Depending on how your body feels when you’re on your period, there are a few things you may not like to do. There are a few things you should never do when you’re on your period, not just because they’re uncomfortable, but because they can actually harm or worsen your health. That time of the month is already hard, so why make it harder on yourself?
“Normal fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle alter neurotransmitters responsible for a variety of functions including mood, libido, appetite, anxiety, emotion, pain, and pleasure,” said Sarah Twogood, MD, FACOG, via email. “Throughout the menstrual cycle, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels, including changes in menstrual cycle and relative levels, are responsible for many of the changes women notice (eg, breast rash, breast tenderness, etc.).”
Everyone’s body is different, so some people are more sensitive to these things than others, but if you’re struggling with your period, it’s best to avoid them altogether. If you want to feel your best and avoid discomfort, here are 11 things you should never do during your period.
Even though you may be craving fries, eating salty snacks can make your period symptoms worse. “Salty foods can contribute to bloating/water retention during menstruation in women,” Dr. Angela Jones says in an email. Eating salty foods can make cramps worse.
“As if bikini waxing wasn’t torture enough, try it on your period – double trouble!” Dr. Jaime Knopman said via email. “When you’re on your period, your pain receptors are heightened and your skin is more sensitive. Add to that a lot of mess, and waxing during your period is not something you should be doing.”