A Practical Winter Guide to Menstrual Hygiene for Girls

Introduction

Winter time means warmth along with delicious food and soft sunshine, but it also means more difficulties for menstruating girls and women among them. The cold affects metabolism, immunity and blood circulation to the extent that they may actually make the period pain worse. The Prazna Foundation, a women empowerment NGO, has been very actively trying to share correct menstrual hygiene knowledge especially among the girls and women living in the underprivileged communities. The present blog is a sharing of the full winter-care guide aimed at keeping every girl healthy, confident, and comfortable during her periods.

Why Winter Affects Your Period

During cold months many girls will either their cycle or symptoms accompanying the period to change. It is quite normal to say so. Winter is capable of:

• Increasing pain because of the tightness of muscles
• Less energy through the metabolism being slower
• More hunger and less exercise
• Grumpy moods due to the lack of sunlight
• Increased risk of infections (not changing pads regularly) since cold slows evaporation
• Knowing these alterations will enable one to provide proper menstrual care during the chilly season.

1. Winter-appropriate Menstrual Hygiene Tips

• It is a necessity to change pads after every 4-6 hours, even if there is only a trifle menstrual flow. 
• Cold and wetness together make a very uncomfortable situation. That is why it is necessary to take care of the intimate body area and not to stay long in wet clothes.
• Choose cotton underwear, cotton allows the vaginal area to breathe, and aids in the reduction of sweating which results in a lower risk of infections.
• Maintain gentle intimate cleaning
• Use only lukewarm water and no irritating soaps. Cleanliness is very vital in Feminine Hygiene and it makes one less vulnerable to bacterial infections.
• Wrap pads properly and throw them in a covered dustbin. Never burn or dispose of pads in open areas.

2. How to Dress During Winter Periods

• Use Layers Wisely
• Select thermal wear that are soft and made of breathable fabrics to be warm without any discomfort.
• Heat will not only reduce the cramps but also provide relaxation.
• Cramps get worse with cold feet. Woollen socks of high quality will help you retain body heat.
• Say goodbye to your tight jeans and leggings that cause tummy pain.
• A spare pad should always be in your bag.
• Winter outings can be longer, so it’s better to be always prepared.

3. Healthy Periods Winter Nutrition

• Consume foods that are warming and rich in iron
• Winter foods promote blood circulation and increase energy while reducing tiredness. 

  Winter foods that are recommended:

• Til (sesame) and Gud (jaggery) laddoos
• Bajra roti with ghee
• Haldi milk, ginger tea
• We typically drink less water in the winter, which causes headaches and cramps
• Jeera or ajwain infused water

4. Winter Wellness for Menstrual Comfort

• Heat Therapy
• A warm water bag reduces cramping and relaxes muscles.
• Light Exercise
• Walking
• Stretching
• Cat-cow pose
• Butterfly pose
• Child’s pose
• Sunlight Exposure
• The morning sun helps in the absorption of Vitamin D, enhances immunity, and stabilizes the mood.
  

  Prazna Foundation’s Message

The Prazna Foundation holds the opinion that besides hygiene, menstrual health is dignity, knowledge, and self-assurance. Our dedication reaches as far as the community education initiatives such as Akshar Kaksha which focuses on the girl child education and overall well-being. We want parents, schools, and the whole community to have open talks about menstrual care so that young girls can grow up to be strong and knowledgeable individuals.

Conclusion

Winter can certainly bring about period pains, however, habits may turn the experience of menstruation into a healthier one and to a comfortable one. It is truly wonderful how these small daily routines, covering nutrition right through to warmth and exercise, can make a person’s life totally different. Moreover, if there will be awareness and girls’ support, then the winter cycle every girl will feel to be warm, safe, and powerful. Prazna Foundation is backing each Kishori (girl) for menstrual hygiene to be made accessible, safe, and dignified for all.

FAQs

1. Do periods become irregular in winter?
   Reduced sunlight, affects melatonin and serotonin hormones which may slightly alter your cycle. It is usually temporary.

2. Should I drink warm water during periods?
   Warm water yes improves blood flow, reduces cramps and keeps the body hydrated, especially in winter.

3. Cold weather aggravating menstrual pain possible or not?
   Indeed! Cold weather leads to muscle contraction hence slowing down blood flow and consequently more cramping occurring

4. How can school-going girls manage winter periods comfortably?
   It is recommended for girls to drink a lot of water, wear layers, carry extra pads with them, and observe the proper hygiene habits.