{"id":9384,"date":"2022-10-09T17:01:40","date_gmt":"2022-10-09T16:01:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/?p=9384"},"modified":"2023-11-03T14:50:09","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T14:50:09","slug":"do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you burn more calories on your period? Your common questions answered"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:239.81264637002%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:187.54578754579%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:187.54578754579%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:187.54578754579%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered: &ldquo;Do you burn more calories on your period?&rdquo; then you&rsquo;re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With all the bloating, food cravings and hormonal changes, your menstrual cycle can feel like a physical and emotional rollercoaster.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many women see exercise as a way to relieve their period symptoms, whereas others prefer to rest when it&rsquo;s that time of the month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever your preferences, your period can have a big impact on your running performance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide we&rsquo;ll answer all your common questions when it comes to exercise and your menstrual cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide we&rsquo;ll explore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Do you burn more calories on your period?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How many calories do you burn on your period?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you gain weight during your period?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How much blood do you lose on your period?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you feel more hungry during your period?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What to eat on your period: Foods to eat and foods to avoid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5 ways to ease period cramps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&rsquo;s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"427\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-427x1024.png\" alt=\"do you burn more calories on your period\" class=\"wp-image-9611\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-427x1024.png 427w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-125x300.png 125w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-768x1843.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-400x960.png 400w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-450x1080.png 450w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-500x1200.png 500w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-150x360.png 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100.png 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"427\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20427%201024'%3E%3Crect%20width='427'%20height='1024'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"do you burn more calories on your period\" class=\"wp-image-9611 eager-load\" title=\"\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-427x1024.png.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-427x1024.png.webp 427w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-125x300.png.webp 125w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-768x1843.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-400x960.png.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-450x1080.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-500x1200.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100-150x360.png.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/do-you-burn-more-calories-on-your-period-100.png.webp 800w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do you burn more calories on your period?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re wondering: &ldquo;Do you burn more calories on your period?&rdquo; then you&rsquo;re not the only one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount of calories you burn during your period will depend on a variety of factors, namely your resting metabolic rate (RMR), which is the amount of calories your body burns while at rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your RMR is affected by your age, gender, health, diet, race and activity levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research has found that resting metabolic rate varies widely across women during the menstrual cycle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12828798\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2003 study<\/a>, they tracked the resting metabolic rates in 19 women during one complete menstrual cycle. The study found that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>9 women had a wide variation of changes to their RMR &ndash; between 5-10%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10 women had hardly any change at all to their RMR &ndash; between 2-4%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The study concluded that RMR cannot be assumed to be stable in all women.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key takeaway? Some women may burn more calories on their period while others won&rsquo;t have much of a difference.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/exercise-during-ivf\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10211\">Is it safe to exercise during IVF? Exercises to do and exercises to avoid<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How many calories do you burn on your period?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various ways to calculate your resting metabolic rate (RMR).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The simplest way is to use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellfit.com\/metabolism-facts-101-3495605\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RMR calculator<\/a> that takes into consideration your height, weight, age, gender and activity levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are two examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>RMR example 1<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>RMR example 2<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Age: 35 years old<br>Gender: Female<br>Height: 5ft 6 inches<br>Weight: 140lbs<br>Activity level: Very active<br><br><strong>Calories burned on a typical day: 2,323 calories&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td>Age: 25 years old<br>Gender: Female<br>Height: 5ft 4 inches<br>Weight: 120lbs<br>Activity level: Sedentary<br><br><strong>Calories burned on a typical day: 1,529 calories&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use a RMR calculator to help you work out how many calories you should be consuming to maintain your weight.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, if you&rsquo;re an active person, you&rsquo;ll need more calories than someone who is not so active.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your goal is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/running-for-weight-loss\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2828\">weight loss<\/a>, then you&rsquo;ll need to stay below your calorie needs or increase your activity levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whilst there is no single RMR value that is appropriate for all adults, RMR normally ranges from 1,400 to 1,600 calories per day for most people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/successfully-running-with-a-chronic-illness\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5301\">6 tips for successfully running with a chronic illness<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"546\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-546x1024.png\" alt=\"do you burn more calories on your period\" class=\"wp-image-9389\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-546x1024.png 546w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-160x300.png 160w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-768x1440.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-512x960.png 512w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-576x1080.png 576w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-640x1200.png 640w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-150x281.png 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4.png 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"546\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-546x1024.png.webp\" alt=\"do you burn more calories on your period\" class=\"wp-image-9389 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-546x1024.png.webp 546w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-160x300.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-768x1440.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-512x960.png.webp 512w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-576x1080.png.webp 576w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-640x1200.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4-150x281.png.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4.png.webp 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p4.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/when-does-period-weight-go-away\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11010\">When does period weight go away? All your questions answered<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do you gain weight during your period?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is normal to gain weight during your period. Some women gain as much as 3 to 5 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Water retention is the main cause of period weight.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overeating, sugar cravings and missed workouts can also cause you to put on extra pounds during your menstrual cycle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bloating may also make you feel heavier.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re wondering: &ldquo;When does period weight go away?&rdquo; the answer is &ldquo;within a few days of your period ending&rdquo;. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/taste-blood-when-running\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8995\">Taste blood when running? 7 causes + ways to prevent it<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How much blood do you lose on your period?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The average woman will lose about 30 to 60 millimetres of blood during their period, which is equivalent to 2 to 4 tablespoons.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conditions such as fibroids, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/what-is-an-endometriosis-flare-up\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10358\">endometriosis<\/a>, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and adenomyosis can cause women to lose more blood on their period &ndash; up to 80 millimetres (about 5 tablespoons).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research has shown that you don&rsquo;t just lose blood on your period.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/3969232\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1985 study<\/a> concluded that period flow is a combination of blood (36%) and other elements including tissue, uterine lining, mucus and blood clots (64%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/running-for-weight-loss\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2828\">Running for weight loss: The most effective running workouts to help you lose weight <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"546\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-546x1024.png\" alt=\"do you burn more calories on your period\" class=\"wp-image-9388\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-546x1024.png 546w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-160x300.png 160w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-768x1440.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-512x960.png 512w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-576x1080.png 576w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-640x1200.png 640w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-150x281.png 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3.png 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"546\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-546x1024.png.webp\" alt=\"do you burn more calories on your period\" class=\"wp-image-9388 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-546x1024.png.webp 546w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-160x300.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-768x1440.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-512x960.png.webp 512w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-576x1080.png.webp 576w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-640x1200.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3-150x281.png.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3.png.webp 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p3.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/does-chocolate-help-with-period-cramps\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10912\">Does chocolate help with period cramps? Everything you need to know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do you feel more hungry during your period?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pre-period hunger pangs are real!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many women experience hunger pangs during their period, craving sweet and salty foods and foods that are high in fat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fluctuating hormones in the lead up to your period play a large role here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Progesterone (the hormone that helps to bring on menstruation) peaks just before your menstrual cycle, causing you to have food cravings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Food cravings are generally thought to be your body&rsquo;s way of telling you that you need more of a certain nutrient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a heavy blood flow, for example, your body may be iron deficient so it&rsquo;s wise to replenish your iron levels by eating foods rich in iron such as red meat, beans, nuts and fortified breakfast cereals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/what-to-eat-before-running-in-the-morning\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8416\">What to eat before running in the morning: 8 eating tips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to eat on your period<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To help ease uncomfortable symptoms during your period, it&rsquo;s good to indulge in tasty and nutritious foods to provide some relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating and fatigue can all be made that more bearable when you follow a healthy, balanced diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are foods to eat and foods to avoid during your period:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Foods to eat<\/strong> <strong>on your period:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Water rich fruit (watermelon, cucumber, melon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ginger&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chicken<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fish<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turmeric<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dark chocolate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nuts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quinoa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beans and lentils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tofu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peppermint tea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/zero-calorie-foods\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11504\">Zero calorie foods: The complete guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Foods to avoid<\/strong> <strong>on your period:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy the following foods in moderation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Sugar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coffee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spicy foods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alcohol<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Red meat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some women find that limiting processed foods and foods containing dairy and gluten can also help relieve period symptoms such as abdominal cramps and bloating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/carb-loading-for-runners\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6648\">Carb loading for runners: Foods to eat and mistakes to avoid<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"546\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-546x1024.png\" alt=\"do you burn more calories on your period\" class=\"wp-image-9386\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-546x1024.png 546w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-160x300.png 160w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-768x1440.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-512x960.png 512w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-576x1080.png 576w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-640x1200.png 640w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-150x281.png 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1.png 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"546\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-546x1024.png.webp\" alt=\"do you burn more calories on your period\" class=\"wp-image-9386 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-546x1024.png.webp 546w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-160x300.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-768x1440.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-512x960.png.webp 512w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-576x1080.png.webp 576w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-640x1200.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1-150x281.png.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1.png.webp 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/p1.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/hormones-and-female-athletic-performance\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13672\">Hormones and female athletic performance: Everything you need to know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5 ways to ease period cramps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you know the answer to: &ldquo;Do you burn more calories on your period?&rdquo;, here are 5 ways to ease period cramps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#1 Exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you may feel like curling up in a ball on your bed during your period, exercise such as light jogging and yoga is proven to help ease period cramps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#2 Use a hot water bottle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trusty hot water bottle is a life saver for many women suffering with debilitating period pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hot water bottles help to soothe period pain and the other pains associated with the menstrual cycle, including lower back pain and leg pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To prevent hot water bottle burns on your skin, cover your bottle and avoid leaving it on your skin for more than 20 minutes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#3 Use pain medication<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medications such as ibuprofen help to fight the pain and reduce inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speak to your healthcare professional about other medications to help with the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#4 Use CBD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CBD is becoming an increasingly popular way to relieve pain, especially pain associated with the menstrual cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although research on the effectiveness of CBD is still limited, some studies show that CBD might help to reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a <a href=\"https:\/\/bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12906-019-2431-x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2019 study<\/a>, participants reported that CBD oil was the most effective at reducing pain caused by endometriosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#5 Use a TENS machine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine is a small, battery operated device connected to sticky pads.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It involves the use of a mild electrical current as a means to provide short term pain relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4186747\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">research<\/a> on TENS machines is patchy. More research needs to be conducted to assess whether TENS machines provide effective and reliable pain relief.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Saying that, many women swear by their TENS machine during their period.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered: &ldquo;Do you burn more calories on your period?&rdquo; then you&rsquo;re not alone. With all the bloating, food cravings and hormonal changes, your menstrual cycle can feel like a physical and emotional rollercoaster.&nbsp; Many women see exercise as a way to relieve their period symptoms, whereas others prefer to rest when it&rsquo;s &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9391,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[16,301,120],"tags":[300,69],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":9391,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/57-300x300.png"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9384"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9384"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9384\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13702,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9384\/revisions\/13702"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9391"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9384"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9384"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9384"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}