Tips for Managing Your Menstrual Period During the Summer

Young woman riding her bike in a white dress managing her period symptoms during the summer.

Summer is a beautiful time of year with exciting outdoor activities and adventures! From trips to the beach to backyard barbeques, few things can cramp your style this time of year except maybe your period.

Your monthly visit from mother nature can be stressful and uncomfortable in the summertime, especially when you’re trying to enjoy physical activities like biking and swimming.

Here are a few tips for managing your menstrual period during the long summer months ahead!

Stay Hydrated!

Staying hydrated is immensely important both during your period and during the summertime. If you are spending a lot of time sitting out in the heat or getting your body moving through exercise, you will be more than likely to lose a lot of fluids through your sweat. If you’re not drinking enough water to counteract this loss of fluids, you could suffer.

A young girl after workout drinking water

Drinking water can increase blood flow around your body and ensure that your brain and other tissues get an adequate supply of what they need. Without plenty of water, you might feel tired and could be more at risk of suffering from light-headedness and fainting.

If you suffer from fluid retention and bloating during your period, this could be a sign that you’re not drinking enough water, and, again, this could be made worse by the loss of fluids in hot weather. It might sound counterintuitive, but drinking more water will help relieve symptoms like fluid retention and bloating by flushing out the excess water that your body is holding onto. It will also help to flush out waste and toxins that could be responsible for other period symptoms like a sluggish bowel and acne flare-ups.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

When it comes to your period in the summer, choose your outfits with comfort in mind. Tight clothing might feel too constricting when you have period symptoms, so opt for loose-fitted clothes. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style, though; summer clothing is often all about being loose and flowy anyway. Try a maxi skirt, your favorite pair of soft, stretchy jeans, or comfy shorts. As for wearing white, use your best judgment based on your comfort level and flow.

Pack Extra Period Products

Set of menstrual cup, sanitary pads and tampons. Best way for woman menstrual protection.

It’s always good to pack more hygiene products than you think you’ll need. Even if you’re not expecting your period for a while, keep a stash of tampons and pads in your purse or the car just in case your menstrual cycle pops in as a surprise. If you prefer a menstrual cup, it makes packing easier, although you might want backup liners too. Ensuring you have products on-hand will help you enjoy your summer vacation stress-free.

Enjoy Light Exercise

Exercise might be the last thing on your mind when you’re feeling cramped and bloated, but sticking with a routine can have you feeling better before and during your period. Gentle exercise like swimming can be good for period symptoms like cramps. When you exercise and get your body moving, you help loosen up tight muscles and get the blood pumping around your body. This can be especially useful during your period when a lot of blood is diverted to your reproductive organs, causing a reduction of blood elsewhere in the body. Exercising is also great for releasing feel-good endorphins, which can influence your perception of pain and help you cope with symptoms such as difficult period cramps.

Your period should never be an excuse to miss out on the fun activities of summer. If you stay prepared and follow these tips, you will be able to manage your symptoms and find comfort!

We provide well-woman care at South Avenue Women’s Services, including abortion services and procedures. If you are suffering from painful periods, need STD testing, or want to know your birth control options, we have the information you deserve as a woman and the knowledge to direct you to the best resources.

Give us a call today at (585)271-3850. Our answering service can reach a clinician any time of the day or night for emergencies or urgent questions!