Periods - any tips for dealing with exhaustion, dizziness, bloating etc?

[Vatta]

Hi, I'm wondering if there's anything I could do to make my periods easier - I just find I'm exhausted during them, dizzy, sort of confused/dippy at times, very bloated (go up a dress size!), and generally feel terrible. I end up missing time from work every month, there must be something I can do to make this better.

All tips and suggestions gratefully received!

[superbagpuss]

I take iron tablets to help with dizziness.
Not sure about the others, have you checked with GP that its ok? Are you on any medication that can help?

[Lottie4]

I always feel totally washed out, so try to avoid late nights when I'm on. Also, I know I won't want to do too much in the evenings, so force myself to keep going in the day and then allow myself to collapse after tea. Apparently a change in hormones at the time can make you feel tired. I've actually got two larger bras to wear for the week before my period and a couple of pairs of looser jeans I wear. For bloating they say to avoid too many salty things, eat plenty of fruit and veg, but in reality I'm not sure that really helps.

[mizu]

I take Magnesium for tiredness (and iron - spatone) and it helps a bit. I get exhausted and am a teacher so it is really hard once a month.

My mum will say that i look washed out before I come on.

[Vatta]

Ok, thanks for tips guys.

I have

• take iron
• take magnesium
• avoid salty foods, and
• accept I'll be tired and take things easy

on my list. Any more advice gratefully received!

[Auntidote]

Rest
Drink plenty of water (best) or other fluids

Do you lose a lot if blood or is it "just" hormonal changes that make you feel so bad? Worth a chat with your GP to see if there is anything underlying which makes you feel worse.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

I would be asking for a referral to a gynae to try and establish WHY this is happening. Conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis can cause heavy bleeding to arise.

[Marjie3]

Dandelion tea is very good for bloating. Vitamin b complex is good for energy. I also use magnesium oil for anxiety. Hope this helps

[englishteacher78]

After my investigations the doctor said the best solution would be to get pregnant!
Gah! If only, it was that easy!!!

[ClipClap]

What sanpro are you using? It sounds unlikely but using a mooncup reduces my bloating and cramps for some reason.

[idlevice]

Look up taking the herb Agnus Castus for regulating your cycle - can take 3-6mths to show any improvement tho. Also taking tranexamic acid should reduce blood loss if it seems excessively heavy (on prescription or OTC at Boots). If you can afford it, traditional chinese medicine is supposed to be good for "women's problems":acupuncture and/or herbs. And totally agree that a gynae check should be done.

[poachedeggs]

I have to go to bed really really early the week before I'm due on. I get properly exhausted and drowsy.

[brightnearly]

I started to get PMS, but taking Magnesium has helped a lot. I'm taking Wassen Magnesium OK, which also has Vitamin B

[misscph1973]

Well, I know it sounds strange, but fasting / 5:2 has a positive effect on many period issues. I do intermittent fasting (I skip breakfast twice a week so I have about 18 hours where I don't eat, just water and herbal tea)) and I have much less PMS (I used to get furious!) now. My friend, who does 5:2, is experiencing the same.

Fasting seems to affect hormonal ups and downs positively, it stabilises it.

Also, when I do eat, I eat Paleo, and I am sure that has an effect too. I read a book by Marilyn Glenville:

www.marilynglenville.com/books/overcoming-pms-the-natural-way-book/

(got it from the library) and she advices avoiding carbs and sweet food. It's a great book and I learned a lot from it that still helps me.

Best of luck!