Menstruation is a natural process that women face once a month. It is a sign of a healthy reproductive system and brings along some changes to the body—physically, emotionally, and mentally. All this happens because of the hormonal changes that occur before, during, and after the menstrual cycle. Each and every woman is different, and this is why they experience the symptoms differently. Some have mild symptoms, while for others it would be severe and painful. Common symptoms include mood swings, cramps, fatigue, and changes in food choices.
Menstruation is not just about bleeding heavily or a sign that you are not pregnant; it’s more than that. Let’s dive in deep on this topic.
1. Physical Symptoms
During menstruation, women experience many physical symptoms, such as back pain, stomach cramps, etc. All this is because of uterine contractions that cause uterine shedding. For some women this pain may be mild, while for others it can cause disruptions in daily life. Heat therapy along with painkillers is used as first-hand treatment during this time. Staying hydrated and doing physical activity are the best things to do during this time. Menstrual cramps are one of the most common side effects of menstruation. Taking proper rest and care is recommended during this time.
2. Emotional And Mental Well-Being
Many women experience mood swings that make them extremely sad or irritable, and this is known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). All this affects life and relationships, and during this time emotional support is important. Women should go for relaxation activities and have a good balanced diet during this time. Along with this, you can talk to your friends and family about your feelings. In case of severe mood swings, it is recommended that you visit a doctor and discuss your emotional well-being.
3. Nutritional Needs
Food cravings are a part of menstruation. Things that you don’t like at all would turn out to be the ones that you crave the most during this time. Craving sweet and salty snacks will be one of them. Make sure that you add healthy food items to your diet, as during menstruation there is loss of blood, which leads to iron deficiency. This is why it’s important to add iron-rich foods to your diet. Also, items like fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts, etc are recommended during this time. Include lots of water in your diet so that you don’t have bloating.
4. Low Energy Levels
It’s normal to feel low on energy during this time and all this is because of loss of blood from the body. Hormonal changes can also make you feel sleepy, and this is why it’s good to have proper rest and sound sleep during this time. Light activities like walking and stretching can be added to your schedule during this time, though overexertion should not be done. Women should listen to their bodies and take breaks whenever they feel tired and low on energy levels. Though this is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and affects every woman.
Thus, it is important to track all the issues and go for professional help if you detect something serious. Take care of your health in the best way possible.