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Having a period is a part of growing up. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Are you having a bad day on your period? Finding ways to be comfortable, while staying healthy, is the key to dealing with a monthly part of mother nature that will be with you for a number of years of your life.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 10:Wear comfortable clothes.
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1Choose clothing that is not tight or constricting around your waist and stomach area, so that you can breathe comfortably. Select underwear that is able to hold sanitary products in place. Wear clothing that breathes, to avoid feeling sweaty or hot.
- Choose an old pair of underpants. That way you will not mind so much if they get stained and you can use them as a spare for emergencies.
- You can also try to wear shorts that are wide to conceal the pad (if you are using one).
- Loose, elasticized clothing is ideal for bloating and comfort. Sweatpants and sweatshirts are great clothing for when you are on your period.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 10:Prevent leakage.
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1If you are worried about leakage, experiment with stronger pads or use tampons. Alternatively, use underpants with strong elastic that molds closely to you. Avoid underpants that sag or have loose elastic. Change your pad or tampon often, as this helps to prevent leakage problems.[1]
- Try using period panties. It is helpful for heavy flows, because it can prevent leakage onto your pants or shorts. These panties are breathable, making them safer and much more comfortable.
Method 3
Method 3 of 10:Relax.
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1Lying down a little more often can make you feel better. Sleeping has a lot of restorative power, especially when you feel tired or down.[2]Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 10:Change your sanitary product often.
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1Preferably, if you have a lighter flow, use a pantyliner. If your flow is heavy, then consider using pads (there is a variety of pads that you can choose from, depending on your menstrual flow), tampons and pantyliners, or menstrual cups.[3]
- If you feel that using pads and tampons is annoying, try to use a menstrual cup, it does not absorb the fluid so it is less mess and less worry. A menstrual cup is often good for up to 12 hours and is reusable.[4]
Method 5
Method 5 of 10:Deal with cramps.
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1Ask for help from a parent or doctor about over-the-counter pain medication (such as acetaminophen/caffeine tablets or ibuprofen) or try some exercise to lessen the pain of period cramps.[5] If your pain does not subside, do not self diagnose. It would be a good idea to get some guidance from your family doctor, or your pharmacist.[6]
- Check the internet for a variety of exercise sites devoted to reducing the pain of menstruation.[7]
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Method 6
Method 6 of 10:Eat nutritious food that is healthy for you.
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1Eating fruits and vegetables is good for the body. As well, you should include food that is rich iron when you are menstruating, to replace the iron you lose in the blood during your period.[8]
Method 7
Method 7 of 10:Control the cravings.
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1Just because you are on your period, you should not eat a bunch of junk food. Though potentially tempting, these types of food can actually make you feel worse.[9]Advertisement
Method 8
Method 8 of 10:Keep busy to brighten up your mood.
Method 9
Method 9 of 10:Hang out with your friend.
Method 10
Method 10 of 10:Try to control mood swings.
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1Stay away from things or people that upset you until you feel more like yourself. Most moodiness that accompanies a period passes quickly. Try going to bed earlier at night, to sleep it off.[10]
Warnings
- You cannot stop your period. It is part of becoming a woman.Thanks!
- If you are having really bad cramps, consult your doctor.Thanks!
- Avoid stressful situations as much as possible, as these situations could worsen cramps and cause you to feel more fragile.Thanks!
- Change often enough to stay free of bacterial growth and odors:
- Pads - change it after 3-4 hours;
- Cups - change it after 12 hours;
- Tampons - for no longer than 8 hours. Leaving a tampon inserted in excess of eight hours can lead to an infection and irritation. It can also cause a serious condition known as Toxic Shock Syndrome.[14]
Thanks!
Things You'll Need
- Tampons
- Pads
- Menstrual cups (optional)
- Period kit
- Dark Clothes (optional)
References
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/supplies.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/period-blues.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/changing-pads.html
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/menstrual-cup#1
- ↑ Payam Katebi Kashi, MD, PhD. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2021.
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/menstrual-problems.html
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/women/pms/does-exercise-help-pms
- ↑ https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/heavy-period-iron-supplement
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/is-pms-sabotaging-your-diet#2
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/why-are-girls-so-moody-during-there-period
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/period-school.html
- ↑ Payam Katebi Kashi, MD, PhD. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2021.
- ↑ Payam Katebi Kashi, MD, PhD. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-toxic-shock-syndrome-basics
About This Article
Sometimes it can be hard to get comfortable on your period, but there are a few ways you can reduce your symptoms and relax. If your cramps are bothering you, try applying a heating pad to your abdomen for 15-20 minutes at a time. Although you might not feel like getting physical, some light exercise, like stretching, or going for a walk, can also help to ease your cramps. Change your sanitary product often to make yourself more comfortable. If you don't like tampons, try pantyliners or a menstrual cup. It’s important to eat healthy while on your period. It might be tempting to reach for comfort food, but too much unhealthy food can actually make you feel worse. Try to stay busy doing the things you enjoy to distract you from your period pains. For more advice, including how to prevent leakage on your period, read on.
