Period Problems & Knowledge
Explore More About Menstruation, PMS and Things To Help You With It
What Happens When You Menstruate
Menstruation is a woman's monthly bleeding, often called your "period". When you menstruate, your body discards the monthly buildup of the lining of your uterus (womb). Menstrual blood and tissue flow from your uterus through the small opening in your cervix and pass out of your body through your vagina.
Symptoms Part 1
Emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms:
Tension or anxiety
Depressed mood
Crying spells
Mood swings and irritability or anger
Appetite changes and food cravings
Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
Social withdrawal
Poor concentration
Symptoms Part 2
The best thing to do for the symptoms above are:
Eat according to your cravings and eat comfort food.
Wear comforable Clothing
Try doing things you love.e.g. painting, listening to music...
Symptoms Part 3
Physical signs and symptoms:
Joint or muscle pain
Headache
Fatigue
Weight gain related to fluid retention
Abdominal bloating
Breast tenderness
Acne flare-ups
Constipation or diarrhea
Alcohol intolerance
Symptoms Part 4
The best thing to do for the symptoms above are:
Take Prescribed medicine or antibiotics for your symptoms
Drink warm water or lots of room temp water (don't drink cold water)
Don't have very oily foods, or if you have naturally oily skin - wash your face with cold water or cleanser
What is Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that
normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus.
With endometriosis, the tissue can be found on the ovaries,
fallopian tubes or the intestines.
The most common symptoms are pain and
menstrual irregularities.
It requires a medical diagnosis and often lab tests
and imaging are required
Is a Chronic disease, beaning it could be there for years
or it could even be lifelong
BUT... it is treatable by a medical professional
Period Products
Menstrual hygiene materials are those used to catch menstrual flow, such as cloths, reusable and disposable pads, menstrual cups and tampons. Menstrual supplies are other supportive items for menstrual hygiene and health more broadly, such as soap, underwear and pain relief.
There are many choices when it comes to period supplies. There are several ways to make your daily life easier when you have your period. We have compiled a list of several different period products available so you can pick the one that will best help you feel better on your period.
Using period products — Tampons, cups, and pads fall into this category. They help collect or absorb menstrual blood, making it possible to go about your regular daily routine without too much hassle.
Period Products in Relation to Flow
When it comes to Period Products, there are different levels of absorbency.
The packaging will tell you if the tampon is for light, medium or heavy periods.
It's important to choose the right one for you. You can change the absorbency throughout your period if you need to, depending on how heavy your period is.
For Spotting:
- Liners
- Light pads
- Period underwear
- Menstrual discs
For Light & Medium Period Flow:
- Reusable or disposable pads
- Tampons
- Period cups
- Menstrual discs
- Period underwear
For Heavy Period Flow:
- Thick Pads (preferably with wings) or
even Materity Pads work great!
- Menstrual Cups
- Period underwear (for backup)
- Menstrual discs
For Period Clots:
- Pads
- Period underwear(solo or as backup)
- Menstrual discs
For Painful Periods:
- Reusable Pads
- Don't use Tampons as they could cause uncomfort or shift and start hurting or cause a pull
- Period underwear
- Menstrual discs
Medication You can Take
Medicine Options and what to Consider:
- Mirena IUD
- Tranexamic Acid
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. Ibuprofen and other prescribed meds like Panadol, Naeprogesic
- Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COC)
- Depo Provera injection
- Provera or Primolut N tablets
Clothing to Help
The best thing to wear when on your period and menstrual cycle is something comfy and loose,
if you have work, opt for more comfortable shoes which are easier on you feet,
if in school, wear black under garments so if you stain it's not a big deal
and a singlet inside your uniform if its cold.
Wear your loose sweat and your favourite hoodle and curl up on the couch with socks or even in your favourite oodie if you have one!
Don't forget to keep yourself warm!
Stomach, Chest, Feet and all!
And remember if that isn't helping too much, there are always heat packs and hot water bottles that will help relieve your pain!