Let me just cut to the chase. We all know periods aren't the most... pleasant time of the month. You have your hormonal acne, the weird food cravings in the middle of the night, the random outburst of crying because you can't find your other pair of matched socks. All things aside, our period can actually do the most strangest things to our body. Read on what they are here:
1. You're going to the bathroom more often
Mhm. Your usual poop routine just hiked up a notch. This is because of the progesterone changes in the cycle, which can alter intestinal motility and bowel movements. Just watch out for diarrhoea sis.
2. Your brain might still be zzzz
Studies from 2014 have shown that women experiencing menstruation will have that "dopey" effect because menstrual cramps actually impact brain function and cognitive ability, which in turn negatively affected test scores, multi-tasking ability and attention span. So don't beat yourself up too much if you can't "think straight" on that time of the month!
3. You are more prone to yeast infections
“When your period begins, the pH in your vagina changes,” says Dr Jane Frederick MD. “This change can result in bacteria or yeast growth causing an infection.
If a woman is experience recurrent infections during her period, her physician may prescribe birth control to help with the pH levels.”
4. You have trouble sleeping
The reason why this occurs is because your body temperature changes due to hormones, your stress and anxiety is heightened, as well as increased cramps and muscle pain.
5. Your smelling sense skyrockets
Research shows that different hormones impact both how we smell, and what we're smelling. According to a study carried out by the Institute of Psychology, the ups and downs of estrogen and progesterone throughout our menstrual cycle can make us more sensitized to scent.
6. You burn more calories during menstruation!
Say what now? We burn more calories when we're on our period? HOOOOWW?!
Your estrogen and progesterone levels change, which then changes the fluid balance in your kidneys and in your blood. In turn, when your hormones are at a low point (during your period), it's easier to get higher-intensity work outs and you're less likely to get tired quickly — which means a better after-workout recovery, and more calories burned thereafter.
Psssttt! Exercising during your period can help reduce your cramping and pain, too.
7. Your pain tolerance plummets
You know those days when your cramps just feel like they're literally about to kill you or you feel extremely sensitive to headaches or migraines? Blame. Your. Cycle. Experts say the time of the month can make you more susceptible to pain. This is especially true for the majority of migraine sufferers, who say they notice an increase in the head-splitting issue around the time of their period, Health reported.