How to take the best self-care during your period. I share my top tips below.

When it’s your period do you wear yellow shorts and run along the beach singing Bodyform like this happy lady?

Haha I didn’t think so and it certainly isn’t my style. Saying that, I do have many clients that take the pill, or the coil, so they have very few hormonal symptoms. These bring added benefits of ruling out an unwanted pregnancy, but equally can bring their own complications. It took me 2 years to have a period again after coming of the combined pill. I also had a brief encounter with the progesterone only pill and felt a strange sensation in my calf, after reading up about blood clot side effects and the trials carried out in poor African villages with awful side effects and fatalities, I decided that was enough for me, but of course everybody has their own unique body, preferences and ethics.  

So, back to periods!

The period app – get prepared and track symptoms

I don’t know how I managed without my trusty free period app, before, it was a oh no it’s my period, but somehow there is relief and understanding when I feel more in tune with what stage of my cycle I am at, so I am more ready and willing for it. After tracking, I now see recurring patterns, such as hunger the week before, increase in sugar craving and of course more emotional states. This reassures me as I understand there are hormone changes happening and I am extra gentle on  myself.

Eco friendly products

I have my trusty Mooncup and reusable bamboo sanitary pads, so there is no plastic, no waste, no chemicals used, so no skin irritation, plus they are already in my cupboard. 

Choccie support

Not forgetting my fav delicious bar of chocolate Doisy & Dam, yummy nom nom. I naturally crave more sugars around this time, so I trust in going with what feels most nourishing. This choccie has superfoods in and less refined sugar than your average bar. It’s also organic, with packaging that can be recycled. Whoopers all round!

Adjusting your schedule 

I have blocked out a day of less work, or no work from my calendar during my first day of my cycle, as the flow can be heavy then and so I can prioritise resting. The stigma of appearing weak when you need to rest for your period is thankfully reducing and actually it’s so supportive to honour your body and rest if rest is needed, that goes for other times too.

Of course I understand we all have our own lifestyle’s which might not adapt, but even if it’s a 20 min power nap, or being gentle, which could look like, wearing comfy trousers, going to bed earlier, taking comfort in what you see supports you.

Taking steps to take the best care of ourselves is a brilliant support & demonstration for everyone.

Some places of work, have honoured the period policy which is a wonderful upgrade in taking the best care of your staff. 

Vaginal steaming

I also have a friend who is a trained vaginal steam facilitator and this has really soothed my periods to be shorter and less painful. It is a very controversial topic, but in essence its herbs and the same amount of steam as a sauna. It is incredibly relaxing and actually supports me to look forward to my monthly flow.

The Sciencey Part

The menstrual cycle is a series of natural processes that your body goes through. During your period cycle, your hormone levels rise and fall, depending on which stage of your menstrual cycle you are in. These hormones can also affect your mood and level of energy.

The length of a menstrual cycle can vary from 23 days to 35 days. All bodies are different, so the length of your own menstrual cycle may be shorter or longer and not all menstrual cycles are regular.

If you struggle with painful periods, or endometriosis, please contact me here to discuss hormone balancing, its a relaxing way to restore the body to a balance and reduce symptoms. 

Other complementary therapies include herbalist’s and I have taken a herb called Agnus castus in the past which has helped regulate my periods. Homeopathy and naturopathy are all wonderful ways to offer regulation of irregular periods.