Gynaecologist issues heatwave warning to woman over 'significantly worse' period side effects

For many women, the feeling of a suddenly scorching hot internal body temperature is simply a side effect of their 'time of the month'.

But what happens when the weather outside feels just as unbearable - if not worse - than what's going on inside their bodies? How can we be expected to use hot water bottles to numb the pain of menstruation when it's over 34 degrees outdoors?

Bloating feels more uncomfortable when it's accompanied by sweating, and the headaches stick around for longer in the unflinching sun. Uninterrupted sleep is basically out of the question, and the ability to battle brain fog slowly wilts.

A gynaecologist has attempted to answer these questions and address these issues by giving a vital warning to anyone 'due on' this week, as temperatures in the UK are expected to smash historical highs.

Temperature changes during menstruation are hard enough (Getty Stock Images)

Firstly, let's get into the science behind his insufferable enigma.

The reason why so many of feeling like we're circling the sun when we're on our periods is because of our hormones.

When women ovulate, they experience a spike in progesterone, which can cause a sharp spike in body temperature. Then, for the next two weeks, referred to as the Luteal Phase, you're likely to feel just as warm as progesterone levels remain high.

These temperatures will peak just as your period starts, before slowly dropping off again.

During heatwaves, however, additional demand can be placed on the body to regulate temperature, which is especially difficult when women are already battling hormone fluctuations and changes in fluid balance.

Menstrual bloating can also feel worse during a heatwave (Getty Stock Images)

Firstly, Dr Nirusha Kumaran, a GP, told Marie Claire: "When you add heat to the equation, the body must work harder to regulate temperature, maintain hydration, and support circulation. This can leave women feeling more fatigued, light-headed, bloated, or emotionally sensitive."

Dr Charis Chambers, a gynaecologist, added a further layer to this explanation.

"Menstruation is already an inflammatory process, and heat exposure independently activates similar pathways," he said. "Put together, the body isn’t simply responding twice - it’s responding louder."

Dr Chambers continued: "Oestrogen helps the body release heat more easily and lowers core body temperature, whereas progesterone increases body temperature and slows down the body’s cooling response. [The Luteal Phase] is the point in the cycle where the body is already operating at a slightly elevated baseline temperature, with a less responsive cooling system."

Cold showers are thought to be the most effective way of keeping temperatures down (Getty Stock Images)

Reflecting on the already insufferable side effects of being on your period, she added: "During menstruation, when inflammatory activity is already higher, these effects don’t just stack - they amplify."

Asked her advice on keeping cool during menstruation in the midst of record-breaking temperatures, Dr Chambers suggested taking cold showers or using cold flannels as opposed to relying on fans - especially before bed, to achieve the best sleep as possible.

She also recommended keeping on top of your hydration levels, not just when you notice side effects like fatigue, dizziness and migraines kicking in, but also by consuming water steadily all day.