Seasons & Periods: How Summers & Winters Affect Menstrual Cycle, Expert Weighs In

We all have heard that foods, diseases, medicines, exercises and lifestyle affect periods. Have you heard seasons affecting periods? Not many menstruators know, but the menstrual cycle can be affected by winter or summer seasons too.

We spoke to Dr Sukirti Jain, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, to understand how seasonal changes can affect your bleeding schedule. Seasons might not affect periods directly, but they can worsen certain symptoms. Here is what she shared.

How Summers Affect Periods

In the summer season, the body is subjected to more sunlight and heat which increases the levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). It is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle by stimulating the growth of eggs in the ovaries.

Hence, menstruators tend to be more regular in the summer. More amount of FSH also means more ovarian activity, which can also extend the overall period of bleeding.

In the summer season, the days are longer, hence, the body produce less amount of melatonin which signals the body when it is time to sleep. Since your sleep schedule gets affected, the body uses that energy while menstruating, making you feel tired.

During summer, many people complain about dehydration. It can add to bloating and sometimes headaches too. Therefore, Dr Jain suggested eating a well-balanced diet, exercising and maintaining optimum hydration during this season.

How Winters Affect Periods

In winter, there is less exposure to the sun, which degrades the levels of FSH. Therefore, ovarian activity is also reduced, and many menstruators experience delays in the cycle.

Many studies have shown that premenstrual symptoms worsen in cold weather. People like to stay indoors, stay cosy and not exercise enough. All this can mess up the cycle and affect periods negatively.

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Some menstruators also complain about painful periods in the cold weather. The reason behind it could be the shrinking of blood vessels which can amplify discomfort. It interferes with the blood flow, which increases the intensity of pain.

Lack of sunshine in winter also tends to affect hormonal balance in the body. It slows the metabolism and extends the length of the menstrual cycle.

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How To Deal With Seasons Affecting Menstrual Cycle

Dr Jain pointed out that none of the studied impacts is catastrophic. Most of the effects can be regulated quite easily. The gynaecologist suggests menstruators follow a routine of exercising and healthy eating .

Exercise helps in keeping the body fit, ensures good metabolism and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Similarly, eating healthy will help you keep up with the vitamin and mineral requirements.

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If you experience pain or bloating in a certain season, you can resort to home remedies like using a heating pad, drinking tea and ensuring optimum hydration. If you keep up with your health, it is highly unlikely that you would notice any seasonal change in your menstrual cycle. Most of it would work out if you have a healthy lifestyle.