As the colder months of the year approach, you may notice a few changes to your menstrual cycle, from more pronounced PMS symptoms to heavier menstrual flow to more painful periods. How do these changes relate to the change in season?
Read about 5 ways cold weather and the winter months can affect your menstrual cycle:
The cold winter months and lack of light can have a significant impact on your cycle. Limited sunlight reduces your body’s vitamin D levels, which affects your endocrine system and thyroid function, which plays a key role in regulating hormones and the menstrual cycle in women. The resulting imbalance of certain hormones can cause irregular cycles. ( 1 )
Up to 75% of women of reproductive age report experiencing some form of PMS symptoms , including breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, mood swings, irritability, and sleep problems. ( 2 ) Overall lifestyle changes in the fall and winter months, increased stress, or lack of sunlight, which reduces serotonin activity, can all contribute to our mood, increased irritability, and poor sleep during the premenstrual period. ( 3 )
Just as a lack of sunlight can affect reproductive hormone balance and the overall course of your cycle, some women may also experience changes in the intensity of their blood flow during the winter months. Your period may be heavier than usual during this time.
As the temperature drops, the body prioritizes blood flow to the brain, heart, and other vital organs. ( 4 ) Exposure to cold can disrupt blood flow and the production of prostaglandins in the uterus, making your period a little more painful. ( 5 )
In winter, skin is often drier and more sensitive than during other seasons, which can also affect your intimate areas. On cold days, when we layer up to keep warm, you may experience increased moisture in your intimate areas during your period. That's why it's important to choose breathable materials like cotton underwear, as well as menstrual products that are free of synthetics, dyes, or artificial fragrances. Our 100% organic cotton pads and tampons ensure perfect breathability , so your intimate areas don't get steamy and there's no irritation or chafing from synthetic fibers.
Something to warm up
Heat helps to relax muscles, improve blood flow and relieve tension. And that's something your body will appreciate, especially in the cold months or at any time during your cycle when your muscles are tense. Our Cramp Days oil has a warming effect thanks to its composition , while also combining 7 local herbs that are known for their analgesic and soothing effects.
You can use the oil in moments of physical discomfort during your cycle (during ovulation, before or during menstruation), for regenerative massages when you are tired or after strenuous physical activity, or anytime you want to give your body a little extra care.
What else can you read on FEMSPACE?
- 7 herbs to relieve pain during menstruation
- How to start tracking your menstrual cycle
- Menstrual red flags: 7 signals to watch out for
- 4 benefits of organic cotton menstrual pads
- Blood clots during menstruation
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram so you're always the first to know about all the news on the Femspace blog or the Femvie e-shop !
With love
Femvie team
