Go with the flow!

So I've covered the subject of posterior and as my blog is attracting lots of interest from ladies, I feel it appropriate and quite frankly necessary to address the subject of periods. 

Let's be honest, they can be a real pain at the best of times, let alone if you want to get out on the bike. My advice is to go with the flow (excuse the pun) and listen to your body. A heavy flow combined with low oestrogen levels will make you tire easier and quicker. You're also more prone to general muscle cramps and aches if you push too hard against what your body is trying to tell you. Although confusingly, menstrual cramps can be eased with exercise!

Riding is my saviour when faced with the 'brain fog' which which hangs over me like a massive cloud of doom at this time of the month, it's magical for balancing out any rollercoasters of moods and emotions which may be swirling around!

So, how to deal with the messier side of things ... there are a few options. 

Tampons have limited absorbency but ought to be able to get you through a three - four hour ride before you have to change. Remember to tuck in the string to avoid it causing friction on the soft tissues and, as always, be mindful of the risks associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome. 

Disposable sanitary towels in my experience are a complete bulky nightmare when it comes to riding. For starters they don't stick to your chamois properly therefore will move as you do. As you start to sweat, along with sitting and standing, invariably they will roll up, chaff your skin and leave you in a right pickle, often resulting in the very situation you were trying to avoid. Speaking from a hygiene perspective, you should try to avoid the combination of sweat and menstrual blood mixing together next to your lady bits as this is a prime breeding ground for infection causing bacteria. 

Don't forget, we're physically more sensitive in this area during this these times anyway, so just treat your vajayjay with a little TLC!

People who use menstrual cups seem to swear by them. They’re a small, flexible surgical grade silicone cup which collects instead of absorbs. I’ve read that some people snip the end off to prevent it from aggravating the soft tissue in this area should it be longer than you need. Other than that, they do sound like a favourable option. No disposable waste, no chaffing and apparently no risks of TSS. 

I'm feeling compelled at this point to highlight my findings surrounding wobbliness!

After discussing this topic with several ladies, it seems a common entity that the week before we're due on, we 'lose it' a little ... No suprise there then!

What I actually mean by this is that we tend to feel a little more precariously placed in the saddle than usual, a tad more clumsy and sightly delayed reflexes. As if we didn't have enough to contend with already.

Unfortunately, monthlies are a burden us prettier sex have to bear. There's no getting away from them so we just need to decide how best to manage them for ourselves.

I hope I've helped the ladies who've read this ...

For the fella's who've read this ... If you've been a little bit sick then I can only apologise.

Naomi xxx