Sensory Friendly Periods

By Teen Health Source

Sensory issues are when a person has trouble processing information we receive through our five senses (smell, touch, taste, see, or hear). Autistic people, people with ADHD, people with anxiety, and countless others may have sensory issues of some kind. And sensory issues can be especially tricky for people during their period. 

Periods can often trigger sensory issues such as severe discomfort and numerous strong emotions, and can even lead to sensory overload, causing one to shut down or act out. Although discomfort related to periods may not ever fully go away for every individual, there are many ways of making periods more comfortable and manageable for menstruating people, and especially those with sensory processing issues. From using a different menstrual product, to doing fun activities, to different forms of pain relief, there are a myriad of period solutions!

Menstrual Products

Every person who menstruates will have a unique experience with their period, so the same product may not work for everyone. While one person may find pads to be the most comfortable for them, another person may find pads to be super uncomfortable, and much prefer a menstrual cup. If you find that a period product causes you discomfort, feel free to keep trying new ones until you find the one that works best for you! Having the right product for your individual needs can completely change the way you view your periods. 

Sensory considerations about menstrual products can be about the product itself (e.g., things you might have to touch or feel) or they can be about the experience of getting the products (e.g., you feel overwhelmed by sounds or lights at the pharmacy, etc). These are just some examples, and it’s totally normal if you have sensory considerations that aren’t on the list.

Disposable Pads

Sensory Considerations:

• Disposed of after one use, so there’s no need to wash or carry used pads with you.
• Rests outside of vulva, which some people may find to be more comfortable that inserting something.
• Can feel soggy and/or bulky when it’s soaked up menstrual fluids.
• Blood can stick to your body, which may feel physically uncomfortable in different ways.
• Can be bought at most pharmacies and supermarkets, but will need to be purchased regularly.

Reusable Pads

Sensory considerations:

• Used ones may need to be carried around until you have the chance to wash them. Washing may trigger sensory issues, especially in the case of hand-washing them.
• Rests outside of vulva, which some people may find to be more comfortable
• Can feel soggy and/or bulky when it’s soaked up menstrual fluids.
• Blood can stick to your body, which may feel physically uncomfortable in different ways.
• Only need to be bought once every few years, which could mean fewer trips to pharmacies or supermarkets.

Tampons

Sensory considerations:

• Disposed of after one use, so there’s no need to wash or carry used tampons with you.
• Rests inside of body, which some people may find to be more comfortable than something external.
• If someone is not comfortable with their vagina, it may be difficult to put in and take out.
• Can be bought at most pharmacies and supermarkets, but will need to be purchased regularly.

Period Underwear

Sensory considerations:

• Used ones may need to be carried around until you have the chance to wash them. Washing may trigger sensory issues, especially in the case of hand-washing them.
• Rests outside of vulva, which some people may find to be more comfortable
• Can feel soggy and/or bulky when it’s soaked up menstrual fluids, although often less bulky than pads.
• Feel very similar to regular underwear, which can help if you have trouble with change or new sensations.
• Blood can stick to your body, which may feel physically uncomfortable in different ways.
• Can often hold more blood than pads alone, and therefore needs to be changed a little less often
• Only need to be bought once every few years, which could mean fewer trips to pharmacies or supermarkets.

Menstrual Cup or Disc

Sensory considerations:

• Can be used again right after emptying, so you would only need to carry a single menstrual cup or disk with you throughout the day.
• Rests inside of body, which some people may find to be more comfortable than something external.
• If someone is not comfortable with their vagina, it may be difficult to put in and take out. It may also be agitating or time consuming to put in and out, especially when first learning to use it.
• Can hold more blood, and therefore needs to be changed less often.
• Washing may trigger sensory issues, especially in the case of hand-washing them.
• Only need to be bought once every few years, which could mean fewer trips to pharmacies or supermarkets.

Other Period Products and Strategies

In addition to menstrual products, there are also plenty of things that can make periods more comfortable for people with sensory issues, including items and strategies that may help relieve cramps and aches. 

Heating Pads and Hot Water Pack

Heating pads and hot water packs are known to help relieve period pain, which can be beneficial if you have sensory issues relating to pain, or ones which are aggravated by pain. Heating pads and hot water packs can also be useful during your period even if you don’t have sensory issues, as being in pain sucks for everyone. 

There are lots of heating pads and hot water packs which you can buy online or in-store, including ones that are electric, microwavable, re-fillable, and more. If you don’t have the resources to buy a heating pad or hot water pack, you can also make your own! 

• Medical News Today: 3 Ways to Make a Homemade Heating Pad

Warm Baths

Another way of letting heat soothe your period pains can be a warm bath! A regular bath may help with period pain, but you can also add things to the bath experience for sensory stimulation, as other sensory input can help distract oneself from the pain. Some things to add could include:

• Bath Bombs, Epsom Salts, or Bubbles
• Candles, Disco balls, or other soothing lighting
• Bath Toys, Massagers, or using a Waterproof Speaker

Exercise

It’s a myth that people shouldn’t exercise on their periods. Different types of exercise can help relieve period pain, but it can also take your mind off of your period, which is helpful in its own way. It’s important to listen to your body when you’re feeling like resting or slowing down, but it’s also okay if you have energy for stuff like yoga, or running, or whatever you enjoy.

Rest

Remember that if you are tired or burned out, it’s okay to rest and take a break. Exhaustion in general can aggravate sensory issues, including tiredness from dealing with periods. Periods can suck, and sometimes you just need to sleep it off or watch your comfort show on the couch to feel better.

Note: If you are experiencing severe cramps that are impact your daily life, it may be worth checking in with a clinician to explore medical solutions for pain and period management.

Ultimately, all bodies and all periods are different. What might help one person may not help you, and what might help you may not help another person. Dealing with periods can be difficult, and so can dealing with sensory issues — dealing with both at once can be super tough! But there are lots of strategies to help. Remember to be kind to yourself and to others, because patience and support can help everyone feel better, especially while menstruating. If you need support, ask for it. You’d be surprised at how willing so many people are to help. 

Resources

• Teen Health Source
  • Period Products
  • Period Basics
  • What is the Honeymoon Pill?
  • What is PCOS?
• The Sensory Seeker – Advice on Periods

If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact one of our peer educators. [Link]

Last Updated: April 2022