Whether it’s your first cycle or your hundredth, your period can bring a variety of discomforts—cramps, bloating, fatigue, and mood swings being just a few. While most people are familiar with common period self-care tips like staying hydrated, using heating pads, and indulging in dark chocolate or fruit, it’s just as important to know what to avoid during menstruation.
Not being mindful of certain habits can make your period symptoms worse or even cause additional issues. Here’s a helpful list of things you should steer clear of during your cycle to help you feel more balanced, comfortable, and healthy.
1. Don’t Wear the Same Pad or Tampon for Too Long
Whether you use pads or tampons, changing them regularly is essential. Wearing one for too long can increase your risk of infection, cause skin irritation, and in rare cases, lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Change pads every 6 hours and tampons every 2–3 hours.
2. Don’t Use Vaginal Washes
Vaginal washes can disrupt your natural pH balance and increase the risk of infections. Your body is self-cleaning—warm water is enough. Always wash front to back to avoid bacterial contamination, and keep the area dry to prevent irritation or pad rashes.
3. Don’t Wax or Shave During Period
During your period, your body is more sensitive to pain due to lower estrogen levels. This makes waxing, shaving, or even dental procedures more uncomfortable than usual. Try to postpone any such appointments until after your cycle ends.
4. Don’t Skip Meals
Your body needs more energy during menstruation to deal with cramps and hormonal shifts. Skipping meals can leave you feeling fatigued and irritable. Stick to regular, nourishing meals to maintain your energy levels.
5. Don’t Give in to Junk Food During Period
Cravings are real during your period, but processed and high-sodium foods can cause bloating and make cramps worse. Opt for whole foods, fruits, veggies, and snacks that actually help your body feel better, not worse.
6. Don’t Have Too Much Dairy
Dairy products can sometimes aggravate cramps due to their arachidonic acid content. If you’re sensitive, consider getting your calcium from other sources like leafy greens or supplements during your cycle.
7. Don’t Stay Sedentary
While rest is important, too much inactivity can make cramps feel worse. Gentle movement like walking, stretching, or light aerobic exercises can help ease pain and improve your mood.
8. Don’t Schedule Painful Appointments During Period
As your pain tolerance drops during your period, it’s wise to avoid booking appointments that might cause discomfort—like waxing, threading, or dental work. Save those for when you’re feeling physically better.
9. Don’t Cave In to Mood Swings
Hormonal changes can affect your emotions, but giving in to irritability or sadness can worsen your experience. Try to balance your mood with light activities that relax or uplift you—like listening to music, journaling, or stepping outside for fresh air.
Following these simple don’ts can help you get through your period with fewer complications and greater comfort. Making small, mindful changes can make a big difference.