Summer, sun, mood swings. There are definitely nicer things than getting your period during sweltering heat. But hey, don't worry. We're here to help you tackle even the hottest summer days with ease and a smile. Stay cool and rock the heat!
Why does the period put more strain on the body in summer?
Menstruation is a faithful companion that many nurses would like to send on holiday alone during the summer. When the thermometer approaches 30 degrees, many of us have a hard time with it. But it's actually not your period that's annoying you. It doesn't really change. It's the heat that's the culprit. The high temperatures change some parameters that make the bloody days seem more unpleasant.
So summer trouble is the order of the day during your period. But with the necessary know-how, you can stay cool in the face of the heat. By the way: If you want to travel with your period, we have some extra tips for you.
Period and heat: countering sweltering vibes
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Mood swings: Right before their period, many menstruators involuntarily get on an emotional roller coaster and go for a ride without stopping. If the whole thing takes place in the heat, the wild ride can last longer. The reason: the heat causes you additional discomfort. This causes stress. And this creates a hormonal imbalance. And then what happens? Exactly – mood swings. What an annoying chain reaction.
The good news: you don't have to just accept it. (It's generally not a good approach, is it?) Take action and show your hormones who's boss. And that is how it works: If you have the feeling that everything is too much for you, that the world is just nasty, consciously put on the brakes. Pull out of processes that don't do you any good. Cancel appointments, take a break, devote yourself to things that are important to you. Yes, maybe you will step on people's toes sometimes. So what? Focus on your needs, reduce your stress level and enjoy the results. Whether meditation, yoga or walks: treat yourself!
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Headaches: For many people, the period is unfortunately often accompanied by headaches. The reason for this is the fluctuating hormones. If the heat is added to this, the likelihood of having to deal with a buzzing head increases. At least if you don't drink enough. The increased need for fluids due to heavy sweating can quickly lead to dehydration. The blood vessels constrict and bang: a headache is on the way.
So always make sure you drink enough. Grab a glass of water even if you don't think you're thirsty. This is because the feeling of thirst is already an alarm signal from your body telling you that it is already lacking fluids.
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Air-permeable materials = best friends:Both during your period and during a heat wave, tight textiles – possibly made of synthetic fibres - are pure torture. They prevent air from getting to your skin and guarantee uncomfortable sweating and bacterial growth.
Save yourself from heat accumulation by choosing breathable textiles such as cotton. For clothing, underwear and menstrual products. The PANTIES and PADS from nookees, for example, are made of comfortable lyocell or cotton. It keeps moisture away from the body, brings air to the skin and provides a dreamy intimate climate. Further plus points: The free bleeding can reduce abdominal cramps.
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Water retention & bloating: During the period, the fine interplay of oestrogen and progesterone changes. The consequence can be the ever-popular bloated belly. If the heat really kicks in, fluid can accumulate outside your blood vessels. And so the round belly is joined by swollen feet and hands. On top of that, you may have to deal with hormone-related constipation. NOT funny!
Okay, what to do? To combat water retention, you should reduce your salt intake. It also helps to drink plenty of water so that your kidneys get going and help remove the water retention. You can combat flatulence with foods rich in potassium and magnesium. Foods rich in potassium include spinach, tomatoes, whole grains, soy, nuts, apricots and bananas. You can get magnesium from dairy products, poultry, potatoes and berries. Just take a look around. The range of suitable foods really does have something for everyone.
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Sleep problems: Tropical nights often rob us of our sleep. It's hot, your pillow is wet with sweat, a mosquito buzzes around your ears. In addition, your body produces less of the sleep hormone melatonin due to the extra brightness in summer. AND that your slightly increased body temperature after ovulation annoys your sleep rhythm. In short: it's a real dream – or rather, it isn't …
In order to pave your way into the realm of dreams, you can easily adjust a few things. What you need is coolness and darkness. Here's the plan: Air the room thoroughly after getting up in the morning, then close the window and draw a darkened curtain. These are also available with a sun-reflective coating on the back – ingenious. Block out the heat throughout the day and only open your window again in the evening to let in the cooler air. Sleep and bed linen made from natural materials are a real benefit for hot nights. Tip: Try cooling linen bedding.
Oh, and be sure to stick a mosquito net in your window.
- Communication: Strange tip in our context? Not at all. Let's celebrate our sisterhood and support each other. Talk openly and confidently about your period and share your tips. That way we can work together to combat the still prevalent taboo of periods and make life easier for all of us. Not only in summer. 🙂
