Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Women's Health Professional

Dr. Lori Gore-Green's Portfolio of Experience as a Women's Health Professional

The Facts About Exercising During Menstruation

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Getting your period is no picnic, but there are some surprising things we can do to relieve the symptoms. While you might want to simply curl up on the couch for an entire day, it may be more beneficial to exercise. Symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, and headaches can all be relieved to some extent by exercise. The next time your time of the month hits, take these facts into account before you commit to the couch.

Mood Improvement
Exercise produces endorphins, which are hormones that improve your mood. Menstruation is enough to bring anyone’s mood down regardless of the hormonal imbalances that occur to alter your mood. Any irritability, sadness, or other unhappy feelings can be counterbalanced with a good bout of exercise.

Fatigue Reduction
Fatigue is a common symptom of menstruation. The hormonal changes can increase those feelings during your period. It might seem counterintuitive, but exercise can combat those feelings of fatigue and give you a feeling of refreshment as well as accomplishment.

Relieves Menstrual Pain
A recent study discovered that women who exercised regularly for at least days a week reported less menstrual pain than those who did not exercise at all. Exercise during and before your period can also help to relieve some pain. The even better news? You do not have to participate in high intensity workouts to receive the same benefits. A walk or other lower intensity exercise can help as well.

Tips for Success
While exercise is without a doubt beneficial to you in so many ways during your period, there are ways to make it even more beneficial.

Stretching — Incorporating stretching whether it’s simple exercises, pilates, or yoga, can help tense muscles extend and provide relief.

Hydration — Not much can make your body feel worse when on your period than dehydration. Stay hydrated to avoid tense muscles, bloating, or headaches.

Sleep — Getting enough sleep will help you body recover not only from the exercise but also from any fatigue you may be feeling.

Eat Well — Fuel your body to fight fatigue and to give it enough energy to exercise safely. Eating a healthy meal can also combat menstrual symptoms such as bloating.

Behaviors to Avoid

Don’t Overdo It — Overexercising can lead to injuries, excessive fatigue, and even more muscle tension than you were previously experiencing. Keep the workouts to a manageable intensity for the best results.
Don’t Ignore Your Body — Are you knees aching? Can you barely catch your breath? It may be time to adjust your intensity or give yourself a few minutes for a break. Your body will give you clues as to whether you’re pushing too hard, too fast. Make sure to listen to those signals.
Don’t Forget Rest Days — Regardless of whether you’re on your menstrual cycle, your body needs time to recover. Give your body a break so you don’t excessively fatigue yourself. Give your body the time to heal so it can become stronger and respond to your needs more efficiently.

Ovulation Causes New Attractions

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Dr. Lori Gore-GreenIn an interesting analysis done by UCLA researchers on studies about how a woman’s mate preference may change throughout the month due to her menstrual cycle. As any living being has a preference or a “type” of individual they find themselves most attracted to, it is always subject to change, but especially during ovulation.

In an article on medicalnewstoday.com, professionals in the medical industry explain that when a woman is ovulating, she tends to be more attracted to the masculine body types and features, dominance, and a particular scent. These sexy men remain attractive; however, they are not necessarily that same woman’s first choice for a lifetime partner. This debate about preference changes has been ongoing since the late 90’s.

One particular study showed that a woman who considers her current male partner as extremely attractive and a sexy man, she is less likely to have a change in preference during ovulation than a woman whose male partner is considered less attractive (even if they have all the best characteristics a man could have). The study seems to make sense, keeping the topic consistent. If a woman’s existing partner is already the masculine, charming man, chances are she just has a stronger sense of attraction during ovulation but to that same man.Symmetrical, masculine facial structure reads more attractive in many cases.

Body scents seem to be one of the strongest preference factors during ovulation. In several studies, women were asked to smell shirts worn by men of all shapes and sizes. The shirts that smelled the best to these women were of symmetrical men. Symmetrical men (and animals) are men with a larger physique, better health, and more distinct sexual body parts. The root of preference change within studies is said to be from women’s ancestry. Symmetrical bodies and faces of these men may be a sign of genetic quality. As a result, the women who preferred these particular, masculine, sexy men are more likely to have children with strong, quality genes that will benefit them in terms of reproduction and survival.

Humans are not the only beings that have a change in preference while going through different phases of fertilization. Just one example is chimpanzees. Female chimps have sex with multiple male chimps during their ovulation period – and they are chimps that they would not have sex with when they’re not ovulating.

This is natural. If a woman is aware that this may happen, it is going to be easier for her to ignore these feelings and thoughts by telling herself that it is because she is ovulating. As living beings should always do, we must let nature take its course and be disciplined and educated enough to know what is happening.