Hot showers can increase your period flow. Is it true?

There are several myths that surround periods, some that sound absolutely crazy! But amid this sea of misinformation, you are left utterly confused, and can’t seem to differentiate right from wrong. For instance, there are many who believe that taking a bath during your period is a big NO-NO, while others suggest taking only hot showers at this time. But there really is no truth to these myths, and that’s exactly what we are going to discuss today – period flow!

Hot showers can help you, but only temporarily

Don’t we all love taking long, winding showers with hot water? That’s because the heat helps to dilate blood vessels, which then allows blood to pass through more quickly. The same reason applies during your periods too! When you take a hot shower, you automatically feel relaxed, because your muscles calm down. It uplifts your mood almost instantly! That’s exactly why there are so many women who love a good hot water soak or shower to release their stress, after a long day.

“There’s really no scientific evidence that proves that hot showers can increase period flow. Of course, hot showers increase blood circulation in the body, but that’s a general fact. Take a warm bath to make yourself feel better during this time. It will rev you up,” says Dr Rashmi Tarachandani, a general physician.

Also Read: Should you really avoid sour foods during your periods? An expert answers

Heat therapy works for cramps

But heat does help in certain ways during your period, and that is to reduce the impact of cramps. There are so many women who struggle to deal with the debilitating pain that’s a part and parcel of the period flow. But the good news is heat therapy can help. Keeping a hot water bottle on your abdominal region decreases the pain, and helps soothe your nerves. In fact, if you are someone who reaches for a pill at the slightest cramp, stop yourself. Go for heat therapy and you’ll notice a remarkable difference.

Are there any other tips to reduce cramps?

There are plenty of tips to get some relief from cramps. To begin with, make sure you stay hydrated as much as possible. That’s because it reduces bloating and keeps your digestive system running smoothly. You can get more water by including foods like cucumber and watermelon. 

Also, did we tell you that a good sweat sesh can really elevate your mood? And that means, a whole lot of endorphins! Guess what? You may not have realised it but it’s a huge pain reliever. 

Last but not the least, stick to a healthy diet. Yes, it’s quite natural to crave sugary and fried foods during your period. But don’t go overboard on carbs. Instead, have your fill of veggies and fruits, and keep those PMS symptoms at bay.