Let’s be real – periods are already tough enough. But did you know that some common habits might be making your time of the month way harder than it needs to be? If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my period so exhausting or painful?” — you’re not alone. In fact, a lot of us unknowingly make these 5 mistakes that mess with our menstrual health.
Time to clear things up with some science-backed truths and tips you can actually use. 🩸💪
1. 🚫 Not Tracking Your Cycle – Hello, Missed Red Flags!
Skipping out on tracking your menstrual cycle might not seem like a big deal… until it is. Irregular periods, super heavy flow, or strange symptoms can all be signs of something deeper (like PCOS or hormonal imbalances). But if you’re not paying attention, these red flags can go unnoticed for months.
Why it matters:
Your period is like a report card from your hormones. Tracking helps you understand your body better and catch anything off early.
Try this:
Use free apps like Clue, Flo, or even a calendar to log your cycle, symptoms, mood, and energy levels.
2. 💊 Overusing Painkillers or Hormonal Pills
We get it. Cramps can feel like a medieval torture device. But popping ibuprofen or hormonal pills like candy isn’t the best fix long term.
The science bit:
Nonstop use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can mess with your stomach and kidneys. And using hormonal pills without a doctor’s advice can lead to more imbalances — not fewer.
Smarter relief:
- Try heating pads, gentle yoga, or magnesium-rich foods (like dark leafy greens).
- Talk to a healthcare provider if the pain is interfering with daily life. It could be a sign of endometriosis or something more serious.
3. 😬 Not Changing Pads Often Enough (Yikes!)
Leaving your pad or tampon in for way too long? That’s not just uncomfortable — it’s risky.
Here’s why:
Wearing the same sanitary product for hours can cause irritation, infections, and even Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in rare cases.
Golden rule:
Change your pad or tampon every 4–6 hours. If your flow is heavy, check more often. And yes, period underwear or menstrual cups still need regular attention too.
4. 🏋️♀️ Over-Exercising When You’re On Your Period
We love a good workout, but pushing yourself too hard during your period can backfire. If you’re already feeling low-energy, intense exercise can leave you completely wiped out.
Fact check:
Your estrogen and progesterone drop during your period, which means your body isn’t at peak performance mode. Overdoing it can increase inflammation and cortisol (aka the stress hormone).
Better moves:
Go for low-impact workouts like stretching, walking, or gentle cycling. Save the HIIT class for later in your cycle when your energy comes back.
5. 🥗 Fasting or Eating Too Little (Especially Without Iron!)
Trying to “eat clean” during your period? Great — but skipping meals or going too low-carb might make things worse.
What happens:
Your body needs more nutrients during menstruation, not less. Iron, magnesium, and B vitamins are all crucial. Fasting or cutting calories too much can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and worsened cramps.
Eat this, not that:
- Yes: leafy greens, lentils, bananas, oats, eggs, tofu.
- No: super processed foods, excess sugar, or skipping meals altogether.
✨ Bottom Line
Periods aren’t fun — but they also don’t have to be a nightmare. Understanding your cycle and treating your body kindly can make a huge difference. Stop ignoring the signs, ditch the bad habits, and start showing your hormones some love. Your body will thank you for it. 💖
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