Doctor explains why thousands of women had two periods in June
The soaring heat of the British summer has had us all feeling hot and bothered, but it turns out a heatwave can impact women in a particularly annoying way.
The United Kingdom experienced a record-breaking heatwave in June, with June 26 clocking in at 37.7C in East Anglia. That's the hottest British day in June on record and the sixth-hottest day in the country's history.
While people were left queuing for air con and struggling for hacks to stay cool, it also led to thousands of women experiencing irregular periods. Even two in a month.
For those who are regular as a clockwork, it came as quite a startling realisation, but a doctor has now explained how extreme heat can disrupt the ovulation cycle.
How a heatwave can disrupt your period
As it turns out, heat stress combined with dehydration can disrupt a woman's hormonal balance, leading to mid-cycle bleeding or early menstruation, according to Dr. Hana Patel, NHS GP and Medico-Legal Expert Witness.
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Dr. Patel told LADbible: "Extreme heat can disrupt your reproductive hormones, alter your ovulation timing, and cause dehydration, which can trigger an earlier period or spotting.
"Increased heat or seasonal sunshine can stimulate the ovaries and pituitary gland, occasionally shortening the menstrual cycle and causing periods to arrive earlier or closer together."
However, Dr Patel did warn that while weather-related changes to the cycle can be common, women should be aware that frequent periods could be a sign that something isn't quite right.
"While occasional cycle variations due to weather stress are common, having frequent periods can also indicate underlying medical conditions like hormonal imbalances or thyroid issues."
Several women have taken to TikTok to report their irregular periods during June.
'"One of my daughters missed it completely," @thrivingwithhannah said on the social media site.
"I had two. Does anyone know what the heck is going on?"
Another user named Oz, said: "Apparently, everyone’s late this month. Everyone’s missed their period.
"June has just been weird. This is not typical for me."
Doctor Thorrun Govind told the Metro: "The menstrual cycle is sensitive to changes within the body and factors such as disrupted sleep and heatwaves can impact it.
"And while the sun coming out is good news for our vitamin D levels, it’s not so good for our sleep cycles, which can end up disrupted by the heat.
"A late period is surprisingly common. It isn’t always a sign of pregnancy. Stress, illness, significant weight changes, excessive exercise, travel and poor sleep can all affect the timing of your cycle."
How to cool down in a heatwave
We’re all aware of the basics of keeping cool during the warmer weather, such as avoiding the sun between 11am and 3pm, staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, taking cold showers and avoiding physical activity, but have you tried these little-known hacks to beat the heat? (Thank us later).
The correct way to sleep with a fan on
A good night's sleep is almost never guaranteed during a heatwave, leaving many of us turning to our trusty fan to get through the night. However, it could be having a hidden impact on your health.
But rest assured, as Dr Anis Khalaf has explained how to overcome this, the correct way.
"The key is to not have any of the wind blowing on you,” he said. “So try facing it away from your body, and the air will still circulate around the room."
Though bear in mind that electric fans only tend to work when the temperature is below 35 degrees.
Drinking milk
Thanks to the sugars, proteins and fats in milk, Dr Natasha Fernando claimed that a glass of the liquid ‘may be more hydrating than water’.
She told Metro: “Milk also contains sodium which allows your body to hold onto water for longer, aiding hydration levels.”
The Egyptian sleep method
Forget the Military sleep method, because this hack claims to keep you cool as well as help you nod off.
Psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, told VeryWellMind: "The Egyptian sleep method involves sleeping under a damp sheet, which cools off from evaporation.”
Just make sure the sheet is damp and not drenched, and the room is well-ventilated.
Keeping windows shut during the day
While it may sound counterproductive, you’re essentially inviting the hot air inside by leaving them open. And since most houses in the UK are designed to keep the heat in, you could be making the situation a whole lot worse.
Instead, wait until temperatures have dropped (such as in the late evening) to open your windows to allow cooler air to circulate. Keeping your blinds and curtains shut can also help.
Daniel Murphy