May is National Menstrual Health Awareness Month. It’s all about spreading the word for easy access to menstrual products, learning more about periods, and breaking the silence around menstruation and menstrual hygiene.
Q: What are normal symptoms during a menstrual cycle?
A: It is normal to feel breast tenderness, fatigue, acne, headache, cramps, food cravings, mood changes, and crying spells.
Q: When should someone reach out to a Healthcare Provider?
A: Reach out to your provider when you feel heavy or painful periods, missed periods or really painful cramps. Minor stress and sadness are normal during your cycle but talk to your provider if symptoms remain or get worse.
Q: What are some other concerns?
Body image: Changes in body shape and weight and menstrual-related bloating are normal but can change the way you feel about your body. Seeing certain images on social media can worsen those feelings. Try not to compare yourself to anyone you see online. Take a break from social media when it stirs these feelings.
Embarrassment or discomfort: Some may feel shame talking about menstrual issues with parents, peers, or providers. This discomfort can lead to delays to get help. That’s why it is important to connect with a health educator.
Health educators can educate you and patients about:
- best genital hygiene practices during menstrual cycles.
- how to use different menstrual products.
- building comfort around talking about menstruation in a healthy, shame-free way.
Reach out to your health educator about menstruation or refer someone who could use the support!
DIY: Warm Compress Sock Recipe
Turning a lonely sock into a warm compress is a creative and eco-friendly idea! This simple DIY project not only gives a new purpose to an otherwise thrown out item but also offers a safe way to manage pain at home. It’s a great example of how we can re-use everyday items for our well-being.
What you’ll need:
- 1 Sock
- 1.5 cups of any kind of uncooked rice
- Dried lavender or chamomile for scent (optional)
- Microwave
How to make:
- Use a clean, thick sock for better heat retention. Make sure there are no holes.
- Fill the sock with uncooked rice. Rice retains heat well and conforms to your body.
- For added benefits, mix in dried lavender or chamomile for a soothing scent.
- Tie the open end of the sock with a knot or a string.
- Microwave the sock for about 1 minute. Do not overheat as it can burn the skin. If it’s too hot, just wait a few minutes to let it cool down before using.
- Place the warm sock on the painful area—like your neck, shoulders, or abdomen. It’s perfect for easing muscles, menstrual cramps, or simply warming up.
Tips to maximize benefits:
- Keep the compress on for about 15-20 minutes. The heat helps increase blood flow and relax muscles.
- The sock compress can be reused multiple times. Clean and dry it before each use.
- Never use a hot compress on an open wound or swollen areas.
- You can add essential oils to the rice for aromatherapy benefits. A few drops of lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus oil can enhance relaxation and pain relief.