6 Things You Probably Don't Know About Your Period

Keeping your protection on for too long remains the most medically documented risk, linked to toxic shock syndrome.

Aspirin for cramps can actually increase your bleeding, unlike ibuprofen which does not have this effect.

Lack of sleep concretely aggravates pain and premenstrual syndrome via cortisol.

6

Not drinking enough water

When your stomach is bloated, the reflex is often to reduce fluid intake, thinking it will further limit the bloating. The exact opposite is true: proper hydration helps reduce water retention and cramps, while caffeine actually worsens pain and dehydration.

5

Never follow your cycle

Not tracking your cycles isn't dangerous in itself, but it deprives you of a valuable tool. Without a record, it's impossible to spot gradual changes, periods that become longer, more painful, or more frequent. An app or even a simple notebook is all it takes to transform a vague feeling into real, usable data should you ever need to discuss it with a doctor.

4

Sacrifice your sleep

It's difficult to sleep well with cramps, but lack of sleep perpetuates a vicious cycle. A tired body produces more cortisol, the stress hormone, which in turn amplifies inflammation and pain. Before going to bed, it's better to focus on a soothing routine—a warm bath, reading, breathing exercises—rather than letting the pain dictate a restless night.

3

Neglecting hand hygiene

Your vagina has its own self-cleaning system, so repeated washing inside is counterproductive. The real point of concern lies elsewhere: washing your hands before handling internal protection, especially a tampon, significantly reduces the risk of transferring bacteria. Otherwise, a mild, unscented soap on the vulva is perfectly sufficient.

2

Keeping your protection on for too long

This is the most medically documented mistake on this list. Leaving a tampon or menstrual cup in for too long, especially overnight, increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome, a rare but serious infection. The rule remains simple: change a tampon every 3 to 4 hours, and never leave a menstrual cup in for more than 8 to 12 hours. Menstrual underwear, which remains outside the body, largely avoids this specific risk, making it a particularly reassuring option for nighttime use.

1

Take aspirin for your cramps

This one surprises almost everyone. Aspirin blocks an enzyme called thromboxane, which is precisely what triggers blood clotting. In short, it acts as a mild blood thinner, the desired effect when prescribed for cardiovascular prevention, but clearly undesirable during your period.

A review of several studies confirms that women who use aspirin more often report a heavier menstrual flow and slightly longer periods compared to those who don't take it. This effect can last up to a week after taking the medication, due to aspirin's long-lasting effect on blood platelets.

The right alternative Ibuprofen targets pain and inflammation without affecting blood clotting, making it a much better choice during your period. Paracetamol also works very well if ibuprofen isn't suitable for you.