Is it better to rest or to move around during menstruation?
Disease description:
I am a 23-year-old female. Some people say that jogging during menstruation can help with weight loss, while others claim that physical activity should be avoided during periods as it may cause dysmenorrhea. So, is it better to stay inactive or to engage in light exercise during menstruation?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiumei
In general, it is acceptable to engage in moderate walking during menstruation. Women can appropriately walk during their period, which may help facilitate the discharge of menstrual blood and alleviate menstrual cramps caused by blood stagnation. However, excessive exercise should be avoided, as it may lead to overexertion, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and dizziness; these symptoms usually subside after rest. It is recommended that women keep their abdomen and lower back warm to prevent cold uterus (gong han), a condition that may affect normal fertility. During menstruation, women should avoid consuming raw, cold, spicy, or irritating foods.
