PMS, Cramps – practical tips for that time of the month

PMS, cramps and unpredictable flow can make that time of the month a miserable time. Some people have no problems – lucky you! Others get problems for the first time as they approach menopause. Period symptoms and timing can also be unpredictable in the early teen years. Keeping track of your timing and planning how to manage your symptoms can help. Here are some ideas:

  • Eat right: Healthy eating helps your energy levels and can even lessen the severity of your cramps and other symptoms, such as acne. Avoiding salt and salty foods before your period can help with bloating and avoiding alcohol and caffeine may help lessen headaches and moodiness. Cravings? Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
  • Rest: Always get enough sleep, so you are at your best to deal with any symptoms. Relaxing and resting help relieve tiredness, stress and can help ease cramps. Try a heating pad or gently massage and rub your stomach or lower back.
  • Stay active – Being physically active through the whole month helps reduce both premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, especially pain and cramping.
  • Shower daily. The heat can be soothing and will help you avoid any unpleasant odours.
  • Herbal remedies - Herbal supplements, such as Life Brand Black Cohosh have been proven to help with menopause symptoms.
  • Over-the-counter relief – there are medicines that can help with PMS and menstrual symptoms such as Life Brand Extra Strength PMS Relief Multi-Symptom caplets and Life Brand Ibuprofen Menstrual Relief 400 mg.

If you don’t get relief from your symptoms using these methods, check with your healthcare provider to rule out any other problems or conditions.

Choose the right hygiene products. What do you use: tampons or pads or a combination? The bleeding portion of your cycle, lasts, on average, about 5 days. Bleeding may be heavy at first, and then usually tapers off. Every woman has different needs, depending on her size, the heaviness of flow (which can differ each day and at different ages) and her activity. There are a huge variety of products to choose from, so try a few until you find the combination that works for you. If you use tampons, use the lowest absorbency tampon needed at any point for your flow and change it at least every 4-8 hours to minimize any health risk. Liners and light absorbency pads are great for very light days while those with wings hold the pad securely and reduce the risk of your clothes getting stained. Life Brand offers an extensive range of tampons, pads, shields and liners to meet your needs including the best-selling Life Brand Maxi Pad Long With Wings.

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Common symptoms

  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of mood and physical symptoms that occur after ovulation and generally end once your menstrual flow starts. You might be irritable or have mood swings, tiredness, bloating, breast tenderness, acne and food cravings. Nothing will cure PMS, but there are things you can do to help reduce the symptoms.
  • Cramps. Just before and during a period, many women also experience menstrual cramps, caused by muscle contractions that help your uterus expel its lining