The periods you get during the summer's hot weather can feel like the most annoying periods of the year.
It’s summer and all you want is to be on an outdoor adventure with your besties or on a breezy bike ride with your boo. The last thing you want is for bloating (due to fluid retention), fatigue, moodiness, and, the worst culprit of all, cramps, to throw a wrench in your plans.
Not to mention, the warmer weather can make it a lot harder to lean on your tried and true period pain relievers and wellness routines. When the heat hits a high, it’s way too warm to brew a comforting cup of tea or luxuriate in a steamy bubble bath.
Suddenly, your ritual of grabbing your favorite heating pad and cozying up on the couch under a pile of blankets for a reality TV binge is out of question. Really, the only period comfort you can rely on year-round (heatwave approved), is your fave pair of period underwear.
Summer periods are giving HOT and bothered—and not in a fun, summer fling kind of way.
But before you cancel your plans and throw your go-to rituals out the window, we’ve got some promising tips to help you cope in a heatwave by adapting your period rituals.
Make a Splash With Hydrotherapy
Period day = beach day???
You may think the reason a long hot bath helps ease your cramps and improve your mood during your menstrual cycle is because of the heat. Warm water can support relief for painful periods by helping alleviate tension and reduce inflammation—but that’s actually only half the story.
The pressure and buoyancy of water can also boast pain-relieving benefits. Getting into some water, regardless of whether it's a hot bath or the cool ocean, can help to ease some of your negative period symptoms.
So, when you get your period this summer, consider making it a beach, lake, or pool day with friends—bonus points if your cycles sync up. Whether it’s a lazy float or a low-intensity swim, hydrotherapy can work wonders.
If you’re feeling worried about managing your flow while in the water, period-proof swimwear has got you covered. From plunge-worthy bikini sets to classic one pieces, the built-in Leakproof protection helps absorb about 1 regular tampon worth of period leaks.
Hot Weather Hydration
Red raspberry leaf for the win.
Tea can help with everything from easing cramps, promoting better sleep, soothing mood swings, and helping reduce bloating. All to say, it can be a trusted ally when your menstrual cycle coincides with hot weather.
You may be used to having a soothing cup of hot tea, but put it on ice and you have a refreshing elixir. Iced herbal tea can give your body that extra boost it needs during your period, helping you cool off and stay hydrated when the humidex soars.
Here’s how you can make yourself a delicious iced tea from home:
- Step 1: Round up your favorite herbs or teas to drink during your period. (This can include Red Raspberry Leaf, Hibiscus, Nettles, Chamomile, etc.)
- Step 2: Add them to a teapot of boiled water to steep for 5 to 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Fill half a glass or pitcher (depending on how much tea you made) with ice.
- Step 4: Carefully pour the hot tea on top of the ice and give it a stir. After a few minutes the ice will have melted and you will have perfect iced tea.
For extra sweetness, you can add honey or maple syrup. Summer-y fresh herbs, fruit, or citrus slices can also add a dash of nutrients and flavor to this soothing seasonal beverage.
Swap Your Heating Pad for an Ice Pack
Help relieve pesky cramps while cooling off when the hot weather peaks.
When your fans are on full blast but every surface area of your body is still covered in sweat, the last thing you’ll want to reach for when period cramps set in is your heating pad or hot water bottle.
While heat is effective at stimulating blood flow and lessening cramping, ice packs and cooling pads can also help reduce inflammation and numb pain. During a heatwave, it will also come with the added benefit of helping lower your body temperature during on the hottest of summer days.
Cold therapy is often used by physical therapists alongside heat therapy for better results. There’s also some evidence to suggest that cold water and compresses can be used to stimulate your vagus nerve—the bedrock of your parasympathetic nervous system—to help alleviate anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and brain fog.
To help with mood-related period symptoms, you can try pressing an ice pack or cooling pad to your chest for 15-30 minutes (this is called icing your vagus nerve) to help relax and reset your nervous system.
Prioritize Your Comfort
Comfort is always best when it doesn't come at the expense of wearing what you want. And when it comes to how to cope in a heatwave, comfort is of extra importance.
When the temperatures are scorching, chances are the sweat and friction between your thighs could start a small fire. Add your period to the mix and all of a sudden you're thinking twice about those denim shorts.
For a lightweight and breezy short that can be worn under your favorite sundresses and summer skirts, there's the Leakproof Thigh Saver. They help protect your thighs from chafing, while making your period an afterthought (they absorb about 3 regular tampons worth of blood!).
From summer sweat to monthly periods, it's a must-have that makes it easy to be out and about all summer long. Plus, you'll never have to unstick your thighs from a park bench or subway seat ever again.
Keep Lifestyle Factors in Mind
Summer often equates to days working in coffee shops with iced lattes in hand, before hitting up happy hour for margaritas and tacos. You’re living your best life—and we love that for you.
But something to keep in mind, especially if you find your menstrual cycle challenging, are everyday lifestyle factors that can cause inflammation and aggravate period symptoms.
Lifestyle factors, like increased caffeine and alcohol intake, sleep disturbances (because of the heat!) and quantity (because of the parties!), and eating out at restaurants more often can impact your hormone levels.
Loading up on nutritious, fiber- and iron-rich foods can be an easy way to find balance amidst the excesses of summer. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, full nights of sleep, and lots of hydration can also help you maintain your menstrual health throughout the sunniest of seasons.
There's also evidence to suggest that vitamin D exposure can help alleviate longterm period pain. If you're hoping to avoid UV rays and the subsequent spike in body temperature, vitamin D supplements can also be effective.
Maybe Skip That Intense Workout
It’s OK to slow down.
If you’re someone who loves an intense sweat session or heated yoga class, but the idea of being in a sweltering studio sounds (understandably) less than ideal, consider changing up your routine.
Not only will slower, more gentle workouts ensure you don’t overheat, but low impact movement can also be beneficial for your menstrual health.
Instead of a vinyasa class, opt for a yin or hatha class, or head to a movement space where the air conditioning will be blasting. Another option is to skip the hot weather altogether and opt for low intensity, relaxing stretches and movements from the comfort of home.
—
Summer is for lots of things: double scoops of ice cream, long walks in the sand, sun-bleached hair, and freckled noses. It’s hardly a time to be tormented by your menstrual cycle.
Despite this, sometimes we have to tune in and listen to what our bodies need—whether that looks like a beach day or clutching your cooling pad during a movie marathon.