Ladies, have you noticed any changes in your menstrual cycle during hot weather or summer season? Did you know? Just like your mood, even the weather can take a toll on your periods. Yes, a majority of women may experience changes in menstruation when the weather is hot and humid. Seasonal change is known to have a connection with your menstruation. During summer, the periods may become longer or more frequent. Adolescent girls and peri-menopause women suffer more as hormones are unstable in their case. Besides, rising levels of mercury, dehydration, and constant sweating during summer can affect menstruation. In the below article, Dr. Meeta Nakhare, Gynecologist, Lokmanya Hospital, Pune is explaining the link between hot weather and menstruation.
Does Hot Weather Affect Menstrual Cycle?
According to research, too much exposure to the sun can lead to changes in the length of the period. Similarly, if you happen to move to a new area where the weather is hot or cold then your body will have difficulty adjusting to the temperature. Hence, the length of your periods can vary. Menstruation can get affected by weather.
Various studies also confirm that Vitamin D helps the body with the production of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which regulates reproductive functions. There will be more ovarian activity and longer periods when the temperature outside is hot. Women living in hot weather tend to wear clothes that cover the body. This leads to vitamin D deficiency. Low levels of vitamin D has correlation with poor ovarian reserve.
Also Read: How Smoking Affects Menstrual Functions of Women
What causes changes in periods during hot weather?
Obviously temperature is the only changing factor that can cause irregularity and complications during menstruation. But as per doctor, the temperature may not exactly impact the periods, but it can trigger various worrisome symptoms such as fatigue, stress, acne, and even discomfort that are often seen during menstruation.
- A majority of women will also suffer from yeast infection during menstruation because of increased activity in hot and a humid environment that is a breeding ground for the bacteria to thrive.
- Furthermore, vaginal infections during summer can also be one of the factors behind irregular menstruation.
- Excessive sweating can lead to electrolyte imbalance, itchy skin, and yeast infections during summer.
- Dietary habits also impact menstruation. If you consume heat-generating foods like papaya, pineapple, mangoes, etc. in summer season, you are highly likely to have early periods with heavy bleeding.
- These foods generate heat around the pelvic region increasing the frequency of uterine contractions.
- Higher levels of stress and exertion are also prominent factors that can prepone or postpone your menstrual cycle.
- Exercises regularly during the summer months can make your cycle longer by a day or two.
- Hormonal fluctuations during periods can make your body retain more water and salt than usual. You will be bloated during the periods.
- Extreme heat also leads to dehydration and discomfort during menstruation.
- You will end up becoming cranky and irritated. You will also feel anxious and depressed during your periods. Also, the period pin can interfere with your ability to do the daily chores with ease.
How to regulate periods in hot weather?
Here are some tips suggested by doctor to keep your menstrual cycle unaffected from weather and temperature:
- It will be imperative for you to drink enough water which can help you to manage dehydration and headache.
- Try to avoid salty foods to prevent water retention and bloating.
- Opt for fruits and salads. Cut down on junk, spicy, oily, and canned foods as they contain preservatives that can hamper your menstrual cycle.
- Exercise daily to stay stress-free and healthy but do gentle stretches as heavy exercising is found to affect menstrual flow.
- Maintain good personal hygiene, wear loose cotton clothes/underwear, take frequent baths, and change your sanitary pads or tampons from time to time to avoid yeast infections.
Conclusion
Weather or temperature definitely has a link with menstrual cycle. Most women get affected but there is nothing to worry about as it is completely normal. However, if you experience major issues, you must exercise the tips mentioned above. These will resolve your problem.
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