Many women wonder whether it is OK to work out during their period. The answer is easy: Yes! In fact, you may find that you can be more physically active and at a greater intensity at certain times of the month than at other times.
Exercising while on your period can be an effective way to minimize common symptoms like cramps, bloating, and low mood. You can participate in all types of exercise while on your period, from lower-intensity workouts like walking and yoga to more challenging activities like jogging.
A good night's rest goes a long way during your period. Some women report disrupted sleep during their period and studies have found that sleep deprivation will increase cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that can raise blood sugar which disturbs your ovulation and period.
So does being on your period burn more calories or not? Typically, no. While experts largely agree that resting metabolic rates fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, the change is negligible. Given this minimal difference, most women will not burn many more calories than usual.
With a lower level of hormones during the first phase of your menstrual cycle, your body is primed to maximize hard training efforts. This means your body is better able to access stored carbohydrates, making this an ideal time for high-intensity training.
If you are a female of reproductive age and regularly get your period, you may notice that you feel more tired, less motivated, and potentially weaker around certain times of the month. This is because along with normal hormone fluctuations, training-related factors such as metabolic rate and strength are impacted.
No, it is not compulsory. However, if your period cramps are bearable, workouts during periods can be helpful. Squats during periods are a great option.
Problems with the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other reproductive organs—Certain defects that a woman is born with can result in pain during menstruation. Other conditions—Some medical conditions can flare up during a period and cause pain. These conditions include Crohn's disease and urinary disorders.
During lighter menstrual days, try moderate-intensity aerobic exercises like walking or light jogging. This type of physical activity can reduce bloating (extra water weight) and the pain of cramping. Aerobic exercise helps your blood circulation and the release of “feel-good hormones” called endorphins (en DORF ins).
Change in Your Flow
Don't be alarmed if you notice that your periods become a bit lighter once you start regularly exercising. The same hormonal changes that can stop your periods altogether can also lead to a lighter flow. Additionally, regular exercise can lead to weight loss, which may also lead to a lighter flow.
For many people, the first day or two of their period may be not the best time to exercise. This is typically due to a heavier flow. During this time, you may feel more comfortable exercising at home.
These hormonal changes can “lead to fatigue, emotional swings, bloating, and increased muscle aches,” which “make recovery more difficult in addition to the lack of energy or motivation to exercise,” said Dr. DeLucia. And once you get your period, you'll definitely feel these effects, with Dr.
Because you do not burn more calories during your period, you do not need to eat more calories during your period. However, it is important to eat iron-rich foods as well as foods high in vitamin C (which helps the body absorb iron) to help replace iron lost during monthly bleeding.
If anything, Sims says you burn slightly more calories when your hormones are higher (known as the post-ovulation luteal phase) because your heart rate, respiratory rate, and core temperature increase. “It's very minimal though,” she says. “Approximately 100 calories per day.”
Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the 28-day menstrual cycle. These changes can affect a person's appetite and may also lead to fluid retention. Both factors can lead to perceived or actual weight gain around the time of a period.
Basal metabolic rate varied significantly with the menstrual cycle. Basal metabolic rate decreased at menstruation and fell to its lowest point approximately 1 wk before ovulation subsequently rising until the beginning of the next menstrual period.
When you're on your period, avoid hair removal. The area is sensitive and the pull of the wax strips can hurt, adding to your discomfort. Shaving can prove to be an extremely messy affair due to the period flow. In case you end up with a cut due to the shaving, it might lead to infection.
Hydration prevents your blood from thickening while alleviating the muscle cramps associated with your monthly flow. Additionally, drinking water can help end your cycle faster. Eight glasses, or 64 ounces per day, really works wonders.
By staying fit and keeping active you might be able to shorten your periods as well as lightening your flow. Also during your period exercise is a great way to relieve any pain that you may be experiencing, as the body releases its natural painkillers- endorphins.
Reduces menstrual pain
A 2018 study found people who exercised for 30 minutes, 3 days per week, for 8 weeks had less menstrual pain than those who did not. They concluded that exercising during and before a period may reduce symptoms. Physical activity does not have to be vigorous or for an extended time.
“When the uterus is deprived of oxygen, it releases chemicals that may trigger the pain such as prostaglandins which increases uterine contractions. This type of period pain usually occurs during the second day of your period and is termed as Dysmenorrhea,” adds the expert.