How to best manage your period in a heatwave

Sun is shining, the weather is sweet, right? But with the temperatures soaring during the summer months, those days on your period may feel even more of a struggle. Hormonal changes, headaches, bloating and feeling tired are a lot to deal with on any day of the year, and the heat can make it all worse.

Sadly, the menstrual cycle doesn’t come fitted with an integral barometer system that magically changes our due date – to fit in with the weather conditions or our best-laid plans. But are there steps we can take to be more comfortable on our period during a heatwave? How does the drastic rise in temperature impact your period? Mooncup Advisor, Nicky, shares her top tips on how to best handle your period in the summer heat.

Vitamin D & the links to the menstrual cycle

Interestingly, there is perhaps a link between the menstrual cycle and vitamin D that we may not have been aware of! While its common knowledge that the sun’s rays make our body manufacture vitamin D; some research suggests that vitamin D influences the menstrual cycle by increasing FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels, meaning more ovarian activity. In turn, this can mean a shorter menstrual cycle and therefore seemingly more periods in the summer vs the winter. With this in mind- how can we cope with the hot summers on our period?

Tips to stay comfortable in the sizzling heat- the cool-off period!

Headaches, bloating, fatigue and cramps are a lot to contend with – any week of the month. However, when temperatures soar, feeling hot under the collar takes on a new meaning! So what can we do to relieve ourselves of such discombobulation? Here are some of our trusty tips for keeping it cool in the heatwave.

Woman drinking water

Hydration is key

Have you ever noticed you get a thirst on just before or during your period? Well, you’re not wrong. We are already prone to dehydration during menstruation, and feeling extra thirsty is a natural reminder to replenish the all-important H₂O.

Low levels of progesterone and oestrogen during the beginning of your cycle can change the way your body uses water. Hello bloated stomach! Sound familiar?

Water retention can actually be a sign of dehydration. Confusing I know, but it’s our body’s mechanism of trying to balance things out. During the summer months, our bodies tend to be less efficient at removing fluid from tissues, hence retention. So don’t forget to fill up your water bottle.

Limit caffeine and alcohol

When you’re about to order that iced coffee, remember that caffeine is a diuretic. This means it makes your body increase its production of waste fluids, (more weeing!) so too much caffeine could lead to dehydration.

Cocktails on the terrace or beers on the beach might be the order of the day in tropical conditions. However, that lift in spirits might not be worth the hangover headache which is generally much worse during your period – especially when already hot and bothered!

Food, glorious food

When cravings are no stranger, it’s tempting to grab a bag of our favourite salty crisps and maybe even slosh it down with a fizzy sugary drink. But stay strong with that hydration vibe! Choose healthy hydrating snacks instead, such as juicy fruits, salads and vegetables.

Already feeling your stomach swell, it’s best to swerve the gas-producing veg such as broccoli, kale and cauliflower. Why not try foods that contain natural anti-inflammatories such as cucumber, parsley, ginger, blueberries and raspberries.

A woman by the pool hollding a Mooncup

Choose the most comfortable period product for warm weather

During periods of sweltering heat, many of us are going to want to swim, dip or at least strip down to minimum clothing. Sweaty disposable pads can cause chafing on the best of days. Feeling as fresh as possible is key to feeling comfortable in the heat.

One benefit of using the Mooncup menstrual cup is that it is worn completely internally. There is no need to worry about a pesky tampon string making an unwelcome appearance either. If you like to cool off in the sea, the Mooncup can be a game changer. The Mooncup also holds up to three times more than a regular tampon, so you are able to swim for longer! And no, the sharks won’t be coming for you if you’re swimming on your period!

Check out our swimming FAQ for all the deets! So you could be beach ready after all – happy days!

Billow in breathable clothing

In the balmy heat, feel the wind in your sails and dress in loose floaty fabrics such as natural cotton and linens. Light neutral colours can give a sense of freshness, hide the sweat and reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorbing the heat in black. Skin-tight clothing during your period with the double whammy of sticky temperatures outside is asking for trouble. Vaginal infections such as candida (thrush) are particularly commonplace during the summer months, so let yourself breathe.

How to get the best sleep on your period during a heatwave

Having a good night’s sleep in the middle of a heatwave is challenging at the best of times, but with menstruation in the mix, it’s an overwhelming recipe for sleepless nights. Our top tip requires some bedroom prep time and a list of props but is worth the effort. Set the scene and keep the curtains closed for as long as the sun shines. Arm yourself with a fan, ear plugs, eye mask, pillow mist (lavender is relaxing), and switch the hot water bottle to a cold one. Just before you climb into bed, try a cool shower.

Planet and our period

At a time when we are all enjoying our coastlines, whether it’s swimming in the sea or basking on river banks, there’s nothing like a used period product to wash up in your rock pool and dampen the mood.

A whopping 1.5 billion periods products are flushed down the toilet every year, in the UK alone. If flushed down the loo, tampons and pads block sewers, cause flooding, and pollute our fresh and marine waters. And period products rank number five on the list of most common items found on beaches across Europe.

Perhaps the heat of summer is a good time to remember that the Mooncup always goes home with you, ready for next month, when things may start to cool down.

Did you know that we offer a unique Mooncup Advice Service run by medical health professionals, like Nicky? They can be contacted with any more questions about using the Mooncup®. They can be contacted at [email protected].

Join the period revolution. Find out more and get your Mooncup® here. 100% satisfaction guarantee!