Period and Working Out

My cycle can be pretty viscous, so I can completely empathize and understand the questions.

For years, I didn't really understand how women just went on with their workouts when their cycle hit. And then I figured out, after some very in-depth conversations with other women, that their cycles hit them differently.

I don't/can't use a tampon for part of my cycle, I won't go into details, but let's just say they aren't effective. I have never been able to use a "panty liner", and for a long time didn't fully understand that other women could.

I have the mirena, which has normalized much of my cycle, but it is still fairly heavy. There are of course medical procedures that will limit the flow, however I don't think those are for anyone that may want to get pregnant.

I limit my workouts on my heavier days, I just don't want that kind of scene in public. I change my products directly before and directly after the workout. I can't swim, I have tried, and no, that didn't work out well at all.

I often hit lifting PRs during my period.. for some reason I am stronger

LOL that's probably the real reason I PR

The vitriol some people have expressed at this question is quite upsetting. It took me until I was nearly 30 years old to figure out that women just do not have identical menstrual cycles. Some women can just "put a tampon in and go" and live like it's any other day, some of us just simply can't. The miracle of Google is the only reason found out I have abnormal periods. No doctor I'd ever been to ever expressed that my periods were anything but normal.

TMI AHEAD: Mine last 7-9 days, are generally very heavy with frequent clots ranging in size from about 2" in diameter to the size of the palm of my hand. Tampons do not work for me, neither does the menstrual cup. I have to wear overnight pads the entire time and I need to always have immediate access to a bathroom when I need it. If I pass a large clot, with it comes a gush of blood that even an overnight pad with wings can't absorb and I *will* bleed around the pad, and through my pants. When I leave the house I have to keep a towel in my car seat and an extra change of clothes because when I get to my destination, even on a short drive, there's a pretty good chance I will immediately have to find a bathroom and change. My period also brings with it massive fatigue that makes it hard to get out of bed and makes it hard to concentrate. And the cramps? Sometimes I get a break and taking unhealthy amounts of OTC pain meds will dull it enough that I can function, sometimes I have to curl up with a heating pad and pray for death. Heaven help me on the days I have no choice but to go to work in that much pain. I'm another one of those for whom exercise seems to exacerbate things. I can go for walks towards the end of my period, but I still need to be certain that I take an extra change of pants and not stray too far from a bathroom. Swimming is completely off the table. In the past I've used birth control pills with mixed results. Typically the pill will give me great, "normal" periods for a few months before they slowly revert to what I've been used to my whole life. My period is not an "excuse" for me to not do things. It legitimately holds me back, even from spending time with my friends and family doing fun things like watching movies or going out to dinner. What I wouldn't do to be able to afford a hysterectomy.

To the OP: You'll just need to try some things and see what works for you. If you feel your periods might be too heavy to allow you to work out then look for a good GYN in your area who might listen to you and make an appointment if you can afford it and see if they have any options. If none of that works out for you, you may just have to accept that your workout activity may have to be very light or nonexistent for a few days.

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

yoovie wrote: »

aww no I didnt miss your point, that was just my reaction to your point

Along with the archiving of all these backwards mindsets, the younger generations just never bought into a lot of that klunk, and the only way it can even reach them is if people keep perpetuating it. So it's a great thing that people keep debunking this stuff.

And to add: those who don't remember the past....

so yes, archiving, but remembering. We've come a long way baby.

Yeah... I remember my mom telling me a list of foods to avoid during TOM, couldn't exercise, couldn't shower... like ew. Like no. :noway:

Uggh. Whoever tells a woman to "man up" during their period has never experienced just how bad it can be for some women out there. Whether you want to exercise on your period or not is entirely up to you and how you personally feel on those days. Not exercising on your period says nothing about you except that you just prefer not to. That is all.

As a sufferer of PMDD on top of intense headaches and throwing up on my period, I can tell ya right now NOT ALL PERIODS ARE CREATED EQUAL. Some periods I am able to exercise everyday, some I can't. Then sometimes I can exercise while I'm actually on my period but I can't during the week beforehand.

Just do what you're comfortable doing.

kommodevaran wrote: »

Yay, finally a chance to "advertise" for the menstrual cup! A game changer. I won't get more advertising than that, you have to google it... I use a Femmecup now, but I have also bought some other brands.

Oh same thing I said. Coolz.

I just use a tampon... Why would that be uncomfortable? If you insert it properly, you shouldn't be able to feel it being there, whether you're running or lounging around. And add a (thin) pad if you're worried, why would it keep you from running or cycling? You'll be fine

Btw, perhaps if it's a marathon or hours long exercise it would be problematic, but if you work out 30-60 minutes, you should be perfectly fine.