Imagine being about to do a good deed, such as donating blood, and suddenly being told "not at this time". This condition often occurs in women during menstruation. Menstruation is not only accompanied by physical discomfort but may also limit certain activities. But why is this happening? Is it true that women can't donate blood during menstruation? Today, we're going to explore the medical rationale behind this and reveal some other activities to avoid during menstruation.
Menstrual Blood Donation: Is the Timing Wrong, or Is It a Healthy Priority?
Donating blood is a life-saving act, but it's not for everyone at all times. Especially for menstruating women, donating blood may not be a good option. First, we need to understand the series of changes that occur in the body during menstruation.
Basic understanding of physiological changes
During menstruation, a woman's iron stores are reduced due to blood loss. For most women, this loss of blood does not have an immediate impact on health, but additional blood loss after donating blood can lead to anemia. According to studies, hemoglobin levels in menstruating women are generally lower than in non-menstrual periods. As a result, donating blood during this period can worsen iron deficiency, which can affect the body's ability to deliver oxygen and overall energy levels.
Recommendations and regulations from the medical community
Most blood services and health guidelines recommend that women avoid donating blood during menstruation. This recommendation is based on the protection of women's health and the quality of blood for blood donors. The increased risk of anaemia not only poses a threat to the donor himself, but may also affect the quality and effectiveness of the blood.
The issue of compensation for blood loss
During menstruation, some women may experience heavier menstrual flows, which is medically known as menorrhagia. In this case, donating blood may exacerbate the decrease in blood volume, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and even more serious health problems. Therefore, even if you feel like you can handle the process of donating blood, your physiological state during menstruation is still not conducive to performing this activity.
Actual conditions and individual differences
Although it is generally recommended that women should not donate blood during menstruation, everyone's physical condition and menstrual characteristics are different. Some women with lighter menstrual periods may not experience significant discomfort and think they are perfectly fit to donate blood. In this case, it is advisable to consult a doctor before making a decision to have the necessary blood tests done to ensure that there are no negative health effects.
Four activities to avoid during menstruation: Protect your health
1. Strenuous exercise: avoid exacerbating the physiological burden
During menstruation, a woman's body is subjected to unique endocrine changes that can cause physical and emotional swings. During this time, engaging in high-intensity exercise, such as marathon running, weight training, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can add to the body's burden. These activities can lead to heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and may even cause increased pain due to the body's stress response.
It is advisable to replace it with low-intensity exercise, such as yoga or a light walk, which can help maintain physical vitality while reducing the impact on physiological state. Studies have shown that gentle exercise can improve blood circulation and relieve pain and low mood during menstruation.
2. Certain medications: Pay attention to the choice of medications
During menstruation, avoid medications that can affect blood clotting, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that contain aspirin. These drugs may cause prolonged or heavier menstrual bleeding because they inhibit the function of platelets, which affects the normal clotting of blood.
If you need relief from menstrual cramps or other discomforts, consider using medications such as acetaminophen that don't affect blood clotting. At the same time, it is recommended to use any drug under the guidance of a doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness.
3. Cosmetic surgery: Consider skin sensitivity
During menstruation, a woman's skin may become more sensitive, due to fluctuations in hormone levels. Laser hair removal, chemical peels, or other invasive cosmetic procedures may cause more intense skin reactions, such as redness and pain.
During this period, it is best to avoid such procedures and wait until the end of your period to consider it. If skin care is needed during menstruation, it is advisable to opt for gentle, non-invasive treatments such as hydrating masks or basic skincare routines.
4. Excessive alcohol consumption: Affects water and hormone balance
Drinking alcohol is especially important during menstruation. Alcohol can interfere with the body's water balance and hormone levels, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and worsen menstrual symptoms. Alcohol may also affect sleep quality, which can increase discomfort during menstruation.
It is recommended to minimize alcohol intake during menstruation and instead opt for beverages with a high water content, such as water and herbal teas, to help maintain a good water balance and overall health.
Recognizing the potential risks of these activities and adjusting accordingly during menstruation is an important part of self-care and staying healthy. By choosing the right activities and following professional advice, you can safely navigate this cyclical natural process and reduce unnecessary physical and emotional burdens.