Periods can feel like a rollercoaster ride - cramps, mood swings, and low energy are just a few of the challenges. While you can’t always stop the chaos, there’s one simple yet effective way to support your body: staying hydrated. Drinking enough water during your cycle isn’t just about staying refreshed - it can help alleviate symptoms, improve energy levels, and support your overall well-being. Let’s explore how hydration can make a meaningful difference during your period.

Why Hydration Matters

Your body works overtime during your period. Hormonal changes, fluid loss, and increased inflammation can all leave you feeling out of balance. Drinking enough water helps regulate these shifts, reducing bloating, easing cramps, and keeping energy levels steady. Dehydration during periods can make symptoms worse - think headaches, fatigue, and even more intense cramps.

By staying on top of your water intake, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to handle the demands of menstruation- and it’s one of the easiest self-care moves you can make.

Benefits of Drinking Water During Periods

1. Combat Bloating: Ever notice that uncomfortable bloating during your period, like your stomach has a mind of its own? It’s a common struggle, often caused by excess sodium. Staying hydrated can help counteract this by flushing out sodium and reducing that swollen feeling. Think of it as giving your body a reset, helping you feel lighter, more balanced, and at ease.
2. Reduce Cramps: Period cramps can be a real pain - literally. But staying hydrated can make a difference. Proper hydration helps keep your muscles relaxed, which can reduce the intensity of those painful uterine contractions. For an added boost, try sipping warm water during your period. It can improve blood flow and help ease tension in your lower abdomen, providing soothing relief when you need it most.
3. Boost Energy and Focus: Feeling drained or struggling to focus? Dehydration might be to blame. During your period, your body loses fluids, and if you don’t replenish them, fatigue can hit hard. Staying hydrated helps your body deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently, keeping you energised and mentally sharp throughout the day.
4. Beyond Water: The Lemon Honey Mix: Want to take your hydration game up a notch? Try lemon honey water. This simple, delicious drink not only keeps you hydrated but also offers added benefits. Lemon provides a vitamin C boost, which can reduce inflammation and support your immune system. Honey adds a natural sweetness while supplying your body with antioxidants and energy. Together, they’re a winning combo to help you feel refreshed and balanced during your cycle.

What Happens When You Don’t Hydrate

Not drinking enough water during your period can bring on some unwelcome side effects. Dehydration can lead to headaches, dry skin, and constipation - complications you definitely don’t need when already managing period symptoms. It can also intensify cramps and leave you feeling more drained than usual.

The good news? Staying hydrated can help you avoid these issues. By prioritising hydration, you can make your period a little easier to navigate and keep discomfort from escalating.

Tips for Managing Hydration During Your Period

1. Set a Goal
   Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily but listen to your body. If you feel thirsty or notice dark urine, drink up - it’s your body’s way of asking for more.
2. Carry a Water Bottle
   Having water within reach makes it easier to stay consistent. Choose a reusable bottle and make hydration a habit throughout your day.
3. Get Creative with Drinks
   If plain water isn’t your thing, mix it up! Add fruits like berries or mint leaves for a hint of flavour. Herbal teas and drinks like lemon honey water are also great ways to hydrate while giving your body extra nutrients.
4. Include Hydrating Foods
   Hydration isn’t just about drinking water - foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges are rich in water content and can help you stay hydrated. Plus, they’re incredibly refreshing and make for a healthy, satisfying snack.
5. Sip Warm Water
   Drinking warm water during menstruation can be deeply calming, especially when cramps or bloating strike. It’s like a gentle, comforting hug for your body.

Hydration Myths: Let’s Debunk Them

1. “Drinking water makes you bloated.”
   Actually, it’s the opposite! Staying hydrated helps your body flush out excess fluids, reducing bloating.
2. “You don’t need as much water during your period.”
   False. If anything, your body needs more water to counteract fluid loss and manage hormonal changes.
3. “Coffee and soda count as hydration.”
   Not quite. While these drinks do contain water, the caffeine can dehydrate you. Stick to water, herbal teas, or hydrating foods for the best results.

Your period doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. By focusing on hydration, you can tackle cramps, bloating, and fatigue head-on. Drinking water during periods is a simple but powerful tool to make those days a little easier. Whether it’s plain water, lemon honey water, or even sipping warm water during your period, find what works best for you and stick with it.

Remember, taking care of yourself during your cycle isn’t just about surviving - it’s about thriving. So, grab your favourite water bottle and cheers to a more comfortable period.

Love, Libra x 

Essity makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.