Is it possible for the weather to affect my menstruation?

It is considered that low temperatures slow us down. This is due to a reduction in the amount of blood. The opposite happens when there is heat. The heat works as a blood dilator vessel, which makes us think that the warmer it is, the more abundant the periods may be and therefore less painful.

The alterations that seasonal changes can cause externally can also have repercussions internally. Hormonal disruption changes our emotions but also our menstrual cycle.

A study conducted in 2011, published in the journal "Gynecol Endocrinol," showed the study of three hormones; follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), and Prolactin are critical in the menstrual and reproductive cycle as they regulate development and growth.

The study concluded that the climatic factor plays an essential role in our menstrual cycle, making them different according to the season we are in, causing us to go through emotional and physical states.

Ways in which the weather influences:

• Sunlight influences our menstrual cycle, generating negative or positive effects depending on the degree of exposure we have. The greater the exposure, the greater the stimulation of hormonal activity in the ovaries.
• In winter, the hours of daylight decrease so sun exposure is reduced, and thus the vitamin D we receive from the sun's rays is reduced, so the levels of Dopamine decrease.
• During the spring and summer, the secretion of FSH increases as well as an increase in the frequency of ovulation which allows us to have shorter menstrual cycles with a more abundant but less painful flow.
• In winter, the cold acts as a vasoconstrictor so women have more painful, less abundant, and longer periods.

These changes affect not only menstrual cycles but also premenstrual symptoms, as well as mood, a cold winter can make us feel sad and irritable, depression may be present.

Remember that we must make an effort to stay active during the winter, eating healthy, as well as during the warmer seasons we must take advantage of the greater amount of vitamin D which is an essential fat-soluble vitamin for us, and the load of Dopamine that this generates.

Remember that Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays an important role in the levels of motivation, concentration, pleasure-seeking, and stimulation. 

Be prepared for changes

It is wonderful to know you and know that you can prevent and take advantage of these changes. Here are some tips to make the most of these weather changes, to bad weather a good face:

• Dress appropriately according to each season. You could use menstrual panties if you need greater absorption during the summer or reusable pads that fit you and keep you safe during the winter.
• Stay hydrated. In any season of the year, this should be a maxim for all women. Good hydration always keeps us active and beautiful.
• Eat healthy and very nutritious, remember that depending on the season, you will feel more or less desire to eat, but do not neglect your diet.
• Go for a consultation if your period is not normal, (too abundant or there is an absence of it), observe the changes, and note what is not normal for you.

Enjoy each season and make the most of it. You are a woman capable of anything you set your mind to, including having a good time regardless of the seasons, the weather, or your period. 

And always remember that you can feel much more comfortable and confident with our eco-friendly menstrual panties.