chevychic55

My Aunt Flow is in town and this is the first time since I got my new road bike. I have had zero desire to hop on the saddle. I was just wondering if you feel better after a ride.

[And men, just to give you an idea, (for me) it feels like a fairly significant, constant back pain, and as though someone has my organs in a ninja death grip.]

mwchandler21

You might have better luck finding women's info here: https://forums.teamestrogen.com/

chevy42083

I THINK there is a ladies section of Bikeforums... PM as moderator to see if they can get you access.

At least that was the rumor awhile ago.

Also, nice name

JanMM

I was invited to join that forum but respectfully declined.

chevychic55

Thanks guys

Lindenblossom

Just in case anyone happens to pop in (no reason why people of all genders n' stripes should not read this ~ if they don't menstruate themselves, maybe they know someone who does):

I ride no matter what and never have issues. My bikes are my transportation. If you're having cramps, try red raspberry or cramp bark tea, and maybe an orgasm or two.

CbadRider

There is a women's forum you are eligible to gain access to after posting for a month. Send a PM to Siu Blue Wind (administrator) to get access.

To answer your question, exercise and stretching have always helped me feel better.

Velo Dog

If I could answer for my wife, who's ridden with me all month for more than 25 years...
For the OP, she says, "Man up, you sissy." She claims she feels better when she exercises, or at least sticks to her routine, during her period (they're usually pretty easy; I understand that's not the case for everybody). Back before her knees gave out, she used to be a runner, and we did her first half-marathon during You Know.

Mr. Beanz

MY wife yes! She'd rather go out an take a chance at feeling better rather than sitting at home dwelling over the fact. She does ask me to slow the pace a step but usually she feels better once she starts the ride.

travelmama

I ride all days of the month without problem. If you suffer from heavy cramping, you may want to try birth control pills to rid yourself of them or do as suggested with the teas and lots of exercise and stretch. Plug it and ride on.

Machka 

I'm a lady, and yes I ride all month long.

For whatever reason, long rides (like the brevets and randonneuring events I do) seem to trigger it to start even when I'm mid-cycle, so I've often been out there on a 400 km or longer ride dealing with that issue along with the usual issues involved in riding long distances.

Extra calcium in the week prior to the period and in the first few days of the period seems to help.

abracapocus

I should find out how I deal soon. :-) Most months there will probably be one day that it interferes with. When I was younger and on the pill, my TOM was barely there. Older and off the pill they can be horrendous some months.

wabbit

My problem always was the lack of energy...for pain, take Ibuprofen. But i found that on the first day or so, it really sapped my energy. I'd really feel it in my legs. So i'd just skip it for a day or so.

CitiZen

You'd better believe I ride all month long. Aunt Flo is not the boss of me.
If things are really bad, you might consider this.https://women.webmd.com/endometrial-ablation-16200

deep_sky

Strictly from a containment standpoint, I'd not ride if I used pads; too much chaffing and potential for mess. If you are using the correct size tampon, no muss no fuss.
I generally don't have any symptoms of my period as it has been controlled by BC for more than a decade, but very occasionally I will get an exception to that. I do try to ride anyways, because although I might not feel so hot, I know I will regret not riding.

chevychic55

Thanks again guys. I am not in too much pain... it was more my mood. The ladies will understand perfectly when I say I feel "Blah." I am going to hop on the bike tonight to see if I feel better.

travelmama

Correction made.

coffeecake

I always feel better after I get on the bike. It's an effort to get up and get going, but I know by now that I'll feel way better after exercising. I'm one of the lucky ones - I don't get cramps too often, usually when I'm eating poorly and stressed, and my current method of stemming the flow lets me forget that it's actually that time of the month for about a 10 to 12 hour stretch.

chevychic55

Thanks

I went for a ride with my brother and felt good afterward. Thanks again GALS

big_al

My wife is here right next to me and she says all month long unless it is raining.