by Because more frequent urination occurs
Hormonal changes are a major cause. “Before menstruation, a hormone called progesterone is elevated,” says Samantha M. Dunham, MD, OB / GYN. “When progesterone levels fall, something that happens every month to cause menstruation, there is a shift of fluids in the body. “It releases a lot of fluid and often makes people urinate more.”
Pressure on your bladder can also cause this impulse. “The contraction, which feels like period cramps, puts pressure on your bladder, which makes you feel like you need to urinate,” says Rebeka Raczz, NP, a women’s health nurse at Planned Parenthood in New York. “Because of this pressure, sometimes you don’t actually have that much urine in your bladder, so you may just feel like you need to urinate, even if you don’t.”
Urination is more common, something to worry about
If it happens to you every month, it is normal. Otherwise, it could be a sign of another problem. “If this is a new case, they should see a doctor to make sure that frequent urination is not a sign of another problem,” says Dr. Dunham. “Urinary tract infections and sometimes sexually transmitted infections can occur.”
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Racz agrees that a persistent urinary problem that gets worse with each passing period — especially if it can’t really go away — means you need to contact your provider, as the problem may be a urinary tract infection. Observing pain when urinating, blood in your urine or other symptoms that negatively affect your quality of life are also signs that it is a good idea to see a doctor, adds Dr. Dunham.
Something can prevent or reduce this constant urge
If you’re as busy as I am, you know how annoying a trip to the toilet every hour can be — and how important it is not to keep it inside. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help ease the way.
Avoiding fluid retention as much as possible can really help. To minimize fluid retention before your period, Dr. Dunham says you need to increase fluid intake and stay well hydrated. “Avoiding salty foods also helps reduce fluid retention. “Eating more crunchy vegetables and less processed foods can help transport fluids through our systems.” In addition to drinking water, Racz recommends taking Advil or Ibuprofen to help with cramps.
It is also possible to treat hormones immediately. “The other way to prevent a drop in progesterone is to take a combined contraceptive and suppress the hormonal ups and downs of a normal cycle,” says Dr. Dunham. Taking the “pill” can help in a number of ways. “Birth control is very effective in relieving cramps and very painful periods can be a sign of an underlying problem,” says Racz.
Other than that, you may need to glue it on. Constantly peeing on your period is not fun, but it only takes a week or less, right?
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