Written by: Kristýna Vondrová
With your mobile phone in your locker, you put your worries aside, now you disconnect from the whole world for two hours. You float into the pleasant twilight of wellness. You listen to the crackling of wood, the hissing of the stove and the muffled voices of other visitors. Warmth and bliss flood your body. You just love the sauna. Is it necessary to give it up because of menstruation? Take a look with us at a few recommendations, following which you don't have to hang the sheet on a nail even during your period.
Sauna bathing has historically been more of a male domain. Fortunately, its modern take appeals to both sexes. Fitness centers and wellness resorts entice us to relax and remind us of the list of health benefits for our bodies and souls. But with menstruation, several negatives also appear on the second scale.
Higher temperatures can increase the intensity of bleeding
Menstruation automatically brings with it a higher blood flow to the uterus. If we expose our body to a Finnish sauna for a quarter of an hour, we increase our body temperature by about 1 degree Celsius. By thoroughly warming up the organs, we risk increasing the intensity of our menstrual bleeding. Therefore, gynaecologists often do not recommend a sauna during the first days of the period.
So consider the strength of your normal bleeding. If nature has gifted you with a lighter flow and you are drawn to the sauna even during your days, don't limit yourself. In case of heavy bleeding, consider whether you want to take this risk. If you suffer from endometriosis or adenomyosis, it is better to postpone your visit to the sauna until the next stages of the cycle.
A menstrual cup is an elegant solution for anyone who wants to enjoy the sauna without restrictions.
Hygiene comes first
Another specific feature is the open cervix, which increases the risk of infection. Therefore, during the sauna (especially in public facilities), pay attention to increased hygiene and use comfortable tools, for example menstrual cup. Unlike a tampon, it won't twinge between your legs with a fiddly string, it won't absorb water and you'll be free from the fear of leakage.
Also avoid immersion in cooling pools and tubs. Better take a shower with lukewarm water or cool off in the fresh air. Even if you love the feeling of "ice needles" all over your body, too cold water and sudden temperature changes during menstruation do more harm than good.
Heat against menstrual pain, acne and bad mood
Do you feel like we're just letting you down from the sauna? Let's remember the miraculous effects of a hot water bottle or a hot bath, which have caused more than one lower abdominal pain. The heat in the sauna works in a similar way. It dilates blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow in the abdomen and back area, often plagued by uterine muscle spasms.
During menstruation, do you feel like your skin is returning to your teenage years under the influence of hormones? Saunas can soothe acne breakouts. The heat opens the pores and intense sweating helps remove excess oil from the skin.
On our blog, we also like to refer to endorphins, dopamine or serotonin. These happy hormones are released not only during sex, but also in the sauna. They thus relieve stress, anxiety or irritability that often accompany menstruation.
5 rules for safe sauna use during menstruation
Where scientists lack hard data, your intuition and knowledge of your own body come into play. If you go for hot relaxation during your days, repeat these five rules:
- Shorten the length of your stay. Do you normally give yourself an honest quarter of an hour? Take off today, even 10 minutes counts.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Tame your passion for 90 °C and try a herbal or salt sauna instead.
- Keep drinking. You lose fluids through bleeding and sweating, so replenish them honestly with clean water.
- Doubts consult a specialist. If you have any gynaecological problems, consult your doctor in advance.
- Listen to your body. If you do not feel well, postpone the visit until later. Your entourage will surely understand.