Time of the month question for ladies

My first kickboxing class was also the 2nd day of my period- which is always my heaviest and most crampy day. I was uber paranoid (due to a lady time accident when I was thirteen at cheerleading practice that scared me for life probs) about leakage and not being able to participate fully, but it really wasn't a problem. I wasn't in any pain (partly due to the four ibuprofen I'd popped and partly due to the immense pain the rest of my body was in). I have terrible periods (the kind that get you put on iron pills and monitered by your doctor) that always hurt endlessly and last forever, but that dumb saying that exercise soothes period cramps is actually true, at least for me.

I do yoga or some stretching and a long walk! Maybe take some Advil before you begin your workout!

Would taking a painkiller like midol help? Or is it really bad?

I don't generally get really painful cramps or anything so I do continue with my usual workout. But if I were in the boat of 'need to stay in bed with a heating pad because it hurts so much', I would definitely sit out the painful days.

Maybe if your hormones are going cray cray, eat at maintenance during that time, so you don't blow your deficit but you get more food.

I don't have to work out EVERY day. If I feel really bad for any reason, I just don't. Honestly.... I'm not going to become a big, lazy, unfit blob by missing a day, 2 days, or even more of working out.

Me, I find that if I do an exercise that engages the muscles around the uterus, it tends to feel better. I have scar tissue and stuff from previous surgeries, and part of my uterus was cut off and cauterized, so cramps are... shall we say... like knives and ripping... but increasing the muscles' blood flow around the area and thus, more natural painkiller, helps. Generally, you won't always be able to work out anyway, and it's good to have rest days anyway, so if you feel compelled to take a rest day during this time, I don't see a problem, but if we're talking like, being down for the count for 5+ days then it might be more a question of, when do you see a doctor?

I agree with Quasita. Working out actually tends to make me feel better, though it's hard to get motivated to do something fast-paced. The yoga program I'm doing right now helps me get in a solid work out without sweating a ton...because then you've got a bad combination of sweat, bloating, exhaustion, and pain and nobody wants that.

To be completely honest, I rarely work out when it is that time of the month. I have no energy, and feel awful! Luckily, I have a really long cycle so it doesn't interfere as much as someone who might have a much shorter cycle. If I do anything it is yoga, or walking, dancing... something low impact. But, I work out every day when it isn't my time so I figure those few days off aren't going to break me. Life happens. Do what works for you

I just push through it and usually feel better for it. I usually tell myself I'll just go for a jog or cruise on the bike and see how I feel, but generally I feel much better once I start and end up doing whatever I normally would.

I have incredibly, occasionally concerningly, heavy periods because I use a copper IUD (medical reasons mean I can't use anything hormonal), which also makes it very painful (there are days I'll be literally curled up on the floor crying). I also have stomach issues which mean I can't take most of the painkillers they recommend, only paracetamol.

Even so, I find getting moving makes me feel better. Just do what you can try a walk or something light, if it feels okay try something a bit harder. If your normal run is more of a jog or a walk who cares? A big part of this is forming the habit.

I think actually I find the few days before more difficult, and reading about it it's not uncommon. Something to do with your body preferring to run off sugar than fat depending on relative levels of hormones, I find in the few days before my period I have to drastically up my carbs (not sugary crap, just carbs in general. Bread, rice, potatoes, fruit, etc) and I have to fuel so much more during a longer or harder workout, and at high intensity I feel generally flat and struggle to push. Probably day 2 onwards I feel so much better in that regard, but it's a tradeoff with the pain and more general lethargy that comes with it.

Joys of being female, eh?

I just go and workout anyway. As it happens, I seem to be strongest on those days and it's not unusual for me to break through a lifting stall and finally manage to get more reps or add more weight.

I have painful heavy periods due to fibroids and find walking helps a lot, though I can never venture too far from home "just in case" I can still get some form of exercise and walking does help alleviate cramps.

fitoverfortymom wrote: »

Has anyone thought about an IUD or the one of many ablasion procedures that are available? I'm not having any more children, hubby is fixed, and I'm kind of tired of the whole period thing. Thoughts or experiences?

I was offered this as a solution, but I don't like the idea of an IUD inserted or other procedures. It would have to be a lot worse for anything like that for me.

I am weird that I get really sluggish two days prior, really really fatigued, sleepy no energy, and headachy, the day before, but the day I start, I actually lose excess water weight gain and my energy is through the roof.

Interesting all women are vastly different.

fitoverfortymom wrote: »

Has anyone thought about an IUD or the one of many ablasion procedures that are available? I'm not having any more children, hubby is fixed, and I'm kind of tired of the whole period thing. Thoughts or experiences?

If you want less cramps and lighter periods, DON'T get the paragard copper IUD. But, that being said, I've had it for a year now, and my periods have finally gotten regular, and cramps fewer, and I'm glad to not be on hormonal BC... but the last year suuuuucked.

For whatever reason (no one (doctors) has been able to give me an answer yet), excessive exercise triggers my periods to start.

I first discovered this in my 30s when I started randonneuring (ultra-long distance cycling). There I'd be mid-way through a 400 km bicycle ride, and all of a sudden out of the blue my period would start. And it wasn't due for another 2 weeks.

This started happening quite regularly, even on rides as short as 150 km.

Finally my dr put me on "the pill" for several years which settled things ... but then I developed blood clots. Turns out "the pill" will kill me, so that's out.

And now, I'm in perimenopause so my period is coming any old time, and of course, exercise still triggers it.

I usually have 2 days every 3 weeks or so where it is really bad, and, as I mentioned above, I try to keep my activity a little lighter on those days. Otherwise, I can't let it stop me or I'd be stopped half the month.