Periods are a natural part of life for many people with uteruses, but there’s still a lot of misconceptions and myths surrounding them. Here are 5 surprising period facts that may leave you amazed and enlightened.
- Cold weather could cause periods to be more painful
People who live in colder climates may realise that periods during the colder seasons tend to be more painful. There is a biological reason for this and it is because our blood vessels constrict when our body is feeling cold.
According to a study published by Remed Health, cold weather may have an impact on the duration and flow of menstrual periods. The biological reason behind this phenomenon is that our blood vessels tend to constrict in response to cold temperatures. As a result, periods can become longer and heavier during colder weather.
When the blood vessels are constricted, blood flow becomes interrupted and so the blood that needs to get out can’t get out smoothly. This then causes pains and cramps to be more intense.
If you are feeling more menstrual pains during the colder season, try to get a hot pack to warm your abdominal area to reduce the pains. Drinking warm water can also help as well as bathing in a warm shower.
If the pains persist, just try your best to relax and not force yourself to do so much stuff. Painkillers could also be the last resort in this case.
- Too much fatty foods leading up to a period causes more pain
Fatty foods are anathema to your menstrual health. This is because the consumption of fatty foods raises prostaglandins in your body and this naturally causes your uterus to contract.
Based on the WebMD article, the consumption of fatty foods has the potential to heighten menstrual pain. This is because fatty foods can raise the levels of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that are involved in triggering uterine contractions. When these prostaglandin levels increase, the uterus may contract more intensely, resulting in amplified pain and discomfort during menstruation.
As such, cramps and other pains become more felt and the pain can be rather unbearable. As such, it is highly recommended to avoid an excess of fatty foods during the week leading to your period, as well as during the period itself.
Food items like super fatty meats should also be avoided because their content of saturated fats can only worsen your cramps. Instead, during the time leading to your period, it is recommended to eat as cleanly and lightly as possible.
When you feel like snacking you can do it, though—as long as you snack reasonably, too. Drinking a lot of purified water is also recommended.
- There are more than 5,000 euphemisms for menstruation
All around the world, people use all kinds of expressions to refer to menstruation. For some reason, people just can’t get over the fact that menstruation is just such a natural part of female biology.
Somehow, people have this idea that it is taboo to casually mention menstruation, so they invent all kinds of expressions and allusions to refer to it for comfortable inclusion in a conversation.
Well, some euphemisms are just okay and some others are just downright silly. There are a few popular ones like ‘strawberry week’, ‘time of the month’, ‘shark week’ (because of all the red blood), ‘riding the crimson’, and more.
The complete data was acquired in 2016 through research by the International Women’s Health coalition.
Some people argue that most of the euphemisms create a negative nuance around periods and people need to be freer to talk about it.
- Women make more impulsive decisions on their period
Studies have shown that women make more impulsive decisions when they are on their period. This is meant in terms of spending habits.
Women are observed to spend more money on impulsive shopping when they are on their period. This may be due to the increase of both female and male sex hormones.
During menstruation, women have more oestrogen as well as testosterone in their bodies and this may lead to more daredevil decision-making.
According to the study reported by Sure Check, the belief that women make more impulsive decisions during their menstruation period is based on the idea that hormonal fluctuations during this time can affect mood and behavior. during menstruation women have more estrogen levels just before and during menstruation might influence certain emotional and cognitive processes.
This is mainly due to the fact that these hormones make you feel optimistic, so you become braver and feel happier spending on things that delight you. Of course, if money is not a problem there is no worry here.
But those who have horrible spending habits may feel guilty after a shopping spree. Aside from shopping, this period may also make a woman feel more flirtatious and active.
- Your voice changes during your period
Women may notice that during the entire period of menstruation (pun intended) their voice becomes different. Most likely, their voice becomes deeper and hoarser during menstruation, but become more high-pitched when they are ovulating.
These changes are mainly brought about by the reduced water content in the membranes of the throat. The membranes of the throat are similar to the membranes of the vaginal walls, so dryness due to lower levels of progesterone can also apply here.
If you are a professional singer, you may want to postpone recording until after you are done with your period.
There is also a chance that you become more prone to overexertion during menstruation so general tiredness could also play a role in making your voice sound more crackly.
Just keep drinking plenty of water and get quality rest until your voice (and breathing) returns to normal.
In conclusion, the mind-blowing five-period facts we shared shed light on the fascinating process of female bodies and how they function in different phases. From rituals to scientific wonders, female periods continue to be an awe-inspiring and remarkable part of ladies.
How Does Your Period Affect Your Mind?
Introduction
The menstrual cycle is a natural and vital process that occurs in the female body. It is the shedding of the uterine lining and is controlled by hormones that regulate the reproductive system. While the physical symptoms of menstruation such as cramps, bloating, and fatigue are well-known, the impact of periods on the mind is often overlooked. However, research has shown that the menstrual cycle can have a significant effect on a woman’s mental and emotional state. In this paper, we will explore the various ways in which periods can affect the mind.
Hormonal changes and mood swings
The menstrual cycle is regulated by the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones not only control the reproductive system but also have an impact on the brain. During the menstrual cycle, the levels of these hormones fluctuate, which can lead to changes in mood and behavior. Estrogen has been associated with feelings of happiness and well-being, while progesterone is linked to irritability and anxiety. As a result, women may experience mood swings, feeling more emotional and sensitive during certain phases of their cycle.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
PMS is a common condition that affects many women in the days leading up to their period. It is characterized by a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including irritability, mood swings, fatigue, and food cravings. The exact cause of PMS is not known, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The symptoms of PMS can be severe and can significantly impact a woman’s mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Cognitive changes
The hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can also affect cognitive function. Studies have shown that in the days leading up to menstruation, women may experience difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making. This can be attributed to the drop in estrogen levels, which affects the communication between brain cells. These cognitive changes can impact a woman’s performance at work or school and can lead to feelings of frustration and inadequacy.
Impact on mental health disorders
For women who already have a preexisting mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, their menstrual cycle can exacerbate their symptoms. Women with these conditions may experience more severe symptoms during certain phases of their cycle, and their medication may be less effective. The disruption of the natural hormonal balance can also trigger mood swings and emotional instability, making it challenging to manage these conditions effectively.
Stress and coping mechanisms
The physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by periods can also lead to increased stress levels. Women may experience stress due to the pain and discomfort of cramps, the inconvenience of managing their menstrual flow, and the added pressure of dealing with work and daily responsibilities. In response, women may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, substance abuse, or self-harm, which can have a detrimental effect on their mental health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the menstrual cycle can have a significant impact on a woman’s mind. The hormonal changes, mood swings, and physical discomfort can lead to a range of emotions and cognitive changes. PMS and preexisting mental health conditions can also be exacerbated by the menstrual cycle, causing significant distress and disruption in a woman’s life. It is essential for women to be aware of these effects and take steps to manage their mental health during their period. Seeking support from healthcare professionals and practicing self-care can help women cope with the impact of their period on their mind.
