How to Comfort a Girl on Her Period
Period Hacks

How to Comfort a Girl on Her Period

 

It's the bloodiest time of the month again (pun intended!). Your favorite girl is acting moody, grumpy, and just plain unpredictable to be around, and to top it all off - she's on her period. As if dealing with your emotions wasn't hard enough, you now have to tiptoe around your partner lest you set her off. 


Most men want to be supportive when their girlfriend is on her period, but they may not know precisely how to go about it. But don't worry; we're here to help you navigate these choppy waters and ensure you don't do anything to worsen the situation.


It isn't easy, but with some help, you can get through this extraordinary time without a hitch.


UNDERSTANDING A WOMAN'S PERIOD


As a guy, I don't really have to worry about getting my period. However, that doesn't mean I'm not interested in understanding what's going on with my partner when she's on her period. After all, it can be a challenging time for her, and if I can do anything to make it easier, I'm certainly going to try. 


In this blog post, I want to talk about what periods are, why women experience certain things during their periods, and how men can support women during this time. 


What is a period? 


A period is the shedding of the uterine lining. It generally lasts between 3 and 5 days. Some women experience minimal bleeding, while others can experience heavy bleeding. Cramps, bloating, mood swings, i.e., "short fuse," and fatigue are also common during this time. 


Cramps 


The most common symptom of periods is cramps. Cramps are caused by the uterus contracting to expel the uterine lining. These contractions can be so strong that they cause pain in the lower abdomen, back, and thighs. Some women also experience nausea and vomiting during this time. 


Mood swings 


Another common symptom of periods is mood swings. These swings are caused by changes in hormone levels, specifically progesterone and estrogen. When these hormone levels drop, it can trigger feelings of sadness, irritability, and anxiety. 


Bloating 


Bloating is another symptom caused by hormonal changes. During your period, your body retains more water than usual, which can cause you to feel bloated and uncomfortable. This extra water weight can also contribute to weight gain during periods. 


Breakouts 


Hormonal changes can also cause an increase in oil production, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts. If they typically have clear skin, you may notice an increase in blemishes during their period. 


Why do women experience certain things during their periods? 

 

 

There are a number of explanations for why women experience certain things during their periods. For one thing, the hormone levels in a woman's body fluctuate during her menstrual cycle. These hormonal fluctuations can cause changes in mood and energy levels. Additionally, some women retain more water during their periods, which can lead to bloating. Finally, the uterus contracts during menstruation to shed the uterine lining. These contractions can cause cramps. 


THE IMPORTANCE OF A SUPPORT SYSTEM DURING PERIODS


For women, menstruation is a natural and essential process that occurs every month. However, it can also be uncomfortable and disruptive. Many women feel awkward or even self-conscious about their bodies during their periods. Having a sound support system can make all the difference between suffering through the week and enjoying life despite some temporary discomfort. 


It's the time when our girls lean on us for the support they need. With our help, they can feel less alone and more capable of handling their discomfort. Additionally, a supportive network like ours can help them take care of themselves physically and emotionally.


WAYS TO COMFORT A GIRL ON HER PERIOD

 

 

 

This guide is for the men out there who scratch their heads when their wives or girlfriends are simply not who they usually are at this particular time. In short, this guide is for the men who just don't get it but are willing to try. 


Without further ado, let's dig into these tips to help you comfort your girlfriend and be the best boyfriend or husband during this time of the month. 


  • Do not Ignore her pain.

Dealing with period pain is no picnic for anyone involved – neither the woman who's going through it nor the people around her. But just because we don't fully understand doesn't mean we should ignore it or downplay its significance. So next time your partner or friend complains about her cramps or other symptoms, lend a sympathetic ear and try to be as helpful as possible. Chances are, she'll appreciate it more than you know!


  • Be Emotionally Supportive.

Your girlfriend is fully aware that she's behaving irrationally, and she hates herself for it. The last thing she wants to hear from you is to "calm down" or "relax." It'll only make her more upset. Granted, you probably don't mean anything by it, but statements like these can come across as tone-deaf or even dismissive. Let her vent and be understanding, even if it means putting up with a little extra drama. If you intend to diffuse the situation, try something more along the lines of, "It sounds like this is really frustrating for you." 


  • Help Her With Self-Care.

A nice, relaxing massage can do wonders for helping your lady feel better during her period. Target specific areas like her lower back and shoulders, which tend to get especially tense when she's on her period. A little TLC goes a long way when she's not feeling her best. Draw her a bath, or spend quality time cuddling on the couch. Sometimes all she needs is a little extra love and attention.


  • Offer to Get Her Whatever She Needs.

Offering to go out and get her whatever she needs is always a great idea. Whether it's her favorite candy bar or heating pad, let her know that you're happy to make a quick trip to the store so she can have what she needs. Make sure that she has everything she needs—and then some. This means stocking up on all necessary supplies, like tampons, pads, pain relievers, ice cream, and chocolate shakes. If you're not sure what she needs, just ask. 


  • Send Her Sweet Messages.

Don't hesitate to tell her how much you appreciate her even though she's feeling under the weather. A simple "I hope you're feeling better" or "I'm thinking of you today can go a long way toward making her feel loved and supported. Small gestures can go a long way during this time. 


  • Bring her Period Comfort Food.

Cravings are real and are especially strong when a woman is on her period. So, unless you want your girlfriend to turn into a raging lunatic, it's best not to question her food choices and just bring it over. Just let her enjoy her ice cream in peace!


  • Avoid anything that might make her feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.

This includes talking about her weight, skin, or hair. The last thing she wants to hear is how "frumpy" she looks. There are specific topics that are best avoided altogether when your girlfriend is on her period. These include but are not limited to: her weight, other girls, exes, and anything else that might ruffle her feathers. If you can think of something that might upset her, it's probably best to steer clear of it.


  • Do something nice for her. 

Go the extra mile. This could be making her breakfast in bed or doing the dishes without being asked. Something to show her that you care. Maybe she doesn't feel like cooking or cleaning up after herself. Offer to do some of the chores for her to put her feet up and relax. And don't forget the flowers! A small bouquet can go a long way in cheering her up.


  • Give her a good hug. 

Sometimes, all she needs is a good hug. Many women find that physical touch can be comforting during this time of the month. So don't be afraid to give her a big hug when she seems like she could use one. 


  • Be Patient and Understanding

We know it's tough, but try to be patient with your partner during this time. She's dealing with many hormonal changes, which can wreak havoc on her emotions. Just ride it out, and things will eventually return to normal. Try to put yourself in her shoes and understand what she's going through. Please offer your support and understanding, and let her know that you're there for her no matter what. 



THINGS TO AVOID WHILE YOUR GIRL'S ON PERIOD



As it is, dealing with a girlfriend's period can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be! Remember to avoid these four things, and you'll be golden. Plus, if you can make it through her period without screwing up, she'll be that much more grateful (and likely to put out). ;-)

 

  • DON'T TRY TO FIX HER MOOD

There's nothing you can do to "fix" your girlfriend's mood when she's on her period. It's hormonal, it's natural, and it's out of her control. Just be supportive and understanding, and let her know that you're there for her no matter what. Trying to fix her mood will only make things worse.

 

  • DON'T IGNORE HER NEEDS

Just because your girlfriend is on her period doesn't mean that her needs should be ignored. In fact, this is a time when she probably needs your support more than ever. Whether she needs some quality time alone or a shoulder to cry on, make sure you're respecting her needs and giving her the space and attention she deserves.

 

  • DON'T MAKE JOKES ABOUT IT

It might seem like an easy way to lighten the mood, but making jokes about your girlfriend's period is a surefire way to piss her off. Periods are no joke—they're a totally natural part of a woman's life, and they shouldn't be the punchline of jokes or used as ammunition in arguments. Save the jokes for another time. 



SUMMING IT UP!


So there you have it! If you're looking for ways to support the women in your life during their periods, try following these tips. From offering to get her what she needs to simply lend a listening ear, there are plenty of ways to show your solidarity - no matter how uncomfortable it might make you feel. Tell her you care, and you're there for her, and she'll appreciate it more than you know.


Remember, if you ever find yourself scratching your head in confusion, just refer back to this guide.