Stepping away from more trivial blog topics, I wanted to share some things that have helped make my period easier. I still haven't figured it out fully, but I'm miles ahead of where I started. Please leave any suggestions you have in the comments below!
Organic Tampons and Pads
My first change to a healthier cycle came by accident. We were on vacation and I ran out of tampons. The only tampons available at the store were the more-expensive organic-type. I'm a very frugal person and always just picked the inexpensive brand before, but it wasn't an option this round. As I worked through that box, I noticed my cramps had dramatically decreased. More of a dull ache and less of a full pain, and they didn't last as long.
I took the decrease as a fluke and purchased my inexpensive brand again when I needed a refill. And bam, the cramps came back as strong as ever. So, out the cheap tampons went.
Menstrual Cup
The next change was as I looked for a more environmentally-friendly option to period care. If I could really save money by not buying tampons, why wouldn't I? At the same time, I hesitated to trial a menstrual cup because they all seemed so expensive. What if it didn't work? What if I didn't like it?
Then I found June. They sell menstrual cups AT COST, because "period care is essential." If the cup didn't work for me, I was only out a few dollars. And I LOVED it. My cramps diminished even further, and now I only cramp for about four hours my whole cycle. And it's very minimal and I rarely need to take pain relievers.
There is a bit of a learning curve though when it comes to application, so follow the instructions in the package. If you still need help, check out the June FAQ page.
As for eco-friendly and budget-friendly, they are made with medical grade silicone and can be used up to 10 years. I've used mine for about a year now, and they work just the same! I just sanitize them with boiling water at the end of my cycle and then they can be used again.
June also has other period-related items, which is what offsets their inexpensive cup prices. Things like menstrual discs, cleansers, and period underwear.
Heating Pad
My best-friend for those downtimes of period cramps is my LavaBag, a heating bag filled with lava sand. No odors, and it can be used for heat or cold. We all had those rice-filled bags growing up as heating pads. This is like that, but much better. So when the cramps start coming, I throw this in the microwave for a minute, and then set it on my lower abdomen. My cramps will subside within a few minutes from the heat. The bag is also heavier, which I think helps calm the cramps down too.
I use the original size, but there are different sizes/shapes available too. Make it a multi-functional heating pad, if you need something for your neck or back too.
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