Struggling with painful periods? Many women find their symptoms worsen in winter. Times Now Digital spoke to By Dr Kusum Lata, Senior Consultant- Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon about how period pain can worsen during winters.

She explained, "Menstrual cycle can be challenging for many women as it is often accompanied by extreme pain, cramps, mood swings, and fatigue. This pain can worsen during the winter. One can experience a range of symptoms. The symptoms may include bloating, breast tenderness, back pain, mood swings, headaches, heavy bleeding, and fatigue. The intensity and severity of these symptoms may vary from person to person. Various factors altogether can worsen the period pain in winter. It becomes crucial to recognize and understand these factors to reduce period pain during the colder month. Here are four reasons that can worsen your period pain in winter."

Factors That Can Worsen Your Period Pain

• Reduced blood circulation: The coldness in the temperature can cause your blood vessels to constrict. This can negatively slow down the blood flow to the uterus. This reduced circulation can intensify your pain and cramps. This can make the period pain worse than usual.
• Low sunlight exposure: During winter, one can experience lower levels of Vitamin D due to shorter daylight. This means less exposure to sunlight. Deficiency of vitamin D can cause hormonal imbalance resulting in severe pain and mood swings.
• Hormonal fluctuations: The combination of factors like coldness in the weather, reduced range of motion, and stress can cause hormonal imbalance. This imbalance can lead to heavier bleeding while worsening the period cramps.
• Inactivity: During winter it becomes challenging to step outdoors due to cold weather. This can often make people stay indoors resulting in a reduced range of motion. Physical inactivity can slow down the blood flow as well as metabolism. This can aggravate the common period symptoms like bloating, cramps, and sluggishness.
• Cold-Induced pain sensitivity: The colder months can increase your body’s sensitivity towards pain. This can make the period’s cramps and other symptoms more intense than they normally are during the warmer months.
• Weaker immune system: During the winter, your immune system tends to weaken. This can make your body less efficient in combating inflammation. This can further lead to heightened pain, and discomfort while you are menstruating.

Dr Kusum emphasized on how one needs to take proactive steps to manage their period symptoms during the winter. She said, "Focus more on staying warm, hydrated, and active during the winter. This can be achieved by wearing warm layers, drinking enough fluids, and engaging in various physical activities. Ensure that you eat balanced meals, and get enough sleep to reduce the intensity of the symptoms. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks as they can easily worsen your period pain. In case, if your period symptoms are severe then do not hesitate to consult a doctor. Making certain lifestyle modifications can help you feel better during your periods."

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