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4 things that happen when you don’t drink enough water on your periods

Being dehydrated during your period can make you feel lethargic and add to the pain.
molasses for pms
Molasses is all you need to deal with PMS! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Grace Bains Updated: 30 Oct 2023, 15:16 pm IST
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Staying hydrated is probably the easiest but also the most important thing you can do for the betterment of your health. Your body requires water to function properly, be it to maintain body temperature, waste removal to waste, and lubricating joints. 

Drinking enough water throughout the day is especially important when you’re on your period because you tend to lose fluids and get dehydrated. Dehydration can make you feel fatigued and cause muscular pain as enough oxygen is not reaching your red blood cells. 

Hydration is essential when you are on your periods as it helps with alleviating backache and cramps. Your overall energy levels might also take a hit because of the lack of water intake and we can’t emphasise enough how important it is to stay hydrated during periods

Here’s what happens when you are dehydrated during periods

When you’re on your period, aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, otherwise, you might experience the following:

1. Bloating and cramps

Since your estrogen and progesterone levels are low during the period, it causes your body to retain water, which makes you feel bloated and experience cramps. Drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day during your period helps in fighting bloating and cramps as it flushes out your system.

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2. Migraine and headaches

Dehydration causes headaches and migraines as enough oxygen is not reaching your brain cells. Not having enough water can cause the brain to temporarily contract from fluid loss, making the brain pull away from the skull, leading to throbbing headache and triggering migraine. Having water will make the brain return to its normal state, relieving the headache and migraine.

3. Reduced urination and pain

Dehydration can lead to decreased urine output as well as making your urine darker in colour. This happens when your kidneys hold on to as much water as possible when you are dehydrated. If you are not passing urine more frequently, it can lead to pain in the lower abdominal area causing discomfort. Having water will reduce pain and also activate your urine tract.

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4. Feeling fatigued

Weakness and feeling fatigued when you’re on your period could be a sign of dehydration. Dehydration lowers blood pressure, thereby reducing energy levels. If you’re not drinking enough water, your fluid balance can be changed, which could make you feel weak as the heart has to pump harder to supply the skin and muscles with oxygen and nutrients.

So, ladies, listen to your body and drink water throughout the day to manage your periods more comfortably.

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About the Author

Grace is someone who likes writing enough to make a living out of it. When she isn’t writing, you will find her having chai and reading a book. ...Read More

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