Your first period, called menarche, is often celebrated ‘as a young girl’s entrance into womanhood. ‘[2] X Research source If you realize that your period can be something that is celebrated, you might stop dreading its arrival and cope with it.
There are several apps, such as Strawberry Pal or Clue, that can help you track your period and set reminders for when your next cycle is about to start. Remember that during your first year, periods are often unpredictable and come at random. They can also skip. This is completely normal. However, after the first year, your period should begin to follow a more regular pattern and be easier to track. Menstrual cycles vary from person to person. They can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days, and your period may last two to seven days. Your period may be regular and occur at the same time each month, or it may be irregular. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Keeping track of your period is very important when you are sexually active. It helps you to determine when you are the most fertile, which is important to know whether you want to avoid pregnancy or when you want to become pregnant. [5] X Research source
It’s a good idea to keep a few extra menstrual hygiene products with you so you can offer one to another person if they need one.
Meat, beans, lentils, eggs, and dark leafy greens are all good sources of iron. You should continue to eat iron-rich foods during your period. This can help to relieve some period symptoms, like fatigue and cramping. [8] X Research source Vitamin C can improve your body’s absorption of iron. Try to eat foods rich in Vitamin C, such as oranges, peppers, and kale, as well.
Talk to your physician if over the counter painkillers do not work and you continue to have severe pain during cramps. [11] X Expert Source Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD, MAOB/GYN & Fertility Specialist Expert Interview. 24 March 2020.
Massaging your lower abdomen in light, circular motions may also help to soothe pain. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Foods high in potassium, like bananas and leafy greens, can help alleviate bloating naturally. Eat plenty of foods that are rich in calcium, like beans, almonds, and dairy.
Treat your nausea with over the counter medications, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen or ibuprofen. [14] X Expert Source Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD, MAOB/GYN & Fertility Specialist Expert Interview. 24 March 2020. These can help period-related nausea by preventing the production of a hormone called prostaglandins, which may be the cause of your nausea. [15] X Research source
Light exercise that warms up your core, like yoga, can also help to minimize bloating. [18] X Research source Feel free to skip the gym if you really aren’t feeling up for it. While exercising can help you manage your symptoms, you don’t need to force yourself to exercise.
You should see your doctor you are spotting in between periods, you have a very heavy flow, very painful cramps or if your flow lasts more than 10 days. [21] X Research source
Light exercises, like meditating, practicing yoga, and stretching can help you to sleep better. Your core body temperature rises during your period, making you feel warmer. Feeling warm can make sleeping difficult so keep the temperature in your bedroom between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15. 5 to 19 degrees Celsius. [23] X Research source
Try to get cotton underwear for your period. Not only is it comfortable, but it may be able to reduce your risk of yeast infections. [25] X Research source Stains are less noticeable on darker colored underwear. Your underwear should be cotton, which allows the area to breathe and is gentler on the skin. [26] X Research source
Do the things that make you happy. For instance, listen to your favorite songs and artists and have a dance party in your room. Find activities that you find relaxing or soothing, like meditating, writing in a journal, drawing, listening to soothing music, or watching television. Aromatherapy may also help you relax. Try using sage, lavender, or rose essential oils.
You can write down your emotions each day during your period to see if you notice that you feel sadder or more anxious during this time. If you are experiencing extreme mood swings or have any thoughts about harming yourself contact your doctor immediately. [27] X Research source You may be suffering from a condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which can significantly impact your mood.
You may need to change your menstrual hygiene product more frequently if you have a heavier flow or if it is the first few days of your period. TSS is a serious and life-threatening bacterial infection. If you begin to have a rash that resembles a sunburn, especially on your palms and soles, a high fever, low blood pressure, or begin vomiting contact a medical professional. [28] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
