Period Problems...Period

Period Problems...If your period wasn't a problem already...Us ladies have a lot on our plates; whether it is being a mom, a nurse, a boss, a chef, and a lover, or many other titles, our life never ends. So why does our world have to crumble down when we get our period? Here are some facts you probably didn't know about your paint bucket, and tips that can get you through the pain and stains!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, I am a woman. I don't have a PHD in vagina stuff, but I do have enough experience (14 years exactly) to know some tips and tricks to sailing the red sea.

According to Betty, the reason you may have blood clots and cramps is due to contractions?!

When you have your period cramps, your uterus contracts, preventing your blood from thinning. Yes, contractions like labour contractions. When you have period cramps, your uterus contracts. When this happens very frequently it can stop your blood from thinning out before it comes out, resulting in clots. (Don’t worry, a few 5p-sized clots a day is totally normal.)

The reason why our uteruses contract is because it is assisting the removal of the lining. Now, blood clots are somewhat common during your period, but you should see a doctor if you are having big blood clots. Even if they may not seem too big, you should, because you can never be too careful with your lady parts.

Tip: Drink a lot of water to help prevent clotting. It's obvious, I know, but barely anyone today drinks the suggested amount.

So what do you do when your daughter, sister, niece, grandchild or cousin wakes up one morning...then screams off the top of her lungs because she go the it? Well, Walt's got you set up! Disney has a movie dated back in 1946, that explains menstrual cycle.

Thinking of it now, I wished my parents knew about this. It would've saved me from the embarrassment of having my parents talk about the birds and the bees...

If you don't want to sit and watch this with them, there are more options, like The Keeping and Caring of You by American Girl. It's a two book series that will explain everything about puberty. I had that book when I started growing, and I definitely suggest girls read it.

Always keep in mind, it is scary for them as much as it is for you to see a once baby girl turn into a blooming young lady.

IF YOU ARE FEELING A LOT OF PAIN, AND IT DOESN'T SEEM NORMAL, PLEASE GO TO A DOCTOR!!!

So we talked about blood clotting, let's talk about how we can take charge about those cramps. We already know they start because of the contractions, but how can we calm it down? There are medications you can take, like Midol and Pamprin, But sometimes you just don't want to use medication.

I, for one, can't really use certain medications, so my go to is a heating pack. Heat is a great way to relax the muscles. If you can't take a nice warm shower, you're stuck in the office, or you just want something quick and hot, fill a long sock with rice halfway and tie a knot on top. Pop that pouch in the microwave for two minutes and you will have a heating pack. When the rice is burnt out, just open the sock and refill it with new rice!

Another way you can remove cramps is by practicing yoga and exercising. But if you are lazy like me, heating packs are the way to go. There's also a bonus with this, if you spray a little bit of water to get the fabric lightly damp, stash it in the freezer, you also have yourself a good cold pack!

Yes, you can be allergic to pads or tampons! According toWendy Lu from Bustle, the reasons you may be allergic to sanitary pads is due to some carrying cotton and other synthetic fibers, let alone the chemicals.

For instance, one chemical often used to give paper towels, toilet paper, and pads their white color can lead to common allergic reactions in the vaginal area, a moist environment that readily absorbs substances into the skin.

Now imagine having a rash or break out that is itchy as @&^*...on your vagina...Not much fun is it? I mean you can always go for a Vagisil and all use of those other a vaginal creams and medications, but, what if you can use an alternative to those pads? Most of the time, women just have to change the brand of the sanitary pads/tampons they're using. Sadly in some cases, changing brands don't help. Thankfully there are many other alternatives you can use aside from just the simple sensory pad and tampon!

When I discovered that there were many different alternatives I was bewildered! I was having an allergic reaction constantly every time my period came. So over time I did some research myself on why I was breaking out I accidentally stumbled upon DIY pads which then lead me to Pinterest and I found my alternative! Funny story to this, my grandmother and my husband caught an interest when they saw me make this on my own and started helping me make them! The best thing about making your own pads is you can choose the thickness of the pad itself whether you want it like a pillow, or like paper. Another thing that's good with the DIY pads is that you save a lot of money. You only have to spend the amount of money that you're willing to spend to make a bunch of perfect pads for yourself and they're reusable.

Now if you don't think reusable pads are your cup of tea, the more alternatives like. The Menstrual Cup or period panties.

According to Lana Burges from Medical News Today:

Bloating before and during a period may result from changes in levels of the sex hormones progesterone and estrogen.About a week before a woman's period starts, levels of the hormone progesterone fall. Reduced levels of progesterone cause the uterus to shed its lining, which is what causes menstrual bleeding.As well as causing menstrual bleeding, research suggests that changes in progesterone and estrogen levels cause the body to retain more water and salt. The body's cells become swollen with water, causing the feeling of bloating.

So, mainly you want to stay away from the salty foods, even if you are craving them, eat a lot of potassium and again, drink lots and lots of water.

Now what happens if your feet or legs swell during your period and why does this happen?? For the exact same reason! Dr. Orli Etingin claims in Everyday Health:

Fluid retention is very common during periods and the few days before your period begins.The easiest way to diminish the swelling is by lowering your intake of salty foods (chips, fries, olives, fast-food items, etc.) and drinking plenty of water the week before your period. You could also try wearing elastic stockings (also known as support or compression stockings), which can help stimulate circulation in your legs and stop swelling. If you spend all day on your feet, the stockings are probably your best bet for long-lasting relief.

You also have the choice to diuretics if you speak to your doctor.

Now another way you can lower the swelling is by elevation. You can place something under your desk to prop your feet or in a more DIY/life hack you can have the same outcome by using either a scarf or a throw blanket you can tie, on either end of the desk, to the support beams or legs of your desk. Then you will have a foot hammock.

Another thing I will suggest is make sure you wear good socks that form to your feet. A friend of mine used to have her feet swell every time she had her period. We would know when she had it too, because she would where two to three pairs of socks, that were bright and patterned, to prevent her feet from swelling! It works just like wearing compression stockings, and it also gives you a different color to your day.

(Just in case you're wondering, The red head here is wearing her friend's sweater because she was wearing white pants and she got her first period.)

Stains...They are the tiny annoying person who instigates the fight, if your period problems where people. Blood stains are often tough to come out, and you will damage your clothes, bed spread, or what ever the stain is on, if you use bleach. So how can you get the blood off of your cute pair of undies? Use hydrogen peroxide. You can get it at the dollar store or your nearest pharmacy, and it takes it out with no problem! Here's how to use it;

You'll need:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Something to hold your stained stuff
• Water (Preferably cold)
• Dish detergent (your choice)

Fill the basin or bin with cold water, then pour in a mixture of the dish detergent and hydrogen peroxide (The ratio for the mixture is one to two) then let your stained stuff soak in the mixture over night. I am sure this is obvious but you might want to use more if there is a lot of items that you are removing stains from.

Another way to remove blood stains is just by pouring the HP on the stain itself. It will foam up like it would on an open wound, and clean it right off!

Remember never to use hot water when taking out blood stains. It is a protein-based stain and like protein (chicken, beef, eggs...) in the heat it will cook. And if the blood stain 'cooks,' it's leaving a mark behind.

At the end of the day, periods suck, come 12 times a year on average, and last a week. They suck, hurt us, and, most of the time, men like to joke about it. But, we don't have to suffer as bad as we think. Every one flows differently, but for the same reason. If you're down in the dumps when you are going through the cycle, remember you are powerful and strong because only females can handle this much pain for their whole lives and still wake up the next morning, have coffee, do their work, be there for their kids and everything else that us women have to do!