Have a less stressful period

WOMEN have struggled with their periods and the accompanying side effects from the dawn of mankind, but modern treatment methods can help make your period a stressless event.

Obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Anna-Kay Taylor-Christmas said premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms usually range from bad menstrual cramps, bloating, acne, heavy bleeding and mood changes to even depression, but all can be reduced to make the cycle less exasperating.

“While your period is normal, the associated symptoms can be reduced or even eliminated to make your life more comfortable. There is no magic remedy or cure-all, and every woman will have to know what suits her best. You don’t have to rush to the doctor initially as there are quite a few things you can try at home to help ease your agony,” she said.

Below, Dr Taylor-Christmas explains a few personal remedies women can utilise to make their periods less stressful.

1. Exercise

According to the doctor, the benefits of exercise are endless. “Regular exercise reduces not only period pains, but also premenstrual symptoms like lethargy, bloating and mood changes like depression. For PMS, what is recommended is two and a half hours of moderately intense activity, one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of the two each week, plus two muscle-strengthening sessions,” she said.

2. Diet

“As with exercise, your diet can greatly influence menstrual complaints. Reducing sugar, caffeine and alcohol intake overall results in fewer mood symptoms,” said Dr Taylor-Christmas. She added that though there isn’t much evidence, reduction in soy intake may help with menstrual cramps, and some studies show that vitamin supplements such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and vitamin B6 help to reduce PMS symptoms.

3. Stress reduction techniques

Dr Taylor-Christmas said whether it’s girls night out, yoga, acupuncture or spa days, reducing your stress levels is a great way to manage PMS symptoms. “It lessens the anxiety and tension that often occur with your periods, allowing you to cope better with anything that comes along,” she said.

4. Heating pads and warm baths

“The good old hot water bottle is still used today to reduce cramps during periods. Although temporary, it can still offer relief for those averse to taking pills.”

5. Doctor’s visit

Dr Taylor-Christmas said if the above methods aren’t helping you enough, you should seek medical attention. “Severe pains, heavy bleeding or extreme mood changes including depression should never be managed alone. A consultation with your gynaecologist will help you know if your symptoms are simply PMS or something more serious,” she said.

6. Pain killers

The doctor said this is our first obvious choice for menstrual cramps. “There are countless options on the market, and sometimes a trial and error process is needed to find the best fit for you.”

7. Birth control pills

“Yes, the same pills that help prevent pregnancy will also help reduce symptoms associated with your period,” she said. Dr Taylor-Christmas said most if not all will cause lighter, shorter periods with reduced menstrual cramps, and some preparations will reduce the acne that occurs during that time as well.

“The relatively new Yaz has been shown to do all this and more. It’s actually prescribed now to treat PMS and its more severe form, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),” she said.

8. Hormonal intrauterine devices

Also known as the IUD, Dr Taylor-Christmas said once inserted into the uterus, this is useful for some women suffering from heavy periods.