What You ‘SHOULD’ & ‘SHOULD NOT’ Do During Periods

SHOULD NOT get a breast exam done.

Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can make breast exams and mammograms little more uncomfortable. Additionally, cystic breast changes are more likely to be palpated during a breast exam while a woman is menstruating.


Smoking is anyways bad for health but specially during your period it can make things worse. A study published in the Journal of Tobacco Control states that smokers are more likely to have painful periods than non-smokers.

SHOULD NOT eat too much of salt, dairy and fried food.

Food with high salt content can actually make the period cramps worse because of fluid retention and bloating induced by salt intake. Dairy also causes an increase in the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are responsible for period pain/cramping. Avoid foods fried in trans-fats or hydrogenated vegetable oil as they elevate estrogen levels, again leading to abdominal cramping.

SHOULD NOT plan any painful appointments.

Fluctuation in estrogen levels during period makes your body much more sensitive to pain. Wait for a few days after your period is over to schedule your appointment at the dentist, waxing or tattoo parlour.


SHOULD Increase your magnesium levels.

Magnesium helps our muscles relax, which can bring down menstrual cramps. Eat bananas, chickpeas and kidney beans, peas, broccoli, cabbage and spinach. All these are good source of magnesium. You can also take chelated magnesium supplement. Chelated magnesium is a form that is easily absorbed by the body.

SHOULD track your period.

I truly believe that this is something every single woman should be doing. Your period can tell a lot about your overall health, especially your fertility. A period calendar is a great way to make that  PMS or your period itself don’t take you by surprise.

SHOULD use a heat pad.

You’ve probably heard this before. Do not underestimated the power of your grandma’s ol’ hot water bottle. A study conducted by scientists from University College London found that applying heat not only provides relief by coziness, but also functions like a painkiller, deactivating pain at a molecular level.