6 ways you’re actually making your period worse

There are many perks to being a woman – diving into a sea of new beauty products after a trip to Mecca is just one of them!

Something that is certainly not fabulous in the life of us gals is our periods. The devastating pain you felt when you first heard Chris Pratt and Anna Faris were getting a divorce is nothing compared to a particularly bad period. There are a number of medical conditions that can affect your period (like endometriosis), but you could also be unknowingly making them worse by doing these things!

Here are some of the reasons why your periods are bad.

RELATED: Facts about your first period 

RELATED: 7 health checks you should never skip 

#1 You’re not vigilant about your pill

When you first go on the pill, you’re told to take it at the same time every day, without skipping any days. If you’ve ever forgotten to take it a few days in a row, you’ve probably noticed random spotting or bleeding, but you may not have realised that your period pain when you eventually get it is much more intense. Be vigilant about taking your pill to ensure this doesn’t happen!

#2 You’re not sleeping in a regular pattern

Health Care Women International research found that women who have irregular sleeping patterns (like nurses) can get longer and irregular periods. So, while you might not be able to get the full eight hours of sleep per night, try to at least ensure your sleeping patterns are as regular as possible to avoid wreaking havoc on your period.

#3 You’re a stress-head

Your period is all about hormones and stress affects your hormones. So, it should be no surprise that stressing out can really impact the severity and regularity of your menstrual cycle. It might even cause you to skip it altogether which can in turn, make you more stressed! It’s a vicious cycle. Try to give yourself enough ‘me’ time to reduce stress. You could even try meditation to help you chill out. 

#4 You’re going overboard on caffeine

Sometimes I can barely function before 11am if I haven’t had my large latte with one. Unfortunately for us women, caffeine can increase tension, anxiety and stress – all of which are also increased before and during your period. Caffeine + PMS = serious mood swings.

#5 You’re drinking too much alcohol

While drinks after work and weekend celebrations are often highlights of the working week, alcohol can actually make menstrual cramps worse. No thank you. Cosmo also tells us that alcohol increases breast tenderness, and can make you more irritable. Joy!

#6 You’re a gym junkie

We’re all for keeping fit and healthy and exercising regularly, but going overboard with your training can imbalance your hormone levels and cause you to skip your period. Basically, using up too much energy (by training too frequently) will cause the body to shut down other functions to preserve energy and your menstrual cycle is one of them!

5 products that making our periods a little bit better right now:

1. Lovekins Ultra Thin Regular Pads
2. In Essence Balance Essential Oil Balm
3. Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Lavender
4. Raww Zen Time Aromatherapy Candle 
5. Magnesium Power Magnesium Oil Spray

Do you get bad periods? Did you know about these everyday causes?