Every person with a uterus will know the monthly struggle that is a period. Whether you've just had your first period or your 300th, I know I'm always looking for ways to make it an easier experience and here are some things I've learnt throughout my periodding years.
1. Prepare in advance
Yes, we get told this all the time, but it’s so important. Carry some spare pads or tampons in your bag, so that if you start unexpectedly you don’t have to panic and won’t make a complete mess. Also, carry around a spare pair of underwear so that you can change if you stain the pair that you’ve gotten stained (you know they’ll be white. That’s the way it always works.) Ooh and paracetamol! any of my friends will tell you that I’m like a walking pharmacy. If you get cramps you’re going to need paracetamol or something stronger to keep you going through the day.
Having these items at hand will mean that you can help out anyone else in need. I can’t count the times that I’ve realised I’ve been out of pads or paracetamol and one of my friends have helped me out.
2. If you feel like you’re going to faint, lie down
The only times that I’ve ever fainted have been on the first day of my period. I can now tell when it’s about to happen and know how to stop it. No matter how silly I may look, I’ll lie down on - preferably somewhere cool - until the feeling has passed. It gets some blood back to my head and means that if I do pass out then I won’t risk injuring myself by hitting my head anywhere.
3. Wear nighttime pads or tampons when you go to bed to prevent leakage
We’ve all had those mornings where we’ve woken up to discover that there’s blood on our pyjama bottoms and on our sheets. Unfortunately, there’s no preventative that’s 100% effective, however, nighttime pads (which I call my “nappy pads “ because they’re so big) and tampons work pretty well. I've never leaked at night whilst using these so I'd say they're a massive essential for me.
Incidentally, cold water and a bit of soap will remove fresh blood easily.
4. Drink more water
This is sort of a general tip, but I find laying off my usual tea helps. Staying hydrated keeps my head feeling a bit better and I can, therefore, be more productive. I do like having green tea when I’m on my period, though. There’s something about it…
5. Try to distinguish what’s hormonal and what’s not
I’m still trying to work on this, butI believe it’s really worth it. I can’t count a number of times I’ve just cried at nothing or yelled at my dishwasher for being so awkward. I’ve had to apologise a lot to my family for being snappish when they’ve done nothing. Recognising what’s hormonal rage and what’s not will hopefully help your relationships somewhat. Or, at least, provide a decent explanation of your Hulk-like behaviour.
6. If you’ve got consistently heavy periods that are causing you to become properly ill, see a doctor
If your blood loss levels are possibly dangerously high or you’re getting horribly bad menstrual symptoms, you need to see someone about it and maybe they can help.
See You Next Sunday!
Jemima x
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