Marla Ahlgrimm: The Reason Your Periods Are Worse In Winter

Hate your period? You’re not alone. Marla Ahlgrimm says most of her former clients did, too. But, one thing she and many other women’s health services providers have noticed over the years is that menstrual cycle complaints tend to skyrocket in the winter. 

 

Q: Does weather affect your period? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: When the sun goes down before dinner time and the temperature drops to single digits, many women say their periods are much worse. The truth is that it’s not the weather per se but the lifestyle differences between summer and winter that leave a more negative perception about our menstrual cycles. The opposite is true during the warm weather months. Our periods might feel less bothersome. 

Q: What lifestyle changes during the winter affect menstruation? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: The biggest culprits are exercise, stress, and diet. During the winter, we are often more sedentary, eat more unhealthy foods, and may get stressed out or depressed thanks to diminished daylight. Our periods may be the same, but we have fewer positive distractions, such as sunshine and swimming. 

 

Q: How does the lack of exercise change our periods? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: While the weather may not actually affect your cycle, gaining weight and being lazy can cause more intense cramping and even heavier bleeding. If you tend to hibernate throughout the winter, you may be able to offset uncomfortable menstrual cycles by continuing with your exercise and healthy eating habits. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that everything you do can affect your menstrual cycle. So, no matter what time of year it is, stick to healthy foods and exercise. While there is nothing wrong with a lazy day and a cheeseburger every now and then, your daily habits can make or break your period.