calendar or a fancy app, keeping a track on your cycle can help you anticipate your period, understand your flow patterns, and identify any irregularities that might need attention from a healthcare expert.
• Pain Management: Cramps can sometimes feel debilitating. Methods such as applying heat packs, gentle exercise (yes, even when you feel like curling into a ball!), and over-the-counter pain relievers can be your allies. Just like those peptides are being explored for menopause, research on managing period discomfort is always evolving.
• Flow control: Sometimes women naturally experience heavy periods, whilst it is important to seek medical expert advice, to ensure there are no underlying reasons for your heavy flow, you might consider taking a tablet to help manage your flow.
• Nutrition and Hydration: Almost every medical expert will tell you a balanced diet is crucial. Not only does it help you keep healthy, by fuelling your body with nutritious foods and staying hydrated can also make a difference in how you experience your period. Our bodies are naturally built to handle menstrual cycles, so eating more natural health foods can help it maintain a normal cycle. Think less processed stuff and more whole foods.
• Self-care is Non-Negotiable: Sometimes, menstrual cycles can be physically and emotionally draining. You shouldn’t feel guilty about prioritising rest, relaxation, and activities that bring you comfort especially when on your period. It’s important that you listen to what your body needs, whether it’s a warm bath, a good book, or just some quiet time.
Despite all the advice, the most important thing is to know when you need to seek help. If you’re experiencing anything out of the ordinary for your cycle, whether that is heavy bleeding, severe pain, irregular cycles, or other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Paying attention to your menstrual health is crucial at every stage of life and changes in periods can even be an indicator for other things. Changes might not always be linked to health concerns, but getting checked out can alleviate concerns.
Periods are a natural and powerful part of being a woman. Life can be a lot easier when you understand the products available to you and what management strategies you can try out. When you’re able to take charge of your menstrual health like your absolute boss you can tackle almost anything with confidence. It’s all about finding what resonates with your body, lifestyle, and values – and owning it!
