#explainer
odds & ends
·5 min read
by Team Thinx | 04/13/2023
For many people, periods can be an uncomfortable experience. When your body is shedding itself of uterine lining, mucus, and an unfertilized egg in the form of menstrual blood — while simultaneously experiencing a range of other super fun symptoms like cramps, mood swings, and fatigue — it’s no surprise that menstruation isn’t always a walk in the park.
However, we’re here to talk about a few of the products and techniques available that can help make your period more manageable.
Period underwear is exactly what it sounds like: reusable underwear featuring an innovative gusset that is designed to absorb menstrual blood and prevent period leaks. At Thinx, we create underwear that comes in a variety of styles and sizes (from XS to 4X), which can absorb from 1 up to 5 regular tampons’ worth of flow. Our undies are also equipped with our signature drywick technology that wicks away moisture, as well as an odor-controlling layer, for total peace of mind.
Unlike traditional pads and tampons, which are typically discarded after a single use, Thinx period underwear can be washed and reused for longer-lasting protection — making ‘em more environmentally friendly than their disposable counterparts. Plus, they’re fit-tested and designed with your comfort in mind: from fit, to fabric, to coverage. And they’re as easy to use as stepping into a pair of underwear.
Another popular alternative to traditional pads and tampons, menstrual cups are small, flexible cups that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. They’re typically made from medical-grade silicone or rubber, and they can be reused for several years with proper care.
For those with heavier periods, menstrual cups can be a major help in period management. They can help to alleviate discomfort caused by gushing flows, while also creating less single-use plastic waste than tampons or pads.
Keeping track of your period — and even things like your discharge and PMS symptoms — can help you to navigate your menstrual cycle and even help make your next period feel a bit more manageable. Period tracking consists of making note of the frequency, duration, and flow of your period month over month, as well as any changes you may experience during your cycle.
By tracking your period, you can better predict when menstruation will start, which can help you plan ahead and be better prepared. While some people prefer to use period tracking apps, those with concerns about data privacy can always opt for manual tracking via a spreadsheet or just good, old-fashioned pen and paper.
While some reach for anti-inflammatory or pain relief medication when period cramps strike, there are other treatment options that can help to alleviate pain and make your period feel more manageable. Period cramps can consist of pain in the pelvic area, stomach, or lower back, caused by contractions in the uterus and bowels, and often range in severity.
Applying heat to the abdomen, such as in the form of a heating pad or hot water bottle, can be a great way to alleviate pain caused by period cramps. Additionally, during lighter menstrual days, you can try light-to-moderate intensity exercises like walking, light jogging, or yoga to help release endorphins and help relieve some of the pain caused by menstrual cramps.
There are a number of products and techniques available that can help make your period feel a bit more manageable. As always, it’s important to talk with your doctor and find what methods work best for you. By taking the time to explore these options and find what feels best for your body, you can make your period a more comfortable and manageable experience.
At Thinx, we strive to provide our readers with the most up-to-date, objective, and research-based information. Our content is crafted by experienced contributors who ground their work in research and data. Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked within the text or listed at the bottom to lead readers to the original source.
Periodical. Menstruation 101. https://www.thinx.com/thinx/blogs/periodical/health/menstruation-101
Periodical. How Thinx Compares to Tampons and Pads. https://www.thinx.com/thinx/blogs/periodical/odds-and-ends/how-thinx-compares-to-tampons-and-pads
Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cup
Health Navigator New Zealand. Periods — tracking your menstrual cycle. https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/healthy-living/p/periods-tracking-your-menstrual-cycle/
Better Health, Victoria State Government. Period pain — dysmenorrhoea. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstruation-pain-dysmenorrhoea#treatment-options-for-period-pain
Healthline. How to Get Rid of Period Cramps: 14 Remedies to Try. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/how-to-get-rid-of-cramps
Nationwide Children’s. Yoga Exercises and Menstrual Cramps. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/yoga-exercises-and-menstrual-cramps
by Team Thinx