Water and the silent role in the menstrual cycle
When it comes to menstrual health, many women often pay attention to hormones, nutrition or activities, but are less interested in drinking enough water every day. In fact, water participates in most physiological processes of the body, including regulating the menstrual cycle.
According to Dr. Tejal Kanwar, an obstetrician and gynecologist working at CK Birla Hospital, India, the human body is made up of about 60% water. water plays an important role in transporting hormones, absorbing nutrients and eliminating inflammatory substances. When the body is dehydrated, hormonal balance is easily affected, thereby making the menstrual cycle irregular or causing more pain, she said.
During the pre-menstrual period, when estrogen levels increase, many women experience bloating and chest tightness. Drinking enough water helps the body regulate fluid levels, limit water retention and reduce discomfort. Conversely, when dehydrated, the body will secrete hormones that prevent urination, making bloating and fatigue worse.
Drinking enough water helps reduce pain and fatigue during menstruation
After ovulation, the body enters the coronary period with the control of progesterone hormone. This is the time when many women feel tired, prone to irritability and menstrual cramps are more noticeable. According to Dr. Tejal Kanwar, lack of water during this period can thicken the blood, reducing the oxygen supply to the tissues, thereby increasing pain and cramps.
When you drink enough water, blood circulation is better, helping the body absorb important minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which are essential for muscle and nervous system function, Kanwar analyzed. In addition, water also helps the liver and kidneys eliminate inflammatory intermediates such as prostaglandins, which are the main causes of uterine contractions and menstrual cramps.
During menstruation, the body loses a certain amount of blood, which means that the need for water also increases. Supplementing enough water helps reduce dizziness and lethargy and supports faster recovery after menstruation.
To maintain the habit of drinking enough water, experts recommend that women should drink about 2 - 2.5 liters of water per day, adjusted according to the weather and level of exercise. In addition to water, you can add coconut water, water-rich fruits such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, and limit coffee and foods that are too salty during the daylight.
Staying hydrated is not an immediate solution for all menstrual disorders, but it is a simple, low-cost foundation that brings long-term benefits to women's reproductive health.
