Periods and Exams: How To Study During Periods
Getting your periods during your exams can be difficult, you are already under some stress and now you have to deal with your period. Although being on your period doesn’t reduce your intelligence levels it can be a bloody distraction.
All sorts of worries may run through your mind, such as “what if I get menstrual cramps, what if my tummy bloats, what if I leak, or I need the toilet during my exam?”
All of these thoughts are understandable, and fortunately, there are things you can do to prepare and ensure you are comfortable throughout your exams.
Plan ahead of time when you may be due on your period. This can be difficult for those who have irregular periods, but if you can make an educated guess, this can reduce the risk of Aunt Flo making a surprise visit.
Revising for an exam can be difficult when experiencing cramps or bleeding, so if you know you’re going to be on your period, try doing the bulk of your studying a week earlier. That way you can re-read and brush up on your learning during your period week.
Your exam may last for 2-3 hours and during that time you don’t want to be worried your period protection may let you down.
A practical and comfortable solution is to wear WUKA period pants. The pants are able to hold up to 4 tampons-worth of blood (20ml), meaning the pants will absorb your flow throughout your exam. The pants are well-fitted and provide coverage at the front and back to ensure against leaks.
There are various ways to relieve period pain and you will need to find what works best for you. It may be that paracetamol and/or ibuprofen are enough to dull your cramps. If these don’t have an effect, speak to your doctor about other options.
Wearing a heated pad across your stomach during your exam could be a comfortable and useful way to soothe period pain. Ask a teacher beforehand if you will be able to take a hot water bottle or heat pad into your exam.
⛹🏾Exercise 🚵🏽
Exercise causes the chemical dopamine to be released into the body. This has a positive effect on both physical and emotional wellness, such as helping to reduce period cramps, improve concentration, and improve energy levels. It doesn’t have to be long intense workouts, a jog around the block or stretching exercises can be effective.
Eating Well
Eating the right foods can have a positive effect on managing your period. Leading up to your exams try and eat foods packed with magnesium as this will help reduce menstrual cramps. Magnesium can be found in foods such as brown rice, dark chocolate, avocados, bananas, and leafy greens. If you feel as though you may benefit from taking a magnesium supplement then talk this over with your pharmacist or doctor.
Bloating is another symptom of periods that we could do without whilst studying and sitting exams. Try to avoid sugary foods and limit the number of fizzy drinks you consume. Drinking herbal teas, such as ginger and lemon, can reduce bloating and ease stomach discomfort.
In Closing
It’s not pleasant experiencing menstrual cramps and other period-related symptoms, especially whilst studying and sitting exams.
The key is to be as prepared as you can be. Plan ahead for both your exams and your period. Determine what will work for you, whether that’s exercising, taking a heat pad into the exam with you eating and drinking the right foods, wearing WUKA’s period pants, and using pain relief.
Finally, WUKA wishes you all the best in your exams.
This blog post is written by Rebekah Louise.
