The UK is gripped in the middle of a potentially record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures steadily creeping up to a point where some parts of the country could reach upwards of 40 °C. While that’s hard to handle for anyone who doesn’t own a private pool, there’s something especially trying about having your period in the middle of this sweltering weather. Extremely hot weather wreaks havoc on our cycles, with many of the more frustrating symptoms associated with menstruation being exacerbated by the heat, says Dr Sharia Malik, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at The Portland Hospital. A connection has been found between hot weather in summer months and the length of menstruation, she tells Stylist “Increased exposure to the sun can lead to changes in the duration of your period. Similarly, if you are suddenly in much hotter weather, then your body may have difficulty adjusting to the temperature. This is because your body is accustomed to regulating your internal body temperature according to your usual environment, so soaring temperatures during a heatwave can send the body into ‘shock’, making this adjustment harder. An inability to regulate body temperature efficiently has been linked to periods that are longer. While you probably won’t have heavier periods in a heatwave, it might feel worse, because heat can affect our stress levels. The psychological symptoms typically attributed to periods such as low mood, anxiety and fearfulness rear their ugly heads far quicker than when they would on a cooler day. Estrogen and progesterone are the main hormones which fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, and the stress hormone cortisol can have a significant impact on this, Dr Malik adds. When trying to go about everyday activities in extreme heat, stress levels naturally tend to rise, leading to an increase in cortisol. The increase in cortisol can decrease progesterone levels, resulting in higher levels of estrogen and a hormone imbalance. This hormonal imbalance can accentuate symptoms such as stress, anxiety and tension. Physiological symptoms of periods are also exacerbated, as your bodies battle the heat as well as your monthly cycle. Higher temperatures make your period headaches feel harsher than usual, says Dr Sam Wild, women’s health clinical lead for Bupa UK. This is because your blood vessels will be trying to adapt to your surroundings. If you’re feeling dehydrated, your blood vessels contract, but when you’re warm, they expand. She goes on to explain that heatwave periods can make it even harder to get to sleep because our body temperature is already higher than usual during menstruation. Your body uses more energy when you’re on your period, so it means you’re likely to feel even groggier during a heatwave, especially if you’re not sleeping well. While it’s tempting to snack on sorbets and sugary iced lattes in the sun, sensible nutrition choices will make periods less of a pain in the heat. Staying hydrated can reduce your chances of getting dehydration headaches, Dr Wild says. Avoid high sugary drinks, caffeine, alcohol which is notorious for causing dehydration. Water rich fruits, such as watermelon and cucumber, help with hydration and sweet fruits, such as pomegranate, mango and oranges can help curb your sugar cravings. For dinner, a balanced meal made up of key components can remedy menstrual symptoms and assist in fighting off more troublesome symptoms. Chicken and fish are both high in iron and protein to help boost energy levels, Dr Wild continues. Kale and spinach can boost your iron levels to help you feel stronger. Meanwhile, ginger has anti-inflammatory effects, which can soothe achy muscles.
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