Understanding What Not to Do During Menstruation
Menstruation affects not only your physical health but also your emotional well-being. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, cramps, fatigue, and other premenstrual symptoms. While periods are a natural and unavoidable part of life, there are certain activities and habits best avoided during this time to minimize discomfort.
1. Watching Emotionally Intense Movies
Due to the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, emotional instability is common during menstruation. Watching movies that are too dramatic or emotionally heavy can worsen mood swings. Since estrogen influences brain function and emotions, it's best to avoid films that could make you feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed.
2. Waxing or Hair Removal
Pain sensitivity increases during menstruation due to hormonal changes. Activities like waxing, eyebrow plucking, or even dental procedures may feel more painful. Wait until your period ends to perform such treatments when your pain threshold is more stable.
3. Being Inactive All Day
It may be tempting to stay in bed due to cramps or low energy, but total inactivity can make symptoms worse. Gentle exercise like walking or yoga can actually ease menstrual cramps. However, avoid high-intensity workouts, which might add to the discomfort.
4. Wearing the Same Sanitary Pad All Day
Changing your pad or tampon every 4 hours—or more often during heavy flow—is crucial. Wearing the same pad for too long can promote bacterial growth, which increases the risk of irritation or infection, as the warm and moist environment of the vagina becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
5. Having Unprotected Sex
While having sex during menstruation isn’t strictly forbidden, using protection is highly recommended. The moist vaginal environment during periods can allow bacteria to multiply quickly. Using condoms helps prevent infections and ensures both partners are protected.
6. Eating Unhealthy Foods
Many women experience cravings during their period, but consuming too much sugar, salt, or processed foods can worsen symptoms like bloating and mood swings. Opt for healthier snacks like fruits and vegetables to keep energy levels stable and support the body’s nutrient needs during menstruation.
7. Drinking Excessive Coffee
Caffeine can lead to bloating and worsen anxiety during your period. Overconsumption (more than 400 mg per day) has also been linked to heightened anxiety. If you're sensitive to caffeine, consider cutting back on coffee to avoid aggravating PMS symptoms.
8. Not Drinking Enough Water
Dehydration during menstruation can intensify headaches and fatigue. Drinking at least 2 liters (about 8 glasses) of water daily helps reduce cramps, shortens period duration, and may reduce the need for pain relief medications.
9. Smoking
Smoking can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the uterus, making cramps worse. It also disrupts hormone balance, possibly causing irregular periods and increasing inflammation. For better menstrual health, avoid smoking altogether.
10. Scheduling Breast Exams During Your Period
During menstruation, hormonal changes make breast tissue denser and more sensitive, potentially affecting the accuracy of a breast examination. For more reliable results, it's better to schedule breast exams a few days after your period ends.
11. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation can negatively impact hormone regulation and increase levels of prostaglandins, which are linked to menstrual cramps. Research has shown that poor sleep quality and late bedtimes are associated with worse PMS and more intense period pain. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night during menstruation.
Conclusion
To reduce discomfort and maintain your health during menstruation, try to avoid the following:
- Watching emotionally triggering content
- Waxing or painful grooming procedures
- Complete physical inactivity
- Wearing a pad for too long
- Having unprotected sex
- Eating junk food
- Drinking too much caffeine
- Not staying hydrated
- Smoking
- Getting a breast exam during your period
Skipping sleep or staying up late
By paying attention to these habits, you can manage your symptoms more effectively and feel more in control of your body during your cycle.