I get asked this question a lot so thought id do a deep dive and answer some questions around whether its safe to train while you have your period?!
As women, we all know that our menstrual cycle can bring on a range of different feelings and experiences. Some days we may feel energetic and motivated, while others we may feel fatigued and unmotivated. It’s normal to wonder how your menstrual cycle affects your ability to exercise, and whether it’s safe to continue with your usual workouts during your period. In this article, we’ll dive into these questions and explore the relationship between exercise and your menstrual cycle.
Do My Energy Levels Change During My Period?
It’s common to experience changes in energy levels during your menstrual cycle. This is due to fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen, which rises during the first half of your cycle, can contribute to increased energy levels, while progesterone, which increases during the second half of your cycle, can cause fatigue. Additionally, you may experience a drop in energy levels during your period as your body loses iron through menstrual blood loss.
However, exercise can actually help to counteract these energy fluctuations. Even a short, low-intensity workout can help to elevate your mood and energy levels, thanks to the endorphins released during exercise. So while you may feel a bit more fatigued during your period, getting in some exercise can actually help boost your energy and mood.
Does My Menstrual Cycle Affect My Ability To Exercise?
For most women, your menstrual cycle should not affect your ability to exercise. In fact, many women find that they are able to perform just as well, if not better, during certain stages of their cycle. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you may experience some discomfort or cramping during your period, which could impact your ability to exercise. It’s important to listen to your body and adjust your workout accordingly. For example, if you typically do high-intensity workouts but are experiencing cramps, you may want to switch to low-intensity exercises lessen weights, reps sets or even break times..
Second, if you experience heavy bleeding or have a more severe form of menstrual cramps, you may need to take a break from exercising altogether. Always prioritise your health and well-being over your workout routine. It's important to listen to your body.
Can Exercise Help Menstrual Cramps?
While exercise may not cure menstrual cramps altogether, it can certainly help alleviate some of the discomfort. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. Additionally, working out can help improve circulation, which can ease cramps. Again, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust your exercise routine as needed. If you’re experiencing severe cramps, you may want to opt for a low-impact workout or skip your workout altogether.
In conclusion, your menstrual cycle shouldn’t hold you back from your exercise routine. While you may experience changes in energy levels and discomfort during certain stages of your cycle, you can still continue with your workouts. As always, listen to your body and adjust as needed. By prioritising your health and well-being, you can still achieve your fitness goals while navigating your menstrual cycle.