Periods can be the worst, can’t they? Between the cramps, the mood swings, the blood and everything else, this monthly event is never something you look forward to. But far too often period troubles are swept under the carpet and not talked about, which can make you feel like you’re the only one with these problems. Not only can this leave you feeling isolated during your period, but it can stop you getting the help you need if there is something more going on, like your hormones being out of balance. This can then lead to issues in the long run. To help to get you talking about your periods more, women’s health practitioner Dr Brighten has released some period comics that we can all relate to when the time of the month makes its rounds.
1. Chocolate Is The Only Thing That Helps
When waves of sadness wash over you during your period, it’s no wonder you’re likely to reach for the chocolate. Chocolate is known for inducing “happy hormones” that combat the low levels of serotonin that occur during your period.
When reaching for the chocolate, opt for dark cocoa-rich chocolate. This type contains magnesium, which is an important mineral that you lose when bleeding, so dark chocolate can help replenish this mineral.
2.The Commercials That Lie
Anyone else get seriously annoyed by the inaccurate period product commercials? You know the ones, a woman running through a meadow in a white, flowing dress, which she’s able to do because of her absolutely incredible tampon. Do your tampons make you feel that good?
For most of us, no period product could make us feel that good. Shedding your uterus lining is hard work! It took a month to build it up and now you’re getting rid of it, of course you’ll want to slow down and relax whilst this is happening.
And whilst we’re on the subject of commercials… Whose blood comes out blue?!
3. The Uncontrollable Tears
No matter how good your poker face normally is, when you’re on your period it can be especially hard to keep it up. During your period your serotonin levels are likely to be low.
Serotonin is a hormone that regulates your mood. With low levels of this hormone a feeling of sadness can wash over you and cause those uncontrollable tears on your period. As mentioned previously, this often has you reaching for the chocolate to combat these low levels!
4. The Water Bottle – Your Best Friend
Periods aren’t comfortable. Shedding all that lining isn’t easy. So any little comfort you can find makes a big difference.
For many of us, the water bottle is a great comfort during our period. The warmth actually helps to soothe pains and cramps, helping you to relax as your womb does what it needs to do.
5. Planning Your Clothing
Your womb really can dictate what you’re wearing on a day-to-day basis when it comes to your menstrual cycle. One of the main times you have to think about your clothing based on your cycle is during, or when you’re due, your period.
It may be the height of summer and you’re about to go out and meet some friends. You want to wear that lovely, flowing summer dress, but no. You’re womb has other ideas. So it’s the comfy black jeans instead!
Hopefully these comics have given you a bit of a giggle and convinced you that you’re not alone with your period woes!