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

Excuse. And this is coming from someone who used to get cramps so bad I'd literally pass out from the pain.

Exercise helps improve mood issues and a lot of the physical side effects of menstruation. If you're feeling down or uncomfortable exercise is probably actually what will help alleviate that--not the other way around.

I have severe endometriosis (confirmed with surgery), which as I'm sure you know causes extremely painful periods. Sometimes I get a cramp so bad that I literally "freeze" in place and cannot move it is so excruciating. TMI...it feels like my uterus is turning itself inside out. Can make for a really ackward moment if I'm at work or walking around walmart. I've mastered the "I'm just going to stop and look at this soooo interesting item on the shelf" move while trying not to groan. This has gotten somewhat better after my recent surgery, but it is just a matter of time before it is back to that level. The best advice for cramps is what my gychocologist/surgeon told me. Get ahead of the pain. Do not wait for the cramping to start or it is too late. I was told to start dosing myself with NSAIDS (Ibupropen, naproxen) two days before my period ideally or as soon as possible if you're irregular. Then continue on with the pain meds as needed.

As for exercising, I stick to walking during the worst days. I find that walking 45 minutes or as long as I can seems to help with the pain. I couldn't do heavy exercise as it would be too painful, but I find walking to be doable and beneficial. Now there have been a few days where it was impossible for me to even do that, so I just lower my calories that day to compensate. I cannot comment on food cravings, as I'm normally so nauseous from the pain. I actually tend to not want anything extra to eat on a bad day. I really hope this helps you, and I can totally understand.

I popped up some advil and exercised as soon as it worked.

Notice the past tense... My period has been way better since I lost weight.

Try minimal exercises. Instead of an intense cardio work out try like taking a walk around a park or track or (when the weather warms up) swimming. They're both feel very small but can make an impact either way on weight loss. That way you're still exercising for those matter of days and when those days are up; you can just go back to the gym or whatever!

As for food cravings; I've found it easier to just indulge yourself but not over do it. Like portion out everything. Last week I was talking myself out of Skittles for days and those days I was going over in calories so finally I just gave myself a 1/8 of a cup of skittles (not even a full serving) and I've been under my goal every day since.

You can try other things like if you're just craving something SWEET try something like (stated before) Nutella. But for those specific things; Just give yourself them in small amounts (or even the full amount) and count the calories. Odds are you aren't going to crave it the next day.

I've found that exercising actually helps relieve the symptoms.


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.)

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 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.

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).

Real men don't mind a little (or a lot for them heavy bleeders) blood.

A little lubricant never hurt anybody.

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.