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As a woman, you need to read this post because what I’m about to share with you today will completely change your life for the better.

We can all relate to period odor. Yes, I know, it is not the most pleasant thing.

However, before we continue, I want to make one thing very clear: YOUR PERIOD IS NOT DISGUSTING.

Honestly, I’m tired of seeing women use code words just to say they are on their period, acting as if the world has ended because of a little stain, or hiding pads, tampons, and menstrual cups like they are carrying contraband.

Society treats menstruation like something shameful when it is literally one of the greatest gifts of nature.

After all, it is the reason the human race continues to exist.

In fact, women deserve mandatory menstrual leave and menstrual support allowances all over the world. 

Why? Because women are the portals of life, the very reason humanity exists in the first place.

Anyways, I digress. Back to why we are really here: period hacks.

First of all, you need to understand that every body fluid has a natural scent. That is completely normal, and there is nothing shameful about it. 

Nevertheless, there are ways to reduce strong odors, especially when sweat, heat, or moisture are involved.

For example, during your period, trapped moisture and heat can sometimes create a type of musty scent.

This is why proper hygiene and self-care during your cycle are so important.

And trust me, no amount of perfume or scented spray can properly cover odors if you are not taking care of yourself from the inside out.

Additionally, for those of us who feel like we are fighting for our lives every month because of painful cramps, bloating, fatigue, and discomfort, you will definitely want to read until the end.

This is because I will also be sharing effective ways to ease menstrual cramps naturally.

So today, I will be sharing 28 simple but powerful period hacks that can help you stay fresh, feel more comfortable, reduce odor, and relieve painful cramps during your cycle.

Now, let’s get started.

1. Shave A Few Days Before Your Period Starts

You need to remove your pubic hair two or three days before your period starts.

You see, during your period, it is very common for clots to cling to the hair, causing an unpleasant odor even after bathing.

These clots can be tiny, so you might not even notice them.

Also, pubic hair tends to trap heat.

And when that heat mixes with sweat and your period, especially on a hot summer afternoon, it will definitely create a foul smell. 

So shave with a razor, use a hair removal cream, or book an appointment with your esthetician for a wax to get those hairs out.

Besides, don’t you want to feel smooth with fresh air flowing down there? Exactly. Get rid of the hair.

2. Consider Using Cups Or Discs Instead Of Pads

Now don’t get me wrong, pads are great and they work perfectly fine.

However, menstrual cups and discs work wonders, especially if you struggle with period odor, discomfort, or constantly feeling “wet” during your cycle.

Unlike pads that sit outside the body and collect blood, cups and discs collect menstrual flow internally.

This means there is less exposure to air, which can really help to significantly reduce odor.

Also, you don’t have that damp, uncomfortable feeling that sometimes comes with wearing pads for long hours.

And they are super convenient. Depending on your flow, you can wear some cups or discs for several hours before changing them, making them perfect for school, work, travel, or even sleeping.

They also save money in the long run since they are reusable, and they produce less waste compared to constantly buying disposable pads and tampons.

Of course, everyone’s body is different, so use whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident.

But if you have never tried a menstrual cup or disc before, this might just be your sign to give it a chance.

3. Use Thicker Pads On Days When Your Flow Is Heavier

Sometimes the reason why you have period odor is that your flow is too heavy for the current pad you are using.

One of the best period hacks I got from my mom as a heavy flow girlie is to wear thicker pads on the days when my flow is heaviest, which is usually day one, two, or even three.

Thicker pads help soak up excess moisture and even prevent leaks.

So what you want to do is pair them with cotton panties that fit properly and stay secure around your thighs to help prevent any leakage or shifting.

4. Take Warm Baths

The benefits of having warm baths are endless.

First, warm baths clean you better than cold water.

Yes, it does. It actually gets into those crevices and gives you that clean and fresh feeling.

But my favorite part about taking warm baths is the insane relief they bring during cramps.

Listen to me, taking warm baths during your period is one of the easiest but most effective hacks for period cramps.

The warmth helps relax your muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce the tension that causes painful cramps and discomfort. 

Honestly, sometimes all your body needs during your period is heat and rest.

Also, if you are like me and struggle with lower back pain, bloating, or intense cramps, soaking in warm water for even 15–20 minutes can make a huge difference. 

You want to take it to the next level? Add Epsom salt to your bath for extra relaxation.

Trust me, once you start taking warm baths during your period, you will never go back.

5. Choose Cotton Underwears Over Lace

I’m going to hold your hand when I say this.

STOP WEARING LACE PANTIES ON YOUR PERIOD! 

As a matter of fact, the only time you should be wearing them is when you want to be sexy for your partner.

Look, your body is going through enough stress already, so the last thing you need is tight, uncomfortable lace panties irritating you all day.

I know they are cute, but they are usually less breathable and can trap heat and moisture down there, especially during your period.

On the other hand, cotton underwear allows better airflow, absorbs sweat more effectively, and helps keep the area cooler and drier. 

This can help prevent irritation, discomfort, yeast infections, and even bad odors.

Also, cotton panties tend to hold pads in place better, which is perfect for heavy-flow days when you are trying to avoid leaks and constant shifting.

So please, put down that pretty lace underwear and grab yourself some granny panties.

Yes, they may be ugly but honey, during your period it is comfort over aesthetics.

6. Stay Hydrated By Drinking Enough Throughout Your Cycle

One of the most underrated hacks for periods is simply drinking enough water throughout your cycle.

I want you to drink water like a camel during your period.

No I’m not talking about flavoured water, Baja blast, juice none of that, I mean clean clear water.

I know it sounds basic, but staying hydrated can actually make a big difference in how you feel during your period.

When your body is dehydrated, cramps can feel worse, bloating increases, and you may even feel more tired and irritated.

On the other hand, drinking enough water helps reduce bloating, supports better blood circulation, and can even help ease menstrual cramps.

It also helps your body flush out excess salt and fluids that make you feel swollen and uncomfortable during your period.

So please, grab your Stanley cups or your favorite water bottles and start drinking water.

And if plain water feels tiring, you can always add a few slices of lemon or orange to make it more appealing.

7. Add Probiotics To Your Routine

As a woman, you should have a good probiotic in your routine. Your intimate area needs healthy bacteria to thrive.

What many women don’t realize is that vaginal health is closely connected to the balance of good bacteria in your body.

When that balance is off, you may notice bad odors, irritation, itching, or frequent infections, especially during your period.

This is where probiotics come in.

Probiotics help support healthy bacteria in the body, which can help maintain a healthier vaginal environment and reduce issues like odor and discomfort.

I highly recommend the Love wellness Good girl probiotic supplement, Dr Formulated Probiotics, or FullWell daily probiotics. They are some of the best options out there and personal favorites of mine.

You can also get probiotics naturally from foods like Greek yogurt, kefir, kimchi, Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) pickles fermented in brine, kombucha, butter milk, and other fermented foods.

So if supplements are not your thing, adding more probiotic-rich foods to your diet can still help support your vaginal health from the inside out.

8. Invest In Organic Pads And Tampons

Let’s do a little exercise, ladies, shall we?

Good. Now head over to your closet, bathroom drawer, or wherever you keep your pads and tampons.

Are they heavily scented with that plastic texture? Oh, they are? Amazing.

Now walk slowly to the nearest trash can.

Actually, scratch that, pick up the pace and dump them in there immediately.

One of my favorite period hacks and tips is switching to organic pads and tampons.

Your intimate area is extremely sensitive, especially during your period.

So the last thing you need is heavily scented products filled with fragrances, dyes, and harsh materials sitting against your skin for hours. Please no.

Those scented products may smell nice at first, but they cause irritation, itching, discomfort,  and even throw off your pH balance down there.

That is why organic cotton pads and tampons are so much better and safer for you.

They are usually softer, more breathable, and made with fewer irritating ingredients, making them much gentler on your body.

So you want to use products like Cora Organic Tampons, The Honey Pot 100% Organic Cotton Tampons, The Honey Pot Cooling Pads, and Rael Organic Cotton Cover Pads.

So far, I honestly haven’t found many pads or tampons that top these in terms of comfort and quality.

9. Use Warm Water And Unscented Bar Soap To Wash Your Vulva

Warm water is usually enough.

But if you are anything like me and love to feel squeaky clean, then add an unscented, emphasis on unscented soap when washing your intimate area.

And by this, I mean the inner thighs and the outside of the vulva area, not inside the vagina.

Please, please, and please do not listen to anyone telling you to stick your hand up there and start washing inside.

As a matter of fact, call the cops on them. Because that is a one-way ticket to irritation, recurring infections, and throwing off your pH balance down there.

The vagina is self-cleaning, and trust me, she knows how to do her job very well. So let her do her thing.

For the soap, you want to use something like the Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar or any soap that basically smells like nothing, not those tropical-scented feminine washes and all those heavily perfumed products.

These types of soaps are usually mild, gentle, and do a really good job of cleaning away blood, sweat, and buildup around your thighs and vulva area leaving you feeling clean and fresh.

10. Avoid Cold Foods And Drinks On Your Period

One of the worst things to do during your period, especially when you are struggling with painful cramps, is constantly drinking ice-cold beverages or eating very cold foods.

Take it from someone who did it and ended up being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance because the pain became unbearable.

Now, I do want to acknowledge that every woman’s body is different.

However, many women (myself included) notice that extremely cold drinks can make cramps feel more intense or leave the body feeling tense and uncomfortable during their cycle.

That is why, during your period, it may be better to stick to warmer, comforting options like hot tea, warm water, hot soups, or room-temperature drinks instead of shocking your body with ice-cold beverages all day long.

11. Drink Raspberry, Lemon Ginger, Chamomile And Peppermint Tea

Now, I support whatever makes you feel better.

If painkillers do the trick for you then by all means please take them and get the relief you need.

However, don’t sleep on herbal teas.

I’m talking about raspberry leaf, peppermint, chamomile, and lemon ginger tea. 

They work really really well when it comes to relieving cramps.

Listen, one thing about me is that the moment my cramps start acting like they want to send me to the grave, I’m immediately reaching for tea.

Herbal teas are honestly one of the easiest and most comforting period cramp hacks to soothe your body during your period.

Not only are they warm and relaxing, but many of them help ease cramps, bloating, nausea, and that heavy, achy feeling you sometimes get in your lower stomach during your period.

Raspberry leaf tea is known for helping relax the uterus, ginger tea helps with inflammation and cramps, chamomile tea is amazing for relaxation and sleep, while peppermint tea soothes bloating and stomach discomfort.

And you know, sometimes just sitting down with a hot cup of tea during your period feels like therapy.

12. Eat A Steak During Your Period To Replenish Lost Iron

If there is one period hack you take home with you today, let it be this: eat a good steak during your period.

During our period, we lose blood, which means we also lose iron.

And if that iron is not replaced, you may start experiencing symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headaches, and feeling completely drained throughout the day.

That is why eating iron-rich foods during your period is so important, especially if you have a heavier flow.

Steak is one of the best options because it is packed with iron and protein that can help replenish your body.

You can either cook one at home or order takeout.

13. Exercise Lightly

With many period tips and hacks out there, exercises are not talked about enough, especially when it comes to the type of exercises you should be doing.

Look, your body is already going through a lot, so this is not the time to push yourself with intense workouts.

What you want to do instead is light stretches, yoga, walking, and other gentle exercises to ease cramps, improve blood circulation, reduce bloating, and relax the muscles that are causing pain and tension.

Sometimes simply getting your body moving a little can help you feel so much better mentally and physically during your period.

14. Use Heating Pads Or Warm Towels To Soothe Menstrual Cramps

If I’m allowed to give you one piece of advice on how to feel better during your period, it is to use heating pads or warm towels to soothe cramps.

Heat will save your life during your period.

It helps relax the muscles in your lower stomach, improves blood flow, and eases the tension that causes painful cramps.

And that relief is almost instant.

I personally get most of my heating pads from Pursonic, they are super soothing, comforting, and basically one of the best things to have during your cycle.

If you don’t have access to heating pads you can soak a towel in hot water, let it cool down a bit, then place it on your lower stomach for relief.

15. Eat More Leafy Green And Other Nutrient-Dense Foods

I know we crave ice cream, pizzas, sodas, Dunkin’ doughnuts, McFlurries, cheesecake loaded with sugar icing, and all that sugary goodness during our period.

But trust me when I tell you that they actually do more harm than good.

Excess sugar can increase bloating, make cramps feel worse, trigger breakouts, and mess with your energy levels.

One minute you feel amazing eating that entire tub of ice cream, and the next minute your stomach feels like a war zone.

That is why it is better to nourish your body with foods that actually support you during your period.

Things like leafy greens, beans, fruits, nuts, protein-rich foods, and iron-rich meals can help your body feel more balanced, energized, and less inflamed.

Now, am I saying you can never enjoy your sweet treats during your period? 

Absolutely not. Eat the cookie if you want the cookie.

Just don’t survive entirely on sugar and vibes for the next five days.

16. Change Your Pads And Tampons Every 4-6 Hours

I can’t stress this enough, you have to change your pads and tampons every 4-6 hours, especially if you want to smell good all day while on your period.

Blood + moisture = bad odour, so leaving the same pad or tampon on for too long is definitely going to create an unpleasant smell.

Not only that, but it can also cause bumps, itching, and the buildup of bacteria.

I know sometimes we get lazy, tired, or too busy to change them from time to time, but your intimate health is not something you want to play with.

So please change your pads more often especially if you have a heavy flow.

17. Change Your Underwear Regularly

This is a feminine hygiene tip that you want to take very seriously.

After changing your pad or tampon, the next thing you want to change is your underwear.

Don’t flip them inside out, actually change them.

Yes, I see you. I know what you are doing, it might be more convenient but certainly not hygienic, so no.

Carry an extra pair of underwear with you when going out and change into a fresh pair when needed, especially if you have been sweating or dealing with leaks.

You have multiple pairs of underwear for a reason.

18. Drink Fennel Water For Bloating And Swelling

If you constantly feel puffy, swollen, or painfully bloated during your cycle, fennel water is something you seriously need to try.

Fennel is known for helping with digestion and reducing bloating.

It can help your stomach feel lighter and more comfortable instead of feeling like you swallowed an entire balloon (Gosh, I hate that feeling).

Period bloating can make you feel exhausted, uncomfortable, and irritated before the cramps even begin.

One of my favorite period hacks is drinking fennel water whenever I start feeling heavy or swollen during my cycle.

You can soak fennel seeds overnight in water or boil them like tea and drink them warm.

19. Invest In Period Panties For Extra Protection And Comfort

Period panties are great especially on heavy flow days or at night when you are scared of leaking all over your freshly washed sheets.

They provide extra protection, feel more secure, and can help you feel cleaner and more comfortable. 

I prefer to wear them as backup protection with pads or tampons for extra peace of mind.

20. Use Overnight Pads And Period Diapers At Night For Heavy Flow Days

Apart from period panties, another thing you can use is overnight pads or period diapers, especially at night when one wrong move while sleeping can suddenly make your bed look like a crime scene.

Not that it is a bad thing, but constantly rewashing those stained sheets can be super frustrating.

That is why overnight pads and period diapers are your besties on heavy flow nights.

They provide more coverage, absorb more blood, and help prevent leaks while you sleep, so you are not waking up every two hours in fear.

21. See A Gynecologist If You Experience Severe Pain And Unusually Heavy Bleeding

Cramps are normal but extreme pain is not.

This is one of the most important period hacks I would share with you today: if you experience severe pain and very heavy bleeding, I’m talking about the kind that looks like you are bleeding excessively or soaking through pads constantly, please go and see a gynecologist.

IT IS NOT OKAY.

Too many women have been conditioned to believe that unbearable pain during their period is something they just have to suffer through, and that is not true.

It could be a sign of conditions like Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids, hormonal imbalances, or other underlying health issues that need proper medical attention.

There is no reason, absolutely none at all, why your period should not leave you unable to function, passing out from pain, or bleeding so heavily that it disrupts your daily life.

22. Pat Dry With A Towel After Showering

The best friend of period odour is moisture.

It creates a breeding ground for bacteria which of course, creates the bad odour.

So after showering, take your time to properly pat the area dry instead of rushing and putting your underwear on immediately.

And no, I don’t mean aggressively rubbing the area with a towel like you are scrubbing a pot. Be gentle.

I know some people get nervous about drying properly because of stains.

However, you can always keep a separate small towel specifically for that purpose and toss it in the washer after use.

Another thing you can do is to use a small amount of baby powder on the inner thigh and bikini area to absorb excess moisture and keep the area dry throughout the day.

Just avoid putting powder inside your intimate area.

23. Take Magnesium

You can either take it as a supplement or get it naturally from foods like spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, black beans, avocados, dark chocolate, bananas, and peanut butter.

If you are someone who struggles with period insomnia, restlessness, muscle tension, or headaches, during your cycle, magnesium can help your body feel calmer and more relaxed.

There is nothing worse than being exhausted during your period but still unable to sleep because your cramps are fighting for attention.

So adding more magnesium-rich foods to your diet or taking a magnesium supplement during your cycle is very important.

24. Avoid Scrubbing Your Intimate Area Harshly When Showering

The only thing that you should be using to wash your intimate area is your hands, not sponges, or brushes, just clean hands.

It is not a dirty rug, so all that scrubbing and aggressive rubbing is not necessary.

You don’t want to create micro tears or irritation that may leave the area feeling sore and inflamed.

All you need is warm water, unscented soap, and clean hands to gently wash your private area.

25. Lift Weights A Few Days Before Your Period

One of the craziest period hacks I learned from my personal trainer is lifting weights before and during your cycle. I say crazy because that is how it initially sounded to me.

Now listen to me carefully: this doesn’t mean you should be carrying the heaviest weights.

What you want to do instead is focus on lighter strength training during your period or a few days before it starts.

For example, if you normally lift around 25–30 kg, you may want to reduce it to around 17.5–20 kg during your cycle depending on how your body feels.

26. Change Into A Fresh Tampon Or Menstrual Cup Before You Swim

Yes, you can absolutely swim while on your period, but you need to do it properly.

And don’t worry, I will be sharing more hacks for swimming on your period in the next few points, so keep reading.

First things first, always change into a fresh tampon or menstrual cup before getting into the water.

Notice how I didn’t mention pads? Exactly. Unfortunately, pads and swimming do not mix.

Pads absorb water almost immediately, which means they become heavy, uncomfortable, and will definitely leak once you get into the pool.

Tampons and menstrual cups are designed to be worn internally, making them much more secure and practical for swimming during your period.

So before you dive into that pool looking all cute, make sure you have changed into a fresh tampon or emptied and cleaned your menstrual cup properly first.

27. Wear A Darker Swimsuit Or Shorts

Choosing darker-colored swimsuits or wearing swim shorts is one of the smartest period hacks that guarantees comfort and peace of mind.

Half of the stress of swimming during your period is the fear of leaks, stains, or constantly checking behind you every five seconds.

Darker swimsuits can help you feel more secure and less anxious while enjoying yourself in the water.

And if you still feel nervous, adding swim shorts over your swimsuit can give you extra coverage and confidence without ruining your cute poolside look.

28. Rinse Off After Swimming In Chlorine Or Salt Water To Avoid Irritation

After swimming, you want to rinse off as soon as possible, especially if you have been in chlorine or salt water for a long time.

Pool chemicals and salt water can sometimes dry out or irritate the skin, especially during your period when your intimate area already feels more sensitive than usual.

So once you are done swimming, take a quick shower with warm water, change into dry underwear, and lounge all you want.