Is there a link between prolapse and periods? Do you notice your prolapse symptoms are more prevalent during your period? Or perhaps around other times in your cycle? This blog discusses some reasons why prolapse symptoms “might” correlate with menstruation. Plus, 3 ways to better manage period driven symptoms.
Why do I feel more prolapse symptoms at certain times of the month?
The coming and going of prolapse symptoms across your cycle may be down to the fluctuation in hormones. This is why many women report a heightening of symptoms around menstruation and also ovulation. These hormonal changes may also impact factors such as constipation (which can also increase the feeling of heaviness).
During ovulation, there is a rise in progesterone. There may also be a sense that the cervix is softer, heavier, or more supple. In addition, the change in progesterone may lead to more constipation. This places extra demands on the pelvic floor and can lead to a feeling of heaviness.
With menstruation, diarrhea may occur when prostaglandins begin to relax smooth muscle tissues. This can be particularly challenging for those with rectoceles (back passage prolapse). This can increase the sensation of incomplete evacuation and further add to prolapse sensations.
How do I improve prolapse symptoms around my cycle?
There are a number of ways of managing or improving cycle led symptoms, here are 3 that I use with clients
Know that symptoms will pass
Whilst it can be worrying when symptoms seem to ramp up, know that there will be times of the month when they go back to baseline. Tracking your period and symptoms can be a great way of seeing patterns. This means you are able to predict a rise in symptoms and plan accordingly. This may mean changes to training or getting more sleep (as sleep can impact symptoms too). It might be better managing nutrition and hydration to avoid constipation.
Find period products that work for you
Tampons: if you can and wish to wear a tampon, try shorter and wider tampons. Obviously there are some environmental considerations so here are a couple of brands I recommend.
Flo Applicator tampons can be found here. Flo products are made from organic eco-tex bamboo and au naturel cotton. Every material is sourced to be good for the planet, but also free of any dyes, chemicals, and nasties we don’t want anywhere near our bodies.
&sisters create a number of products including tampons. Their eco-applicator tampons are kind to the vagina while being kind to the environment – every part of the applicator is made from biodegradable cardboard, all wrapped up in recycled paper.
Period pants offer great protection and are a great solution if you can’t wear tampons or mentrual cups.
My favourite brand is WUKA but friends and clients also recommend Modibody and Nixibody.
Manage your prolapse symptom drivers
Many of my clients are super aware of what can increase their prolapse symptoms, especially around their period. Using this information, plus cycle tracking, you can create your unique management system. It might be adding a shot of prune juice each day to improve constipation at certain times of the month. It might be tapering exercise or training. It might be upping the self-care and expectations you have of yourself.
If you have pelvic organ prolapse and each period takes you back to square one with your training, I’d love to chat with you. You can check out my online programmes for prolapse here or have a chat by clicking on this link.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my blog on prolapse and periods. Click here to read more of my blogs