Sorry ladies, I know we are in the middle of winter but I think you should know this “fun” fact … Did you know cold weather can impact your periods, making them heavier and longer than normal.
During the cold winter months, our periods can change. The length of our periods and menstrual cramps can last longer and be more intense, compared to our cycles during the summer months.
The winter season can also affect PMS. Shorter, and darker days can greatly impact your mood. Add a surge of hormones to the mix and it’s the perfect, crappy combo for a few rough days. This is thought to be because of the lack of sunshine, that helps our bodies produce vitamin D and dopamine that boost our moods and happiness.
So what can a girl do? Here are my recommendations, slow down, be gentle with yourself. Grab a heating pack, your favorite snack and know this will pass. Try a light therapy lamp to help boost your mood. Therapy lamps mimics natural sunlight to boost your mood. These lamps can also be helpful for people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder.
If your mood is disrupting normal daily functioning, and is much more severe then is typical for you please contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you need help right away please use one of these crisis help links below.
Crisis help links
Help is available if you need to talk and you:
- are not feeling yourself
- are experiencing a crisis
- have emotional pain
- have thoughts of suicide
- know someone who needs help
Crisis Services Canada
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 pm to 12 am ET).
Kids Help Phone
Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868.
Available 24 hours a day to Canadians aged 5 to 29 who want confidential and anonymous care from professional counsellors.
Hope for Wellness Help Line
Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat.
Available to all Indigenous peoples across Canada who need immediate crisis intervention. Experienced and culturally sensitive help line counsellors can help if you want to talk or are distressed.
Find more info at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html