For most women, menstruation is the most problematic period that happen every month. Usually period problems are different, starting with the first symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and can continue until the period ends.
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a range of physical and emotional symptoms that appear one or two weeks before menstruation. Over 80% of women experience at least one symptom of PMS. The symptoms, which can be more pronounced in some months, include: fatigue, anxiety, stomach bloating, sleeping problems, breast sensitivity, acne, abdominal pain etc.
Read this information and learn what are the most common menstrual cycle problems and solutions.
Important! If you have serious problems with your menstrual cycle, make sure that you visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Menstrual cycle problem: Bloating
Bloating, breast sensitivity and weight gain – these symptoms occur mainly because of water retention in the body, which is typical for PMS.
Solution: First and foremost you need to have a healthy diet. During this period, you should avoid greasy and salty foods, and caffeine and alcohol. Also make sure that you eat a lot of fruit and vegetables and you take a daily multivitamin supplement.
Menstrual cycle problem: Acne
Acne is a common problem that happens during PMS. The bad news is that there is no easy way to deal with this problem.
Solution: Consume foods with low glycemic index and avoid greasy food. However, if you have serious problems with acne during PMS, it is best to go to a dermatologist.
Menstrual cycle problem: Irregular periods
Periods can sometimes be irregular in the first few years after the first period. The reasons for this can be several like, drastic changes in body weight, very intense physical activity (this often happens in professional athletes), stress, traveling, thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, hormonal problems, some other health problems, breastfeeding and of course, pregnancy.
Solution: The first thing you should do if you are sexually active and your period is late, is to do a pregnancy test. It is very important to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the daily stress. Also, never overdo with the workouts.
When you should visit your doctor: If your period is late for 1-2 days, you probably shouldn’t be alarmed because the menstrual cycle is affected by many factors. But if your period is late more than 2-3 weeks or one month, it’s usually a bad sign. You need to go to your doctor and do some tests to see if your irregular period is due to hormonal or some other problem. Having an irregular periods that are late for a longer time (1-2 months) can affect the ovulation, which can be a problem for women who want to become pregnant.
Menstrual cycle problem: Abdominal pain
Menstrual pains occur in the lower abdomen and can be really painful. In some women the pain is weak, but there are women who are unable to lead a normal daily life due to strong abdominal pains.
Solution: Reduce the consumption of dairy products and meat. Milk is a rich source of calcium, which helps to relieve the symptoms of PMS, but if you have bigger problems with your stomach, then it is best to get your calcium through broccoli, spinach, kale or cereals. If you have strong abdominal pains, take a hot shower and put a hot water bottle on your tummy. Also, try to exercise more. Women who exercise regularly have less stomach ache during menstruation. On the other hand, smoking can make the pain stronger.
When you should visit your doctor: Abdominal pain is normal when you have your period, but if the pain is very intense and last for couple of days, visit your doctor. Thee might be a problem if the pain occurs a week or more before you have your period, the pain is too strong and the pain lasts longer than your period.
Menstrual cycle problem: Sleeping problems
Due to increased anxiety and tension, many women have trouble falling asleep just before menstruation or during their period.
Solution: Make yourself a chamomile tea or a glass of hot milk and sweeten them with honey. These drinks will instantly make you feel better. You can also drop a 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or make a relaxing homemade face mist and spray it on your face before going to bed.
Menstrual cycle problem: Cravings
When you have your period you might experience cravings for a certain type of food At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, your body loses water during bleeding and that’s why most women during this period tend to consume salty foods. During the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the hormone levels drop and the desire for sweet foods increases.
Solution: Eat 5 times a day, 3 normal healthy meals and 2 small healthy snacks. You should have a healthy diet and eat fruits, vegetables and grains. That way you’ll be able to maintain a stable blood sugar levels and reduce the desire for uncontrolled consumption of fatty and sugary foods.
