7 Frequently Asked Questions about Periods

Puberty can feel odd. Your body is going through so many changes you may not know how to deal with them. No matter what your age and what stage of life you're in, we at Stay Sure have compiled these questions to help you understand your period and female puberty better.

1. Why Do My Breasts Hurt During My Period?

Breast soreness around the time of your period is called Cyclical Mastalgia. It occurs due to fluctuating hormone levels in the body — estrogen and progesterone. The first makes the breast ducts enlarge while the latter causes milk glands to swell. You may feel tenderness, throbbing, aching, burning or even a stabbing pain in and around the breast. Typically, the pain occurs before the onset of your period and you feel relieved when you start menstruating.

2. Why Do Periods Hurt So Badly?

Painful periods are called Dysmenorrhea. Not everyone has painful periods and the severity of the pain varies from person to person. When you're menstruating the uterus sheds its inner lining. Pain occurs because the muscles in the wall of the womb are contracting. The cramps are caused by prostaglandins — if there are more prostaglandins, the pain is more severe. As they are released from the body, the pain subsides. If the pain doesn't allow you to carry on daily activities, consult your doctor.

3. Why Do I Feel Bloated During My Period?

Many people experience bloating during their period. It mostly occurs in the breasts, face, abdomen, legs, ankles and feet. Bloating occurs because the hormonal changes in the body make your body retain more water. Cravings for junk food at this time also increase — junk food is high in sodium, and when you eat more salt, your body automatically retains more water, adding to your bloating.

4. Why Do I Have Food Cravings When I'm on My Period?

There are a number of reasons why this could happen. The first is the change in hormone levels that lead to sugar cravings. The second is a drop in the levels of Serotonin — the feel-good chemical in your brain. When this drops we tend to crave sugar and carbohydrates, since carbohydrates are used to make Serotonin. Eating smaller meals through the day and more complex carbs (which take longer for your body to absorb) will help reduce the cravings.

5. What Colour Is Period Blood?

Period blood ranges in colour from bright red to a dark brown to an almost bluish-black shade. Don't let this startle you. The blood changes colour according to how long it has been exposed to air — a bit like a regular wound. If the blood has been in the uterus for longer, it will be darker in colour. The colour of the blood also indicates hormone levels. For example, a purplish colour could indicate too much estrogen. The variation in colour is usually nothing to worry about.

6. Is It Normal to Have Irregular Periods?

Usually your menstrual cycle will take a couple of years to settle down. It is quite normal to skip periods or have irregular periods initially. If you don't get your periods for more than three months, consult a doctor. Similarly, if you get your periods more often than once in three weeks, you should consult a doctor.

7. How Often Should I Change My Pad?

There is no hard and fast rule to this and most often it depends on personal preferences. It is however important to maintain good hygiene during your period. If your pad feels wet and saturated, it is time to change it. Even if you haven't bled all day but have worn the pad, it is advisable to change it. For most people, a change once every 4-6 hours usually works.

Pads come with different absorption capacities. The Stay Sure 240mm Extra Cottony Pads are great for regular flow, while the Stay Sure 320mm XXL Extra Cotton Pads are ideal for heavy flow days. For the last few lighter days, Stay Sure Panty Liners offer discreet, comfortable protection.

Understanding your period leads to better menstrual management and better menstrual hygiene. With the Stay Sure range of pads you can be assured of 24x7 protection from messy periods.