Managing your period
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Everyone has their own ways of managing their periods. Some people can always tell when their period is coming — other people get very few signs that their period is about to start.
Lots of people don’t want their period to interrupt their day-to-day life. There are a few things you can do, that may help you manage your period.
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Track your period
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It’s a good idea to note the first day of your period on a calendar or in a period tracker app.
One you have done this a few times, you can work out exactly how many days there usually are between your periods. This will make it easier to know when your next period is coming — or if your period has come early or late.
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Tips for dealing with mild symptoms of PMS
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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a name for the changes in mood, and some of the physical changes, that happen to you in the days before your period begins.
- Eating small meals every 2-3 hours can help you keep your blood sugar even
- Whole grain bread, brown rice, pasta, and cereals are the most helpful things to eat. Try not to eat lots of chocolate and sweets — the sugar causes uneven blood sugar which can make you feel worse
- Drinking more water, and reducing alcohol and caffeine, will help.
- Eating less salt is good too. Cutting back on the amount you smoke or vape can also be helpful. Doing some exercise like going for a walk might make you feel a bit better
- Talking to friends or family about how you feel can help you feel better
- Trying some breathing or relaxation exercises, or doing activities which help you feel calm, can help
- Try and get good sleep around this time
If these steps are unhelpful or unrealistic, or if you would rather not deal with PMS or having a period, make an appointment with us.
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How to look after yourself during your period
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Period products can help you feel comfortable and dry during your period. It’s up to you to decide what period products you want to use — or if you even want to have a period. Different period products have different advantages and disadvantages. Check out our page on period products for a breakdown of period product advantages and disadvantages.
Lots of the people that you know will have good tips for dealing with the symptoms of a period. These are a few common ways that many people deal with period symptoms:
- Gentle exercise
- Relaxation techniques
- Heat pads — wheat bags or hot water bottles
- Pain relief medication — like ibuprofen, paracetamol, or aspirin
- Smoking less, and cutting back on alcohol
Remember: if you don’t want to have your period, you don’t have to. Some types of contraception can help with the symptoms of your period. Other types of contraception let you skip your period. For example: if you use the contraceptive pill, you can choose whether you want to have a period, or not. Talk to one of our nurses or doctors — they can give you more information or prescribe you the medications that you need.
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How we can help you
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Lots of people have a tough time in the days before their period starts. If you often have a lot of mental distress, or a lot of pain, before or during your period, you might have a period problem that one of our nurses or doctors can help you with. We would love to talk with you if you are worried, or if you just want to know more, about your period.
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