Feeling Awful During Ovulation? You’re Not Alone!
For many women, ovulation is a time of feeling bloated, cranky, and just plain awful. In fact, some women even refer to this time of the month as “the curse.” Ovulation doesn’t have to be a dreaded event, though. Here’s a look at what’s happening during ovulation and how you can make yourself feel better.
What Happens During Ovulation?
During ovulation, your body is preparing for the possibility of pregnancy. The first step in this process is the release of an egg from your ovary. This egg then travels down your fallopian tube, where it may or may not be fertilized by sperm.
In order for the egg to be released, your body produces a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone helps thicken the lining of the uterus, which will provide nutrients and support for a developing embryo. Along with progesterone, your body also produces another hormone called estrogen. Estrogen helps to mature the egg so that it can be fertilized.
All of this hormonal activity can lead to some pretty uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and mood swings. For some women, these symptoms are so severe that they have difficulty functioning normally during ovulation. But there is hope! Here are some tips for making it through ovulation with minimal discomfort.
Tips for Making It Through Ovulation
1. Drink plenty of water. This will help to flush out your system and combat bloating caused by excess progesterone in your body.
2. Get plenty of rest. Fatigue is a common symptom during ovulation, so make sure to get enough sleep and take it easy when you can.
3. Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed. If headaches or cramps are making it difficult to function, take ibuprofen or another pain reliever as needed. Just be sure not to take more than the recommended dosage listed on the bottle.
4. Eat healthy foods and avoid caffeine and alcohol. A healthy diet will help to stabilize your mood and energy levels during ovulation. Caffeine and alcohol can make symptoms worse, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
5 . Talk to your doctor if you’re struggling with severe symptoms. If you’re having difficulty managing your symptoms, talk to your doctor about possible solutions, such as birth control pills or other medications.
Ovulation doesn’t have to be a negative experience! By taking care of yourself and knowing what to expect, you can minimize discomfort and get through it with minimal inconvenience.