How to Be Comfortable While on Your Period (Teens)

Last Updated: July 13, 2022 References Approved

Having a period is a part of growing up. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Are you having a bad day on your period? Finding ways to be comfortable, while staying healthy, is the key to dealing with a monthly part of mother nature that will be with you for a number of years of your life.

1

Wear comfortable clothes.

Choose clothing that is loose, not tight or constricting. This is especially important around your waist and stomach area. Select underwear that is able to hold sanitary products in place. Wear clothing that breathes, to avoid feeling sweaty or hot.
- Choose an old pair of underpants. That way you will not mind so much if they get stained and you can use them as a spare for emergencies.
- You can also try to wear shorts that are wide to conceal the pad (if you are using one).
- Loose, elasticized clothing is ideal for bloating and comfort. Sweatpants and sweatshirts are great clothing for when you are on your period.

2

Relax.

Use your down time to hang out in comfy positions. Try lying down if you don't feel well. Sleeping has a lot of restorative power, especially when you feel tired or down.^{[1]
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3

Do things that make you feel good

Listen to music, read a good book, or watch your favorite show. Wear your favorite jewelry and make-up or enjoy a hobby. Keeping busy and happy while on your period helps to distract you from thinking about it.

4

Spend time with people you enjoy being around.

Hanging out with friends is a great way to keep your mind off things. Besides, your female friends go through the same thing.

5

Use the right sanitary products to prevent leaks.

Experiment with stronger pads or use tampons as needed. Alternatively, use underpants with strong elastic that molds closely to you. Avoid underpants that sag or have loose elastic.^{[2]
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- Try using period panties. They're helpful for heavy flows, because they can prevent leakage onto your pants or shorts. These panties are breathable, making them safer and much more comfortable.

6

Change your sanitary product often.

Stay fresh and leak-free by changing your pad or tampon every few hours. Preferably, if you have a lighter flow, use a pantyliner. If your flow is heavy, then consider using pads (there are a variety of pads that you can choose from, depending on your menstrual flow), tampons and pantyliners, or menstrual cups.^{[3]
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- If you feel that using pads and tampons is annoying, try to use a menstrual cup, it does not absorb the fluid so it is less mess and less worry. A menstrual cup is often good for up to 12 hours and is reusable.^{[4]
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7

Take medicine to help with cramps.

Ask a parent or doctor about over-the-counter pain medication. Medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Or try some exercise to lessen the pain of period cramps. If your pain does not subside, do not self-diagnose. It would be a good idea to get some guidance from your family doctor, or your pharmacist.^{[5]
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- Check the internet for a variety of exercise sites devoted to reducing the pain of menstruation.^{[6]
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8

Eat nutritious food that is healthy for you.

Eating fruits and vegetables is good for the body. As well, you should include food that is rich iron when you are menstruating, to replace the iron you lose in the blood during your period.^{[7]
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- Though you may be tempted to eat junk food, these types of food can actually make you feel worse.^{[8]
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9

Try to control mood swings.

Stay away from things or people that upset you until you feel better. Most moodiness that accompanies a period passes quickly. Try going to bed earlier at night, to sleep it off.^{[9]
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Warnings

You cannot stop your period. It is part of becoming a woman.

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If you are having really bad cramps, consult your doctor.

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Avoid stressful situations as much as possible, as these situations could worsen cramps and cause you to feel more fragile.

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Change often enough to stay free of bacterial growth and odors:
- Pads - change it after 3-4 hours;
- Cups - change it after 12 hours;
- Tampons - for no longer than 8 hours. Leaving a tampon inserted in excess of eight hours can lead to an infection and irritation. It can also cause a serious condition known as Toxic Shock Syndrome.^{[11]
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