Did you know that your menstruation cycle may get longer and more painful during the winter season? Dr Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, says, “Inadequate hydration and poor eating habits can be responsible for worsening pain.”
Dr Swati shares more about this, and talks about how to manage period pain promptly with the helpful tips given below.
Have you noticed that your period pain and other symptoms such as bloating have amplified during winter? Then, you are not alone. There are many women who experience painful menses during the chilly months. During winter, days are shorter and nights are long and cold which means one end’s up spending more time indoors. Furthermore, the cold also restricts physical activity leaving one sluggish.
This is how the winter season impacts the menstrual cycle, period pains
• Dehydration:
Are you aware? Hydration plays a key role in various body functions, including menstruation. It is a no-brainer that during the chilly months, one tends to drink less amount of water, as one doesn’t feel thirsty during winter. This can lead to pelvic congestion, and alter the blood flow and there is a lot of pressure exerted when the blood passes via blood vessels in the uterus, to the vagina. You will be shocked to know that dehydration can cause immense pain as it disrupts the blood flow.
• Lack of physical activity:
Women tend to remain indoors during the chilly days to combat cold. Thus, reduced physical activity is linked to more premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, including period pain. That is why many women encounter pain and cramping that makes it difficult for them to do their daily activities with ease. Staying indoors has a bad effect on premenstrual symptoms as studies suggest that women who are active will have regular and manageable cycles when compared to those who do not work out regularly.
• Lengthy cycles:
It has been reported that winters can cause your period to last longer than it does during the summers. According to the research, there is increased hormone secretion, increased frequency of ovulation, and shorter cycles in the summer, as compared to winters.
How to manage period pain and cramping during winter
· Not drinking enough water? Then, you are doing it all wrong. During the winter season, make sure that you stay hydrated and drink around litres of water on a daily basis to enhance blood flow and relieve period pain.
· Opt for a well-balanced diet. To avoid period pain, it is imperative to eat a diet loaded with fresh fruits, whole grains, vegetables, pulses, and lentils. Avoid junk, processed and canned foods as these foods can induce pain and cramping.
· Applying heat that is hot compress to your lower abdomen, legs, or back can relieve period pain during winters.
· Exercise indoors. You can do yoga, aerobics, walking, and strength training to stay in top shape during your menses.
