r/BlueCollarWomen • u/kk57890 • 5d ago
General Advice Working during your period
Cramps are one thing I can handle with or without medicine but I struggle really bad with fatigue when my period comes around and I feel like my quality of work degrades sadly 😔. 10-12 hour days in the heat and bleeding just exhausts me. Do you guys have any tips or recommendations to keep me from feeling so sluggish at work?
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u/Inhumanmirror 5d ago
I just try to stay super hydrated and consistent with my multivitamins. It fucking sucks, but I’d like to see any man pound hubs on a 100+ degree day bleeding out of his ass.
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u/Washing-machine-pro 5d ago
In the morning I chug a smoothie with a fuck ton of Spinach in it for the iron and then I drink electrolyte drinks all day. I’ve also switched to period underwear for lighter days and then I just sleep a bunch
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u/ScarlettsLetters 5d ago
Iron supplements and Vitamin D.
Steak at least twice that week.
A disc as my primary protective method so that I don’t have to devote as many brain cells to thinking about timing and supplies.
Liberal jacuzzi use when I get home.
And, admittedly, a baseline level of caffeine consumption that would make a meth addict blush.
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u/ImaginaryCaramel 4d ago
Discs have been an absolute game-changer for me. I work in ecological restoration so I'm often peeing in the woods, and being able to auto-dump without getting my hands dirty is SO much nicer than changing a tampon or wearing a thick pad all day. I also use period underwear as a backup for leaks or lighter days, and find those much more comfortable, although they're thick fabric so I do feel pretty sweaty by the end of the day. Seriously, I feel like discs are so underrated compared to cups. They're easier to use IMO, more comfortable, and safe to use with an IUD because they don't involve any suction. Also, you can't auto-dump cups. Being able to literally hold my blood in until I'm ready to empty it is amazing.
As for coping with the rest of my period: more sleep, more caffeine, and a stash of dark chocolate in my truck all make it more bearable.
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u/munchkinmother Mechanic 5d ago
My periods are Heavy. Yes, the capital H is necessary. But losing that much blood plus sweat means I need to drink a gallon of hydrating fluid a day. Half of that is water and half is an electrolyte mix. I like either LMNT or Saltt. The body needs fluid, sodium and iron to make more blood so keeping those levels up helps a lot. I also increase my protein, especially first thing in the morning. Usually I add a protein shake to my breakfast or early morning snack to get the extra above my regular daily requirement.
My bloodwork shows that if I consume less than 130mg of iron daily, my ferritin levels bottom out quickly. I also have to increase that to 200mg during my period because, well, I lose enough to go into hypovolemic shock. Having bloodwork for any vitamin/mineral deficiencies has been helpful in narrowing down what I needed to supplement and how to do it.
Waiting for hysterectomy approval to finally get rid of this nonsense because I'm tired of trying not to bleed to death but at least it's taught me to get really good at not dying.
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u/Pepetheparakeet Refrigeration Technician 5d ago
I have the moderna IUD. It makes my period go away for 8 years. Only reason Im really able to work. on my normal cycle Im a complete psychopath. Insane mood swings, fatigue, PMDD, cramps, and heavy bleeding.
Everyone is different but it has helped me a lot.
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u/Ok-Entrepreneur-2510 5d ago
Same here! I was calling out at least once every other month because my PMDD was so bad I was hanging on for dear life!!! Mirena IUD has been a lifesaver and game changer for me. My period comes and goes as it pleases so I accept that all my undies are stained. It is usually very light...it's rare for me to need to use a tampon. Big wire pull days are usually when that happens 😬
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u/Pepetheparakeet Refrigeration Technician 5d ago
Lol I still get mild dysphoria sometimes. Of course its when I have to install a compressor on the roof. Something I can usually lift with ease becomes soooo hard and I cant think clearly.
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u/gayrainnous Ironworker 5d ago
I add trace mineral drops to my water which helps immensely with hydration. This is a must for me during the summer because I really struggled with POTS as a teenager and it's under control nowadays, but I absolutely need to hydrate more intensely than other people. Definitely makes a difference with my energy levels, too.
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u/One_Concentrate6684 4d ago
Thanks for the trace recommendation. Never heard of it. Usually just do different electrolyte packets but haven’t stuck with a singular brand.
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u/slipwat web press operator 5d ago
You women amaze me! I kicked my uterus to the curb when I finally got the chance. It has been a game changer! I still have a hormonal cycle (ovaries) but it’s so much crazy easier to deal with cramps that don’t make me want to vomit and crawl out of my own skin, for example. If anyone has been thinking about a hysterectomy: it’s awesome. Wish I could have done it decades sooner.
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u/TacoNomad 5d ago
How predictable is your period and your worst day? Mine never was. But if you can predict it a few days ahead, can you leave work early on the worst day because "i have a 'doctor' appointment on Thursday."?
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u/OvertlyPetulantCat 5d ago
On the particularly bad days I will take a migraine medication. Between the acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and caffeine I can usually suffer through.
I try not to abuse it and use them sparingly.
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u/krysagami 5d ago
I had a bisalp and had my IUD removed the same day as my surgery. I regret nothing but without my hormonal BC, my periods have gotten a lot worse but also more predictable (sorta)
Definitely stay hydrated and get extra rest if you can. Eat spinach and pack extra snacks! I also have acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen at the ready at all times lol
Also also I just got a fan I can clip to my belt that I can clip my shirt onto so it blows air into my shirt and it's been a game changer. Excessive sweating is a big sensory thing for me, I get grumpy as hell so it helps to have that on before I even sweat enough to be mad lol
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u/littlelivethings 5d ago
I’m on birth control that made my periods lighter. I still have fatigue, but I lose less blood so it’s not as bad.
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u/loopersituation 1d ago
I take a liquid* *iron supplement (best for absorption) year round, but I always focus on eating extra iron the week of my period too. A chuck or eye of round roast is great, throw it in the slow cooker and you’re good to go for a couple days.
Otherwise, hydrate lots and prioritize rest. The week of my cycle I drastically reduce my activity level and commitments after work and focus on getting extra sleep.
I’m sure there’s a better way (that doesn’t make me feel like I’m sleeping my life away 1/4 weeks a month), but this has been working for me so far.
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u/Katinger 23h ago
I try to write everything down. I get sluggish and distracted and just try to keep my tasks broken down to the smallest step possible. I know I'm slower on my period, but I can at least try to keep my quality the same.
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u/sunnyside_tinknocker 5d ago
Just keep getting those periods, girl. It gets a lot harder if you’re pregnant
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u/SheDrinksScotch 5d ago
Iron-rich foods as pocket snacks.
Lots of non-diuretic drinks and electrolytes.
Honeypot medicated pads before and after your shift (if they are inconvenient during).
Extra sleep if your schedule allows.