Before, during, and after your period, you may notice changes in your body. With menstrual cycles recurring every 28 days on average, periods are something women have to learn to live with. Understanding what happens to your body during your period can provide some peace of mind. It can also help you understand why you are experiencing what you’re experiencing. Every woman can have different symptoms so while your body may go through similar things, experiences may vary. To determine if what you’re experiencing is normal, consult your doctor.
The Menstrual Cycle: A Brief Overview
Menstruation, also known as menses, menstrual cycle, or period, is the monthly cycle of shedding the lining of your uterus. Driven by hormones, the lining of your uterus should thicken and ovaries should release an egg (otherwise known as ovulation). If the egg isn't fertilized (pregnancy), the lining of the uterus breaks down and sheds. Hello, period.
The menstrual cycle on the other hand describes the series of events that occurs as your body prepares for the potential of pregnancy each month. Every month women have a cycle, which starts the first day of your menstrual period and continues until your next period begins, and then the cycle starts over. Cycles can vary but are usually between 21 to 35 days, with 28 days being the average.
Phase 1: Menstrual Phase
For most women, the menstrual or menses phase lasts from cycle day one to five. During this time, the lining of the uterus sheds if a woman is not pregnant. During this time, you will bleed.
Phase 2: Follicular Phase
Cycle day six to fourteen for most women is the follicular phase. During this phase, estrogen levels rise resulting in the lining of the uterus to thicken and grow. The follicle-stimulating hormone also comes into play during this phase, causing follicles in your ovaries to grow. Follicles can turn into eggs, and if fertilized, they can become an embryo. Oh baby!
Phase 3: Ovulation Phase
Moving along to day fourteen to twenty eight of the cycle, the luteinizing hormone (LH) rises and causes an egg to be released. Otherwise known as ovulation. Ovulation may not occur every month and the timing of it can vary. Testing your LH levels can help you identify your window of ovulation.
Phase 4: Luteal Phase
The luteal phase can last from days fifteen to twenty eight. During this phase the egg that dropped during ovulation starts to travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. To help the body prepare for pregnancy, progesterone levels rise. If pregnancy does not occur, your cycle should restart soon.
Physical and Emotional Changes
Being female requires incredible strength. Our bodies experience much change during our cycle, including physical and emotional changes. Rest assured though that you are not the only one experiencing these changes. Stay strong and find ways to improve your overall well being. From exercise to hobbies it’s important to make time for yourself to maintain a happy and healthy physical and emotional state. Cycles can definitely cause both physical and emotional changes.
Common Symptoms Of Having a Period
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) includes a variety of signs and symptoms that result from periods or menstrual cycles. For some women, signs and symptoms reoccur in a predictable pattern, but with our bodies and lives constantly changing, PMS symptoms can too. PMS can include physical and emotional symptoms. Here are some symptoms of having a period.
- Menstrual cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Social withdrawal
- Crying spells
- Abdominal bloating
- Poor concentration
These are just a handful of symptoms that your period is here or near. Most women find that signs and symptoms fade after about four days of their period.
What To Do When You Get Your Period
Since periods occur on a regular basis, you can prepare. Tracking cycles can help you know what to expect and when. Here are some ways you can prepare for your period and hopefully make it a little easier to live with.
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Be prepared with supplies: Supplies such as menstrual protection products and period relief medicine are two examples of supplies you should keep nearby. Some women also enjoy essential oils and other natural remedies that help them feel better. Find what works for you and plan ahead.
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Manage discomfort: Comfort is key, period or not. Find what works to curb your PMS symptoms. If your PMS is affecting your day-to-day life, talk to your doctor. Period underwear can help manage the discomfort and inconvenience of single use menstrual products such as pads, tampons, or cups.
- Period Underwear: Period underwear offers a sustainable and comfortable alternative to traditional menstrual products. Made from absorbent and breathable materials, they can be worn alone or as a backup to other menstrual products. They are reusable, reducing waste and offering a cost-effective solution in the long run.
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Maintain hygiene: Keeping clean during your period is crucial for both comfort and health. Make sure to change your menstrual products regularly to avoid bacterial growth and odor. Washing your hands before and after changing, using unscented soap for intimate areas, and keeping a small pack of feminine wipes in your bag can help you maintain hygiene during your period.
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Track your cycle: Tracking your cycle is a gamechanger. Some of us may not be blessed with consistent periods, which can make tracking even more valuable. When you visit your doctor they will ask for your cycle dates. Tracking your cycle can help you be prepared with accurate information. It can also help you prepare for your period or PMS symptoms to start.
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Stay hydrated and nourished: It’s important to take care of your body at all times. Ensuring you are properly hydrated and eating a balanced diet can promote a happier, healthier you, while helping to stabilize period symptoms.
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Listen to your body: It can be hard to admit or respect that we are just not having a great day. It’s okay to take a rest or admit you don’t feel 100%. Always listen to your body.
More than 10 million American women are affected every year by heavy bleeding. That means that 1 in 5 women are battling with the same concern you may be experiencing right now. The average monthly cycle is around 28 days, with a period between four to five days. A period that lasts longer than seven days is considered long. Consider seeing your doctor if your heavy flow is affecting your daily life.
How much blood do you lose while on your period?
Every woman is unique, and our menstrual cycles are no exception to that rule. The amount of blood you lose depends on many factors. However, the average blood loss is between 2 to 3 tablespoons during your period. In reality, it seems like you are losing a lot more blood than you are.
Average blood loss during your period a month
Light period: Less than 30 milliliters
Normal period: 30-60 milliliters
Heavy period: More than 80 milliliters
Is there a way to determine how much you’re actually bleeding?
Many pads and tampons will state right on the packaging how much volume their products hold. This, of course, could be measurable if you filled them to their maximum capacity each use. Menstrual cups are an easy and effective way to measure your blood loss. Most menstrual cups have measurements on them. Cups will show you the amount of blood collected in between emptying and cleaning.
Causes of heavy menstrual bleeding
IUDs
IUDs are tricky because, depending on the type of IUD, they can either lessen your period or they can make your monthly flow heavier. Research has shown copper IUDs may make your periods more serious and more painful.
Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that form on the muscle tissue of the uterus. You may experience periods longer than 8 or 9 days if you have fibroids. Some women may also notice that their periods are more frequent than once a month.
Hormonal imbalance
When women have an imbalance of hormone levels, it can cause heavy periods. High levels of estrogen and low progesterone are typically the cause of heavier flows. If estrogen levels are low, it will cause lighter bleeding and shorter length periods.
Tips to relieve symptoms of bleeding
Track your period
Keeping track of your period helps you get a better understanding of your menstrual cycle. It also helps you to see the patterns in your mood changes. But, most importantly, it helps you notice when things are out of balance and your cycle changes. If you notice a change in your cycle, doctors often find it helpful to see your history to better understand what might cause the change in your hormones or cycle.
Try period underwear for heavy flow
Proof® period underwear is the perfect choice for those with a heavy flow. Our period underwear is available in various absorbencies, including super heavy and overnight. Shop a variety of styles and choose the ones you love. Say hello to the new MVP in your underwear drawer.
Heating patches
Heating patches may not decrease your flow, but they help with pain associated with heavy bleeding.
Eat iron-rich foods
When women have heavy periods, it is not uncommon for them to have anemia. Eating foods rich in iron, such as green vegetables, raisins, and apricots, are a natural way to boost your iron levels.
Exercise Even on your heaviest days, exercising can be good during your heavy flow. It helps increase blood flow and release endorphins. Both of these help reduce cramping. However, Be careful with how hard you push yourself. Listen to your body if you are feeling fatigued.
Hydrate
When you bleed, your blood volume can get too low. It is suggested to drink 8 cups of water a day. However, you should drink 4 to 6 more cups of water a day during your heavy period. Consider drinking electrolyte-enriched drinks.
Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia is the medical term for heavy menstrual bleeding. It is classified as a period that lasts more than 7 days or requires frequent tampon or pad changes more than every 2 hours. Menorrhagia is not as common in younger women as in older women.
Heavy bleeding is one of the most common reasons why women go to the gynecologist every year. Heavy periods often leave women feeling helpless and alone. However, there is help out there for you. Talk to your doctor and see which treatment is right for you. While waiting to talk to your doctor, consider using period underwear that is designed specifically for heavy flows.
Weird Things That Happen To Your Body During Your Period
Your voice can change
Did you know that your voice actually changes during your period? Studies have shown that some women develop a lower pitch at the beginning of their cycles. Consider yourself lucky if you like to sing or are a soprano in the high school choir. During your period you are more likely able to hit those lower notes. Many girls' voices may also become more hoarse and rough sounding as well. As their cycle progresses, their voices eventually become more clear towards the end of their period.
Bathroom habits changes
Ever heard of the saying “period poop”? Well, the rumors are true, your period comes with a lot of body changes, and it can even affect your bowel movements. Many women notice when their period begins, they either develop constipation or diarrhea. The reason our bowels change during that “time of the month” is because the same hormones that stimulate uterine contractions to shed our uterine lining during our period, also cause muscle contractions in your bowels. It is very common to experience diarrhea during your period due to the different ways our bodies absorb water during our periods.
Impact on brain function/cognitive ability
Some people believe that when a woman is on her period, it affects her cognitive abilities. It is actually a quite controversial topic. Here is what we know: It is possible for women to experience what is commonly called “brain fog” during their period. During our cycles, our hormones fluctuate, and depending on how severe the fluctuations of those hormones are, the more likely you are to experience this “brain fog”. Brain fog simply means that you are more forgetful and less decisive.
Sensitive skin
Estrogen plays a big role in how our skin changes throughout our cycle. Some women develop acne, while others notice overall skin sensitivity. Estrogen levels drop as our period approaches, which then leads to skin sensitivity and acne or even blemishes.
Trouble sleeping
Ever notice that around the time of your period, you have a hard time sleeping? Just like those hormone shifts causing skin sensitivity, moodiness, and changes in bowels, it also affects your sleep. Insomnia is common in women before their period starts. When you get close to the start of your period, the hormones estrogen and progesterone start to decline. The issue is however, estrogen declines earlier than progesterone. This uneven shift in hormones is what causes those sleepless nights. Other reasons for trouble sleeping include the side effects of period symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, and cramping that could keep you up at night.
Tiredness all the time
Let's face it, with all the extracurricular activities and studying after school, we don’t have time to feel extra tired. Low energy levels are common when you are on your period. When our estrogen levels drop suddenly to prepare for your period, it can cause you to feel more tired and lazy. Also, when we lose blood during our period, it can also cause iron deficiency as well. Be sure to get the right amount of sleep every night to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed the next day.
Tips to help you during that time of the month
- It is recommended to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night before and during your period.
- Wear a heating patch for menstrual cramps throughout the day. Some heating patches are made specifically to provide relief for up to 12 hours. They are discrete and thin.
- Leakproof underwear is a perfect staple to have during your period. Our leakproof underwear is a reusable and comfortable period protection option. With no-show edges, they offer discrete yet powerful protection so you can keep your flow on the down low.
- Stay hydrated! Grab a cute reusable tumbler and keep it filled every day. Consider getting a tumbler that keeps track of how much water you should drink every day to stay hydrated.
- Avoid salty foods because they can contribute to bloating and cause water retention.
- When those cravings for sweets kick in, consider indulging in some dark chocolate. Dark chocolate provides many benefits for your period.
- Consider going on a walk and getting outside for some exercise. This can help improve your mood and increase energy levels.
Wrapping up
Now that we’ve reviewed some of the changes you might experience during that time of month, you can have a better understanding of your body. We encourage women to learn about their bodies, as they do some pretty incredible things. Having period underwear can make starting your period a lot easier. Just slip on buttery-soft leakproof protection and keep on going.
Conclusion
During the female cycle, the body goes through changes. While your cycle may impact those changes, lifestyle and external factors can impact them too. We sympathize with women and understand that periods can throw a wrench in certain plans.
However, we also recognize the incredible process the female body undergoes to be able to deliver life's greatest gift. Period underwear can help make life with a period, or life as female in general, more comfortable while helping you gain confidence.
Our collection of leakproof underwear is a reusable alternative to single use traditional menstrual and incontinence products. Simply wear and wash, not wash and toss. Slip into a buttery soft pair of our leakproof underwear that are designed for all day comfort. The Proof is in the package. Meet the new MVP in your underwear drawer. . . shop the best leakproof underwear on the market now.
Related Posts
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