How to take the inconvenience out of periods
Let’s face it, periods can be a pain. From bloating and soreness to mood swings, they can cause a whole range of problems. Luckily though, there are relatively simple steps you can take to reduce the inconvenience caused by your menstrual cycle. With this in mind, here are some useful pointers to help ensure your period doesn’t spoil your plans.
Delay them for special events
Discovering your period is due when you have a special event like a wedding or holiday lined up could give you a familiar sinking feeling. But there’s no need to put up with your monthly visitor during occasions like this. As long as you plan ahead, you can delay your period so that it doesn’t affect your event. If you’re on the pill, you may be able to take two packs back to back to put off your period. Read the instructions that come with your contraception to see if this is possible, and if you’re not sure, speak to your doctor.
If you’re not on the pill, you could consider taking Norethisterone. You can get this prescription medicine from your GP or by visiting online pharmacy websites like onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com. Containing a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, it works by stopping the womb lining from shedding and it can delay bleeds by up to 17 days. You have to start taking it three days before your period is due.
Relieve the pain
Period pains don’t have to leave you curled up with a hot water bottle nursing stomach cramps each month. Taking over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol could be enough to stop any discomfort. If your pains are severe and these medicines don’t relieve them, it may be worth investigating hormonal contraception options. For example, the combined pill, patch, injection or intrauterine system can help to reduce discomfort. You can get more information and advice about your options by speaking to your doctor, visiting a sexual health clinic or consulting a pharmacist.
Select the best sanitary protection
Worries about embarrassing leaks might stop you from wearing the clothes you want or doing your usual activities, but by making sure you select the right sanitary protection products, you should be able to reduce these concerns and feel freer and more confident when your period arrives. Whether you use pads or tampons, always select products that suit your flow and change them at least every four hours during the day. Also, if you use pads while you sleep, try opting for special nighttime designs that are more absorbent.
If you think your periods are excessively heavy, it’s worth booking an appointment with your GP. They will be able to investigate the cause to see if anything’s wrong and they might prescribe you hormonal contraception to reduce the flow or to stop your periods completely.
You may never exactly look forward to your periods, but armed with advice like this, you should be able to minimise any hassle and inconvenience.
