By Shilpi Agarwal, MD, Everyday Health
It’s not uncommon for many women to be working long hours, far beyond the typical 9 to 5. Add to this home responsibilities, and other obligations and the stress definitely adds up. Given this hectic life, it is easy to shrug off certain aches and pains, especially related to the menstrual cycle, particularly if these issues come at varying times throughout the month. But our bodies are extremely sophisticated, and often follow specific patterns, related to hormone and stress levels, that aren’t evident to us, but that can be captured by modern technology. Using an app is a great way to track your symptoms, including sleep, mood, medications, sexual activity, nutrition, etc, and find unique correlations to help you better understand your body. Here are some common symptoms incorrectly attributed to other causes, but it turns out they might have a direct correlation to your period, according to data scientists at Flo Period Tracker:
Fatigue: Fatigue surrounding your period or the time leading up to your cycle is extremely common. This occurs because hormonal shifts alter energy level, sleep quality, and even appetite. The shifts in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to feelings of tiredness and inability to concentrate. Very often this lack of alertness and energy improves after the period starts. Exercise is a great way to quickly improve fatigue, aim for at least 20 minutes per day the few days leading up to your period.
Backache: Back pain is often attributed to prior injuries, lack of exercise, and even weight gain, but one of the most common reasons for consistent monthly back pain is related to menstruation. The contractions of the uterus that happen in effort to shed the lining that has accumulated between cycles causes back pain and lower pelvic pain. To reduce this pain, you can try an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, soak in a warm tub with Epsom salts, or take a hot shower.
Headache: We’ve all gotten bogged down by a pounding headache at some point, but did you know 60% of women who suffer from migraines have them during menstruation?! According to research, women report migraines most commonly during the first two days of their periods. Limit refined sugar intake during your period (I know, this can be tough when you’re probably craving sweets), and add magnesium rich foods. This can help with migraines and reduce the severity of your migraines.
Bad Mood: Mood changes are usually triggered by lack of sleep and hormonal shifts. These shifts are particularly severe 3-5 days prior to your period, also know as the pre-menstrual time period. Your mood can take a hit because your estrogen and progesterone levels (the main hormones responsible for menstrual changes) nosedive right before menstruation. This change can cause emotional lability and a generalized feeling of blues. In some women this isn’t consistent, so utilizing technology to keep track of this can also help you anticipate and alleviate symptoms. Schedule some personal time right around your period. If this means catching up on Netflix or movies at home while you rest and boost up your mood.
With so much to remember, it’s hard to also keep up with your personal health, symptoms, and menstrual cycles. Using a period tracking app that is not only easy, but also gives you insight into other symptoms you may be experiencing is a great way to take control of your health and your lifestyle. Have you had severe premenstrual symptoms? What worked for you? Tweet me @shilpiMD or @flotracker
It’s not uncommon for many women to be working long hours, far beyond the typical 9 to 5. Add to this home responsibilities, and other obligations and the stress definitely adds up. Given this hectic life, it is easy to shrug off certain aches and pains, especially related to the menstrual cycle, particularly if these issues come at varying times throughout the month. But our bodies are extremely sophisticated, and often follow specific patterns, related to hormone and stress levels, that aren’t evident to us, but that can be captured by modern technology. Using an app is a great way to track your symptoms, including sleep, mood, medications, sexual activity, nutrition, etc, and find unique correlations to help you better understand your body. Here are some common symptoms incorrectly attributed to other causes, but it turns out they might have a direct correlation to your period, according to data scientists at Flo Period Tracker:
Fatigue: Fatigue surrounding your period or the time leading up to your cycle is extremely common. This occurs because hormonal shifts alter energy level, sleep quality, and even appetite. The shifts in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to feelings of tiredness and inability to concentrate. Very often this lack of alertness and energy improves after the period starts. Exercise is a great way to quickly improve fatigue, aim for at least 20 minutes per day the few days leading up to your period.
Backache: Back pain is often attributed to prior injuries, lack of exercise, and even weight gain, but one of the most common reasons for consistent monthly back pain is related to menstruation. The contractions of the uterus that happen in effort to shed the lining that has accumulated between cycles causes back pain and lower pelvic pain. To reduce this pain, you can try an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, soak in a warm tub with Epsom salts, or take a hot shower.
Headache: We’ve all gotten bogged down by a pounding headache at some point, but did you know 60% of women who suffer from migraines have them during menstruation?! According to research, women report migraines most commonly during the first two days of their periods. Limit refined sugar intake during your period (I know, this can be tough when you’re probably craving sweets), and add magnesium rich foods. This can help with migraines and reduce the severity of your migraines.
Bad Mood: Mood changes are usually triggered by lack of sleep and hormonal shifts. These shifts are particularly severe 3-5 days prior to your period, also know as the pre-menstrual time period. Your mood can take a hit because your estrogen and progesterone levels (the main hormones responsible for menstrual changes) nosedive right before menstruation. This change can cause emotional lability and a generalized feeling of blues. In some women this isn’t consistent, so utilizing technology to keep track of this can also help you anticipate and alleviate symptoms. Schedule some personal time right around your period. If this means catching up on Netflix or movies at home while you rest and boost up your mood.
With so much to remember, it’s hard to also keep up with your personal health, symptoms, and menstrual cycles. Using a period tracking app that is not only easy, but also gives you insight into other symptoms you may be experiencing is a great way to take control of your health and your lifestyle. Have you had severe premenstrual symptoms? What worked for you? Tweet me @shilpiMD or @flotracker
