How to Deal with Heavy Periods at Work: 6 Period Hacks
With the high-octane hustle at work, the last thing you want is to be caught off-guard by high-flow menstrual bleeding. Well, great news! There are plenty of clever period hacks you can use to help you power through your day with ease. With this essential guide, you can learn how to deal with heavy periods like a total boss!
What are heavy periods, and what causes them?
Menorrhagia is the medical term for profuse and prolonged menstrual bleeding (in excess of 80 ml per cycle and lasting more than seven days). However, most blood flows are not severe enough to be classified as menorrhagia. While peak-flow days are not uncommon, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider, particularly if you notice significant changes in your menstrual cycle. This helps ensure that there are no underlying issues you need to take care of. Some factors that can cause heavy periods are:
- Uterine fibroids: These are benign muscle tumors of the uterus.
- Hormonal imbalances: Heavy bleeding can occur when the body doesn't release an egg during ovulation and cannot produce progesterone.
- Excessive body weight: Weighing more than one's ideal weight can cause hormone problems, leading to heavy bleeding.
- Adenomyosis: This disorder refers to an enlarged uterus that can lead to a heavy blood flow.
- Side effects from intrauterine devices: One side effect of non-hormonal IUDs is excessive bleeding.
First methods of treatment include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), birth control pills, or antifibrinolytics, meds that stop blood clots from breaking down. Doctors may also recommend surgery if the bleeding doesn't stop.
For many women, though, a "normal" heavy period and a frequent change of tampons or pads (every 2 hours or so) may characterize a typical menstrual cycle. Additionally, heavy-flow days come with the expected coterie of PMS symptoms, such as cramping, fatigue, and mood changes.
How can having a heavy period affect your work?
Dealing with a heavy period can seriously throw you off your game, especially your work productivity. One of the biggest issues is the potential drop in energy levels due to blood loss, which can lead to an unfortunate mix of fatigue and difficulty concentrating. And let's not forget about those pesky menstrual cramps and discomfort that can make it hard to sit for long periods and get stuff done, ultimately impacting the quality of your work. Period pain from profuse bleeding can even result in missed workdays. Then, there are those little leaky accidents that create unnecessary anxiety and stress. But there's no need to fret! With solid planning and prep, intense red moons don't have to bring you down. So next, let's find out how to deal with heavy periods.
Top tactics for "tidal-wave" days
Not everyone experiences them, but for those who do, crimson storms can be a real challenge to manage, especially while working. It's essential to take care of your physical and mental well-being at this time. That's why not just a few women would want to know exactly how to deal with heavy periods at work or even how to deal with heavy periods without tampons. So, why not join the pragmatic period posse by applying these handy hacks for high flows? Let's get started!
1. Know that menstruation is natural and beautiful
Whether you typically have heavy- or light-flow days, acknowledge how amazing your menstrual cycle is (of course, you'll need to check with your doctor if you experience abnormal and extensive bleeding). You should never be ashamed or embarrassed about the feminine body's wonderful processes.
2. Plan ahead
Make sure to pack a period care kit with you every day to keep any surprises at bay. This could include painkillers, pads or tampons, a change of clothes, and other helpful items. Keep this pouch discreetly tucked away in your bag or desk for easy access whenever you need it.
Maybe you're wondering how to deal with heavy periods without tampons, if you don’t find them comfortable or are unsure about how to use them safely. Like many menstrually-savvy ladies, you must have heard about period underwear, a breakthrough innovation that offers an excellent alternative to the usual feminine hygiene products. For instance, Ruby Love Period Panties, such as Period Bikini Underwear and Period Hipsters, offer 2.5 tampons' worth of absorbency. Their Dri-Tech Mesh helps stop all front, side, and back leaks. At the same time, it securely locks in Ruby Love's Double-sided Pads or Super Sanitary (and FREE!) Pads for double the protection.
3. Schedule important meetings or appointments around your period
If you know your cycle is coming up soon, let your colleagues or boss know that you just got to hit pause and take a breather. It's always better to be proactive than winging your PMS symptoms while trying to work at full capacity.
4. Don't take period pain for granted
When period pain becomes severe, or if you have trouble managing your PMS symptoms with over-the-counter painkillers, speak to your health care professional. Your doctor can help you decide which treatments might work best for you.
5. Be kind to yourself
Take breaks when needed, and don't push yourself too hard. If you're having trouble focusing on your work, take a few minutes to relax and clear your mind. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and stretch your muscles.
6. Eat and drink intentionally
Eating a healthful diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help alleviate your symptoms. In addition, iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, and eggs can help combat the effects of heavy bleeding on your body, such as iron deficiency anemia.
Also, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods, which can worsen cramping and bloating. Instead, hydrate with a lot of water to help shorten the duration of heavy bleeding and reduce pain intensity.
