Every new month is a preparation for your monthly visitor as my mom would say, It is very important you prepare for your monthly period before it comes as you would if you have a party, exam or activity you are engaging in.
Preparing for your monthly cycle is an act of self-love and care, it shows how intentional you are about yourself. There are basic ways to carry out this practice. They include:
Stock up on Period Products
To get yourself ready for your monthly cycle, be practically prepared for your period with menstrual hygiene essentials. Ensure your choice of products is ready it could be menstrual tampons, pads, the menstrual cup, or even a pair of period underwear, you will want your supplies handy when menstruation starts. They can be bought at the supermarket or even your local drug store.
Taking care of your Pain before they come
If you suffer from unbearable menstrual cramps, it may not excite you to prepare for your period. However, treatments such as heat packs and hot water bottles can ease discomfort. You might also consider stocking up on painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol as these can help with mild period cramps.
Additionally, reducing your intake of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine in the days before your period can also help curb those unpleasant symptoms.
Hydrate and Eat Healthy!
Do you know that drinking lots of water in the days before your period and during menstruation itself can help reduce the bloating that comes with PMS. Since we often retain more water during this time than at other points in the Menstrual cycle, this can lead to discomfort and weight gain.
Drinking lots of water and eating a balanced diet can also combat breakouts however, it depends on your skin type, these can be common in the lead-up to your period, and you might want to plan period skincare differently.
Additionally, you can also work out before and during your period to reduce fatigue or stress.
6 Signs your Period is Coming
1. You will experience skin is breaking out
Prior to your period, you must have observed mild or severe acne breakout on your face, this is because The rise in progesterone before a period can contribute to skin breakouts because it increases your skin’s production of sebum (oil) production.
2. Change in Appetite
On most period days, I lose appetite for food or snacks, just water is okay for me. While on some, I have cravings for more food or sugary drinks and snacks. This is normal.
3. Tender Breast
It is common for breasts to feel extra sensitive, or even sore, on the days prior to your menstrual period. The reason for this is that the estrogen enlarges breast ducts, and progesterone causes milk glands to swell. Both combined can make your breasts feel pretty tender.
Also, it is important to get to know how your breasts normally look and feel. Regularly, examine them in the days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen and tender. Bear in mind that breast tenderness before your period is normal, but if you have other concerns about your breasts or notice a change, you should see a healthcare professional.
4. Cramps
Menstrual Cramps are one of the key leading indicators for incoming periods. “Period-related stomach cramps are most likely caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that tell your uterine muscles to contract (resulting in the shedding of the uterus lining) during your period, according to Dr. Kallen
One study on more than 3,000 women, published in the Journal of Women’s Health, found that those with higher levels of inflammation in the body during their monthly flow were more likely to experience cramps and back pain.
5. Mood Swing
Emotional symptoms are thought to be connected to the rise and fall of hormones particularly the dip in estrogen, which can make us feel low and irritable.
Ever observed that you go from angry outbursts to anxiety attacks, then back to feeling emotionally stable; all in one day? If you notice your emotions are more intense than normal, this could also be a sign that your period is coming soon.
6. Bloating
Bloating is triggered by fluctuating hormones, for instance, high levels of progesterone can slow the digestive tract, leading to constipation and bloating. Bloating is a normal and, unarguably uncomfortable sign of the menstrual cycle which can last up to 2-3 days between the start date of your period.
Take out
Preparing for your cycle is an act of self-love and care, it shows how intentional you are about yourself. To be honest, it is not always easy too but the best part of it is that it makes you ready. Additionally, everybody’s experience of PMS symptoms is unique as individual differs from one another.
Disclaimer: The information published in this article is purely for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not intend to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and should not be treated as medical advice.
