Happy July, to my lovely subbies! I’m currently on day 4 of my cycle, my period has been good to me, and so far, so has summer! I hope you can say the same ;).
Keeping It Cool, As We Bleed…
A few months ago on my Instagram stories, I asked do you suffer with hot flashes during or before your period? About 80% of you said you wanted tips on how to stay cool, so did some research.
Myth: Only menopausal women have hot flashes “objection your honour…currently sweating rn!”
The graph below shows the typical hormonal fluctuations which cause our varying symptoms and experiences during the menstrual cycle. This includes temperature waves.
It’s a hormonal “All Rise” for the ovulation phase. After which we enter into our luteal phase, where the leading hormone Progesterone takes centre stage. Progesterone is responsible for the increase of body heat here, and this is totally normal. My temperature goes from like 36.25 to 36.67 give or take. I used to sweat a lot during the latter end of my luteal phase, and through days 1-3 of my period, but i’ve been working on hormone balance for quite some time, and i’m going to share cooling tips that you might find helpful too. Keeping a cycle chart, will also be helpful in noting when exactly you feel this increase, what symptoms you’re having, and where. We will talk more about signs of hormonal imbalance, but if you’re curious now, here’s a trusted Podcast/Article.
* Staying hydrated is underrated! I shared on Insta how I struggle to drink water during my period- it’s getting better though. Try cooling cucumber water, cucumber salads, lots of fruits, light clothing & lots of herbal tea.
* Speaking of tea, Hibiscus (commonly known as sorrel) is a refrigerant herb, which means It’s cooling action works on bringing down internal temperatures. This is what we want not only in the summer, but during inner summers like ovulation, or hot flashes.
* Moon Tea is a hibiscus based blend you often see me drinking. It has calming, soothing and balancing effects for your cycle, so it’s a tea for all cycle round! I brew a big tea pot full and cool for iced tea (when i’m not bleeding)
* The Mint Family: Sage, Peppermint & Spearmint are also amazingly cooling herbs, and ones we might think of when adorning iced drinks. Try making a herbal infusion of sage with peppermint to sip as a tea, the herbs here will also help you feel more refreshed during your period. You could also keep it in the fridge in a spray bottle. 🌿 The Sage acts as an astringent, which means it may help you sweat less too! I often use peppermint and spearmint essential oils in a spray bottle for a quick spritz.
* Cooling Period Patches: If you experience menstrual cramps and you don’t want to use a hot water bottle, BeYou patches may be useful. You will have seen me using them on Instagram too because they are so good! Not the same as a heat patch but very effective and worth a try. ‘DESTINY10’
* Breathable Period Products: The last thing you want on a hot day, or hot period, is to be uncomfortable and sweating ‘down there’. I find that reusables are much more cooling, and comfy, and honestly, i’ve tried using a cup again because the less down there the better for me!
💕My Faves Period Wear💕
* COCORO ‘Heavy Flow Period Shorts (these are great for overnight, I wear size M for comfort as they come up a little small for, although i’m a dress size 8)
* NORA reusable pads (I’d buy maybe 4" “moderate or heavy” pads as I get the most wear out of these) 20% off when you spend £30: ‘DESTINY20’
* Saalt Menstrual cup (according to my research, this cup is the softest but do explore options!) ‘DESTINY20’ for 20% off your first purchase
However, you’re spending this summer, I hope you stay cool during your entire cycle! Let me know if you try anything recommended, and I will catch up with you soon x
PS. Do we want a little summer soireé soon? We could make that happen.. A herbal iced tea party…? Message me your thoughts ✨🧺🌺🌤🍇🎂🍷
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