That time of the month...an excuse or legitimate?

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Replies

  • timberowl
    timberowl Posts: 331 Member
    I definitely have issues overeating that time of the month--especially the day before it starts. Did you know your basal body temp goes up, and you burn about 2-400 more calories than normal for a full week of the month? No joke. Google it. That's why you're ravenous during that time.

    I remember when I was a (fat) teenager and I ate a whole pan of brownies the day my period started...I'm like a black hole for one day a month, I swear. My sense of satiety is completely gone.

    This ALSO means that if you stick to your diet, it's a great opportunity to see the number on the scale PLUMMET when you lose your water weight a week later.

    As far as exercise, I usually have 1-2 days where I say "there's no way" and slack off, though it does make me feel better when I suck it up and actually do it. Plus it helps you sweat out some of that nasty water weight!!!! =)
  • livingmylegacy
    livingmylegacy Posts: 17
    I think some women use it as an excuse to slack off completely for one week a month, when it isn't really necessary.

    Now, I'm one of those women that gets cramps so bad I usually throw up, but I still do what I can. I don't say, "Oh well, I'm on my period so I'm going to eat all this chocolate just because." Instead, I allow myself a little bit more than usual and don't let it get out of hand. It's not like we lose total control just because we're on our periods.

    If you're so sick/in pain that you literally cannot move or work out, then you just have to be extra vigilant with the food that you put in your mouth. But if all you can do is go for a walk, then go for a walk. Something is better than nothing.

    Plus, I do find that exercise makes the cramps MUCH less painful, so there's that.
  • idontcarroll
    idontcarroll Posts: 216 Member
    Real men don't mind a little (or a lot for them heavy bleeders) blood.
  • RLeighP
    RLeighP Posts: 232 Member
    I really think it depends on the person, and even then it's day to day. In the beginning of mine, or at the end, it's not so bad. But if I'm having (TMI) leaking issues I may take a rest day. One day of rest or taking it a bit easier is better than the whole week off.
  • Kyttiara
    Kyttiara Posts: 28 Member
    I think it depends on your personal symptoms. I have endometriosis as well as multiple cysts, so TOM can be excruciating. I have found, however, that a lot of times working out really helps. It increases circulation, releases endorphins, and now that I am really into lifting, it mentally helps me as well.

    I have never really been a "craver" during TOM, so I can't help there. I do find that I am far more hungry (like most other posters) but that's just our bodies getting ready the possibility of sustaining new life. Once it passes, I'm good.

    ETA: If it's a very heavy day, I will usually take it off just for sanitary/cleanliness reasons.
  • casiobarnes
    casiobarnes Posts: 78 Member
    I have to 'pay my dues' as it were, and suffer through the first 12-24 hours of just awful cramps (like, cold sweats, shaking, naseau, fainting), and then it's smooth sailing for the 2-3 days remaining.

    Because if I take any pain relievers in those first 12-24 hours, my period stops. Like, pauses until the pill wears off and then terrible cramps again. So rather than just delay the whole affair, I lay on the couch with a hot water bottle for a day (but one day only).
  • sarahmichel101
    sarahmichel101 Posts: 158 Member
    I think some women use it as an excuse to slack off completely for one week a month, when it isn't really necessary.

    Now, I'm one of those women that gets cramps so bad I usually throw up, but I still do what I can. I don't say, "Oh well, I'm on my period so I'm going to eat all this chocolate just because." Instead, I allow myself a little bit more than usual and don't let it get out of hand. It's not like we lose total control just because we're on our periods.

    If you're so sick/in pain that you literally cannot move or work out, then you just have to be extra vigilant with the food that you put in your mouth. But if all you can do is go for a walk, then go for a walk. Something is better than nothing.

    Plus, I do find that exercise makes the cramps MUCH less painful, so there's that.

    I think not to lose total control is important!!!
  • capnrus789
    capnrus789 Posts: 2,736 Member
    Real men don't mind a little (or a lot for them heavy bleeders) blood.
    A little lubricant never hurt anybody.
  • Lesa_Sass
    Lesa_Sass Posts: 2,213 Member
    I can not speak as to what anyone else is feeling but I can say that my issues were legitimate enough to have a hysterectomy at 42 years old.

    I also suffered from PMDD.

    I was not able to exercise for a minim of 8 days per month due to the sheer amount of agony I was in due to endo and fibriods in my uterus (in the lining, not hanging off the walls). My chocolate cravings were insatiable and I would regularly eat 5000 calories a day for 3 or 4 days before old uncle TOM came to visit.

    After my hysterectomy I was able to exercise on a regular basis and not binge on chocolate a week a month, so I was able to lose the weight I wanted to.

    For me, my period ruled my life. I could not even make plans to pick some one up at the airport if it was going to be around my time.
  • callmeampersand
    callmeampersand Posts: 29 Member
    About a week before hand: Intense boob pain, so bad that i usually sleep in my bra because the pain from them being unsupported is too much to bear. This means no running, elliptical, etc because they tend to bounce even with the best of sports bras and that pain is almost unbearable. I am also ridiculously tired, i can fall asleep just about any where. I also crave anything sweet and/or salty...chocolate is my friend but my enemy during that time.

    Week of(3-5 days): Horrid cramps, I can usually take some Midol and that combats the cramps plus gives me a boost of energy. I can usually manage to work out toward the end of my period.

    I don't use my period as an excuse but I certainly know my limits when it comes to exhaustion and pain. I would rather get in a walk or weight session and feel good than push my self to my limit and pay for it later.
  • SundayGirl1989
    SundayGirl1989 Posts: 94
    If i used my period as an excuse to over eat or not workout then i would be seriously screwed. Since having my contraceptive implant fitted i have been constantly having a 'period' so it really would wreck my efforts. Luckily i still only have the painful cramps/bloating feeling a couple of times a month so i'm still able to do a fair amount of exercise. Although sometimes on heavier days it makes sense to not do anything.
    Like many have already said, a little exercise goes a long way so something as simple as going for a walk is great.
    Also, if you crave chocolate or crisps then have them, but measure them out and work them into your daily limit. It will only bum you out more if you overindulge or restrict yourself altogether.
  • edwardkim85
    edwardkim85 Posts: 438 Member
    hmmmm.. I didn't know 'that time of the month' was that tiring for women....

    I always thought they should just ' man' up but I guess

    1. women are not men, thus they can't man up

    2. I'm a fool
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    Why is a guy responding, three sisters, a wife and daughters. I believe that TOM, OTR, periods are very real, you might be like, duhhhh ; ). Your bodies are collecting every nutrient if can muster to jump start a living incubator and everything is affected. I have several friends here who go through this and some of them work through it, others cannot. If you want me to, I can send the name of one or two and you can ask them how they deal. Good luck lil one.

    That's funny. MY fiance doesn't mind the talk either. He always says " I was raised by a single mom and 3 older sisters. I know everything."
  • loconnor466
    loconnor466 Posts: 215 Member
    I just started exercising regularly in the past 6 weeks, and that is only 2-3 days per week, but it was 2-3 days more than I was doing in November. I will add to that soon.
    I can attest that my aunt flo was a lot less painful this past month and I attribute it to exercising. Unfortunately I am at an age where it is starting to become less reliable, never know when it will come, or not. I miss being able to track it on pretty much exactly 28 days.
  • InForBacon
    InForBacon Posts: 1,508 Member
    Real men don't mind a little (or a lot for them heavy bleeders) blood.

    I don't see how this added to the conversation in a constructive way at all. Men don't have a uterus so their opinions don't count.
  • Sparlingo
    Sparlingo Posts: 938 Member
    Since I'm 5 months pregnant, this thread isn't super relevant at this *exact* moment, but is pretty real to me the rest of the time. Periods suck.

    My approach to periods during weight loss is this:

    1) soften the expectations (I may get tired quicker during exercise, not be able to lift my maximum or run my fastest,etc.)
    2) keep moving.
    3) keep to my calorie allotment (make it a "maintenance" day or two if I have to, but log it and be honest)

    Exercise actually curbs cravings and appetite for me, so keeping moving helps with the food side of the equation in addition to burning calories. Plus, I know myself and it's never good for my momentum in life on the whole for me to take a whole week off from anything.

    So that's basically it for me. I reduce my expectations that week to just move. If I'm moving, I'm winning.
  • SCV34
    SCV34 Posts: 2,048 Member
    Men might not want to keep reading if they are squeamish! So it is almost my time of the month and I get extremely painful cramps and other side effects. Usually I am so fatigued that I truly cannot get the energy to do almost anything, especially exercising. Do you guys (girls!) work out on your period? If you do, how do you deal with cramps / fatigue? I also have a bad habit of overeating on my period. Again it's the same old "I can do whatever I want because this is living hell and my insides are being ripped apart" excuse.

    Any advice for not falling off the bandwagon for a week every month?

    I still workout when Aunt Flo is visiting. I actually feel better when I continue exercising through my cycle. I have severe cramps and quit the heavy flo(anemia) but I keep on trucking. Like I said I feel better when I do!
  • sewerchick93
    sewerchick93 Posts: 1,438 Member
    Exercising is good, just don't sneeze

    IMG_57808106882463.jpeg
  • SCV34
    SCV34 Posts: 2,048 Member
    Real men don't mind a little (or a lot for them heavy bleeders) blood.
    A little lubricant never hurt anybody.

    Ya'll went there?
  • Sovictorrious
    Sovictorrious Posts: 770 Member
    During my TOM I lay in bed all day. I do not move anything. I also cry, eat, and attempt to murder my husband. I am never successful at murder because that requires moving...as I stated before...during my TOM I DO NOT MOVE.
  • SkinnyRach22
    SkinnyRach22 Posts: 55
    Real men don't mind a little (or a lot for them heavy bleeders) blood.
    A little lubricant never hurt anybody.

    Omg that is ridiculous.Hahaha
  • silver_arrow3
    silver_arrow3 Posts: 1,373 Member
    First day, I'm usually in the fetal position. Hurts so bad that if I don't sit quite gingerly enough, it feels like a red hot poker is being shoved through my uterus. Therefore, I do as little movement as possible. However, that's the first day. Every other day, there is no excuse for me.

    As for cravings, I look at my calories. If I can fit it in, I eat it. If not, I suck it up and move on and maybe cry a little because I'm a little emotional basket case, but I can usually manage not to feed the monster.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    That sneeze meme is both disgusting and hilarious!!

    Some use it as an excuse but some legitimately need a break due to horrible cramping, and other symptoms.

    I work through it but I might take it a bit easier on the days where I'm cramping bad or just have no energy. Like instead of running I'll walk or bike.

    And for the cravings, I think that gets better with time. Remember we do need a tiny bit more calories during TOM so don't beat yourself up if you go over a couple hundred calories a few days a month - it's not going to make that big of a difference in the long run. I find sometimes it's best to just go ahead and have a cookie if that's what your'e really craving because if you're like me, you're just going to end up eating everything else in sight and eat just as many calories but still feel unsatisfied. Make the best choices you can.
  • CompressedCarbon
    CompressedCarbon Posts: 357 Member

    A lot of women use it as an excuse. For a few women, it's legitimate (but they should really be seeking a doctor's help, if the pain is that bad. Srs. It's not 'normal' to be in that much pain.)

    +1. Being a girl is not an excuse for anything. Bad mood? Hit something -- maybe a heavy bag. Run -- away from your problems and crappy mood. Lift -- heavy and often. Struggling to lift a bar is an excellent distraction from pain radiating from anywhere else. I really like running as a way to dispel crappy attitudes/moods because if I'm struggling to breathe, I don't have a lot of energy to focus on anything else. And if I'm really lucky, my brain will disconnect from my body and I'm free to contemplate world domination or whatever else I feel like thinking about.

    An added bonus of extra workouts that week is that it gives me more calories to eat chocolate, salt, or whatever else I'm craving.

    But if you are in so much pain that you can't exercise your way out of it, you really might want to chat with your doctor to rule out any issues.
  • Poofy_Goodness
    Poofy_Goodness Posts: 229 Member
    Excuse.

    I was on the rag this week. I chose to not work out. I chose to eat a lot. My choice, not my period's.

    Just pop some ibuprofen and exercise your free will muscle. I wish I had done that!
  • BetterThanExpected
    BetterThanExpected Posts: 104 Member
    You people are probably gonna hate me for this, ha ha, but I seldom if ever get cramps while on my period. As for the fatigue and occasional dizziness, I up my iron intake and it usually helps with both. Calcium and magnesium can be good for cramps and PMS, though.
    As for the exercise thing, for the most part I'd consider it an excuse.
  • benefiting
    benefiting Posts: 795 Member
    I personally don't like exercising (like classes and such) while on mine but I use pads only so you could see the issue there. That doesn't mean you couldn't go for a walk. It's at least something.
  • abickford82
    abickford82 Posts: 207
    To me, if I DO NOT work out...I'm more irritable to be around and I suffer from post tubal ligation syndrome. I love lifting heavy, but for me I stick to cardio only those days b/c I find it keeps the cramping at a minimum w/o having to take midol or other pain medication. Painful and inconvenient but not an excuse to eat through house and home, IMO.
  • fairygirlpie9
    fairygirlpie9 Posts: 288 Member
    I am currently on and I have been ravenous. I knew I would beat myself up about not exercising yesterday when I wanted to eat ice cream so I made myself do it and now I can rest today and enjoy a family meal out for my dad's birthday. The moment you start to make excuses, the more excuses keep creeping in.
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    I exercise as usual but my TOM isn't bad at all. I don't even get cramps. Have you thought of planning your workouts around your TOM? As in working out hard the three weeks leading up to it, then taking your TOM week as a recovery week and doing things like yoga and light cardio? That way you stay in the routine of exercising, are still burning some extra calories to combat the TOM-related overeating, but aren't working out so hard that you would be tempted to blow it off if you feel lousy.

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