Hot, Cold and your Cycle

Can you Sauna on your period?

For most, yes! The heat from the sauna can help to relax uterine muscles, relieving cramps with 60% of sauna users reporting reduced period pains with regular sauna use. The sauna can also relieve anxiety, and help boost low mood and improve sleep and bloating, symptoms that many can experience around menstruation.

Our recommendations... 

• Keep sessions short, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Combine your short sessions with some gentle stretching 
• Focus on slow deep breaths to get the most out of your session.
• Listen to your body, everyone is different so it's best to start with shorter sessions and go from there. 

We wouldn't recommend for...

• Endo/PCOS or other reproductive health problems 
• Those with extremely heavy flow
• High or Low Blood pressure or heart conditions
• Those experiencing dizziness or extreme fatigue

Our tips for using the Sauna throughout your cycle.

• The benefits of using the sauna can help during all phases of your cycle, and the stress relief of regular Sauna use will likely help regulate your hormones and ease PMS among its other benefits.
• During your period: for most, you don't need to stop using the Sauna, in fact the sauna can provide some relief from menstrual symptoms such as cramps, low mood and poor sleep. Keep your sessions short and stay well hydrated. Always listen to your body and don't overdo it at this time.
• During the follicular phase (after your period finishes until ovulation): you are more likely to be able to tolerate heat, this is the time to enjoy longer sauna sessions, and reap the benefits of muscle recovery and relaxation.
• During the Luteal phase (After ovulation: the days/week before your period is due) your body temperature naturally rises, this is the time to start to take it easy in the sauna and have slightly shorter sessions as you might be more sensitive to heat. 

Cold Plunging and your menstrual cycle...

• Similar to the Sauna, the cold plunge has multiple benefits throughout your cycle including reducing aches, bloating and inflammation, and improving energy levels and boosting mood.
• It's important to listen to your body and have an understanding of where you are in your cycle in order to get the best out of the cold plunge, and not to overdo it. Everyone is different so if you’re new to cold plunging, it's best to start with short dips while getting to know your body.
• During your period: Your body may be more sensitive to temperature change, the cold plunge for many won't be appealing at all, but a short cold plunge <1minute can reduce bloating, aches and inflammation.
• BUT, if you’re not a big fan of a cold plunge, this is the time to skip it altogether!
• Follicular Phase (after your period finishes - ovulation) This is where your body is most adaptable to temperature changes and is a great time to make the most of cold plunges, enhancing circulation and boosting energy. You will likely feel like you can stay in the cold longer - 2-3minutes.
• Ovulation (usually around day 14). Cold plunge is the most invigorating at this time as you are at your highest energy levels with increased mental sharpness - 1-3minutes
• Luteal Phase (The days leading up to your period). Your body temperature is slightly higher during this phase so you may find that the cold plunge is easier, and the benefits of reducing bloating, pain and inflammation and boosting mood are really beneficial during this time when inflammation is at its highest and many have a dip in mood and energy level. The body is also the most sensitive to stressors during the luteal phase so its best to limit the cold exposure - 30-90seconds

For period protection, a reusable menstrual cup is a great option, 100% medical grade silicone with no nasty chemicals. They hold up to 3x more than a tampon and are safe to wear for up to 12 hours.

Better for your body and the environment.

The correct size menstrual cup is leak free, and wont absorb water like a tampon does, no string check required.

Sea + Flo menstrual cups are now available to buy at Saunassa :)