Tips to Deal With Periods in the Summer

05 August, 2022  |  Camran Khan

Summers are here, and for most people, it is the time to wind down and enjoy some summer activities. However, for many women, periods can make summers a challenge. Coping with periods can be difficult as it is, and summers can make it worse. The season brings sweltering heat, sugary drinks and stressful travel plans, which can take a toll on the body.

Something about being on your period during summer feels worse. Why is that, you may ask? Can hot weather affect your period? We have all the answers for you, plus some tips on how to stay fresh during your periods this summer. 

Periods In Summer 

Can hot weather affect your period is a question often asked by women. The summer heat can affect the body in multiple ways. Hot weather, shorter nights and sweating can disrupt the regular body cycles and carry over into periods. A bloated feeling, more intense cramps, and the frequency of periods are things that are all dictated by the environment. 

Hydration & Bloating

Hormones fluctuate during the start of your cycle. These fluctuations are actually how your body begins the cycle of shedding the uterine lining. Unfortunately, hormone fluctuations can cause other effects on the body as well. One of these adverse effects is dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, it tries various methods to hold on to any water in the body. Unfortunately, your body is already dehydrated from the intense heat during the summer. Dehydration coupled with periods can result in severe bloating. 

Restless Summer Nights

Summer times mean longer evenings and shorter nights. Thus, summers can make it much harder to get a good night's rest. On top of this, period cramps and fatigue can make falling asleep even harder, hence why many women feel tired throughout their periods. This can further aggravate periods, resulting in even more discomfort. 

Shorter Cycles

If you have been tracking your periods using an app or a calendar, you may notice your cycles have become shorter during the summers. This can happen to anyone, even women who have regular cycles throughout the year. It is theorised that Vitamin D can significantly affect the follicular phase of a woman’s cycle. It is the longest part of the menstrual cycle. It is also the most variable phase, varying from 11 to 27 days. It begins on the first day of the period and ends with ovulation. The more sun you get, the more Vitamin D is processed by your body, thus resulting in shorter, more frequent cycles. 

Tips For Summers

Now that we have discussed how hot weather affects your period, let’s talk about ways you can lessen the discomfort and stay fresh during your periods this summer.

Hydrate, Hydrate and Hydrate!

Hydration is the key. We cannot stress the importance of staying hydrated enough. If you are getting a lot of sun and engaging in outdoor activities, you will sweat a lot. Therefore, you need to drink enough water to counteract the loss of fluids.

Drinking water can increase blood flow around your body. The fluids ensure that your brain and other tissues get an adequate blood supply. Without enough water, you might feel tired, be at risk of light-headedness, and even faint.

One of the most common problems that women face is bloating during periods. It may sound counterintuitive, but drinking more water stops your body from retaining water and bloating like a balloon. Good hydration is also crucial in flushing out all the toxins in your body. 

What To Eat And What Not To 

Cravings are a normal part of periods. However, it is not wise to always indulge in these cravings. This is especially hard during summers when you will be surrounded by a greasy barbeque and sugary drinks. But you should know that these are only going to make things worse for you. So, instead of choosing fatty or sugary treats that can increase inflammation and have been proven to increase chemicals that cause period pain, choose fresh foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits, such as bananas, pears and apples, are a great source of magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral essential for relaxing muscles, which can positively affect period cramps.

Light Exercise 

It is well known in the medical community that light cardiovascular exercise can help with period pain. This is because cardiovascular exercises help the body by diverting blood from places causing pain. Exercise also helps release endorphins. These are hormones released by the body that uplift the mood and can ease the symptoms of pain. 

Try indoor cardio exercises such as HIIT or light callisthenics (Body weight exercises). Ideally, swimming is the best exercise. It provides ample cardiovascular exercise while keeping your body cool. If you have access to a swimming pool, be sure to give it a try. Lastly, always remember to stay hydrated during your exercise. It may sound odd to recommend swimming during your period, but thanks to modern engineering, many products make it possible to swim for periods without any accidents. For example, you can easily replace your sanitary pad with a tampon or menstrual cup. These make it possible to swim even during your cycle. 

Medication

These summer period hacks listed above will likely moderate period pain and help you stay fresh during your periods. However, if you are experiencing difficulty managing your symptoms, there are always medications to turn to. Drugs like Mefenamic Acid and Feminax Acid are easily accessible and proven to offer instant relief during period pains. 

IQ Doctor 

If you are looking for pharmaceutical options for relief from period cramps, IQ Doctor is the place for you. It is a UK pharmacy fully licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to sell period pain medicines online. You can visit their website and get a free consultation with a medical professional to determine what medicine may suit you best. Once you place your order, the medication will be shipped to you right away.