We’ve all experienced a nightmarishly painful period–and the PMS that comes with it. For some, that time of the month can be literal Hell. For others, it’s a time to indulge in some much-needed self-care (think long soaks in the tub, candles, sleeping in, eating cartons of ice cream, and binge-watching Netflix, among other things).
After all, each individual is different–especially when it comes to how they deal with their monthly cycle.
Thankfully, our old friend astrology has a few notes on how to deal with your period. Remember, astrology isn’t about sticking to one practice, it’s about finding your triggers and figuring out how to handle them.
Of course, it’s not only your Sun sign (what people typically think of when asked what their sign is) that can determine your PMS coping mechanisms.
Your Moon and Rising signs are just as important.
After all, your Moon sign plays a role in your emotional life, and your Rising sign is how you present yourself to the world. Be sure to check out all three to get as detailed of a picture as possible.
If you’re looking for new methods on how to handle PMS, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s how each sign reacts during that time of the month and how to combat those inevitable symptoms.
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Aries: Attempts to push through it
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Not even PMS can interfere with your need to get things done.
Sure, you’d rather be snuggled up in bed with a heating pad and Netflix, but you’re determined to blaze through the week because having a period isn’t an excuse or a burden–it’s just something you have to live with and you’re definitely not about to let it slow you down.
Taking a break won’t kill you, Ram.
While staying in bed may drive you crazy, sometimes it’s for the best. Yes, there are deadlines, and cleaning, and work to be done–but it can and should wait (especially if you have endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease).
Overworking yourself during your cycle isn’t going to do you any favors.
Say it with us, Aries. Slow down! The world will be there when you are ready to gear back up.
Taurus: Takes time for luxurious self-care
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And the Bull plans it to a T.
You’re organized, diligent, resourceful, and a little bossy–which makes being on your period a complete breeze (for you, that is). You have a period tracker, you know the exact hour (okay, day) your cycle will start, and you’ve stocked up on comfort foods and pain relief balm.
You’re prepared to eat bonbons and take a long bath.
And you’re definitely not afraid to ask your partner, sister, friend, or even your neighbor to go and get more supplies if you run out. After all, you’re the one who’s on their period.
Everyone should track their cycles like the Bull.
It may sound a bit obsessive, but tracking your menstrual cycle is a great way to assess your overall health. Having an irregular or heavier-than-usual period (or even losing your period altogether) can point to an underlying condition.
By logging your dates, symptoms, and other details of your cycle you’ll be able to better recall things at your next OB-GYN appointment.
Gemini: Loves to overshare
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Time to dissect some heightened emotions.
Unlike your astrological counterparts, you prefer to have company during that time of the month. In fact, you just can’t stop talking about your feelings. The perfect period for you includes movies, snacks, and tons of rather detailed conversations.
And you know what? That’s totally fine.
This is the time to embrace your emotions and bottling it up will most likely make things worse.
Talking about it is the only way we can normalize it.
Oversharing and simply talking about your period are two different things. By discussing your experiences with your friends, you’ll be able to spread awareness and help others better understand that menstruation isn’t gross (as society would have us believe) and is completely normal!
Cancer: Gets really into their feels
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Emotions come in big waves for this Water sign.
Cancers are notorious for being emotional but guarded. When you add hormones and cramps to the mix, it leads to one crabby and sensitive Crab.
It’s not your fault, though.
We know you’re under an immense amount of pressure during your period. Just be careful not to knock anyone’s head off after your mid-day cry.
Don’t worry, your estrogen and progesterone levels will rise again.
This downpour of emotion isn’t going to last forever, even though it may feel like it. During your monthly cycle, your body releases an egg–this is called ovulation.
Ovulation causes the body’s levels of estrogen and progesterone to drop, which can result in emotional and physical symptoms.
These changes can influence your serotonin levels (a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your sleep cycle, mood, and appetite). When a person’s serotonin levels drop, it results in feelings of sadness and irritability.
Leo: Needs to be the boss
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Being impassioned isn’t a crime.
Leos are known for being direct and in charge–and that doesn’t change when you’re on your period. In fact, you may even more vocal during this time.
Whether you’re blasting government officials for threatening to take away our birth control or you’re ugly-crying to your friends about something as minute as snapping your favorite hairband, we’re here for you. Roar on, Leo.
Minimizing your stress levels could ease PMS symptoms.
Did you know stress affects our menstrual cycle? According to a study conducted by researchers at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, women who feel stressed early in their cycle are more likely to experience bloating, cramping, and mood swings.
So, try to practice a little bit of self-care before you start. It may help you out in the long run!
Virgo: Works hard to look put together on the outside
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The inside? Not so much.
Virgos are perfectionists. So even if you’re in an immense amount of pain, you’d rather die before anyone found out. Instead of calling your girlfriends over to talk (we’re looking at you, Gemini), you’d rather retreat to your bedroom to be alone.
Just don’t get too wrapped up in your thoughts. Virgos are notorious for being over critical, especially of oneself.
Put your perfectionism to good use.
When you’re PMSing, you’re actually more likely to clean, bake, organize, etc. This is because estrogen and progesterone affect your brain, too.
So that same neurotransmitter that makes you feel depressed can also make you feel a little obsessive before your period. Use all of that Virgo energy to start a new hobby or create that scrapbook you’ve always wanted to put together.
Libra: Has no problem spoiling themselves
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Indulgence is the name of the game.
Libras enjoy the finer things in life, and for you, there’s no better time to treat yo self than during your cycle. You’re not interested in nesting in a ball of tissues while watching The Notebook for the one-millionth time–you’d rather soak in a hot bath surrounded by lavender-scented candles. And as for dinner? You’re ordering in–whatever you’d like.
Practicing self-care is the best way to get through your period.
Our menstrual cycle brings on a slew of negative symptoms, including food cravings, disrupted sleep, headaches, cramps, and muscle soreness, among other things. The best way to deal with these symptoms is to practice a bit of self-care. Getting a good night’s sleep, for example, goes a long way during your period
Scorpio: Becomes emotionally sensitive
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The little stresses can add up quickly.
Scorpios just aren’t having it during that time of the month. The smallest comment could set you off, so it’s best if your friends keep their distance. (At least until you cool down.)
Even so, Scorpios can’t stay hot for too long.
In fact, you wouldn’t mind getting close with your significant other–period or not. And period sex is completely normal and safe. (Remember you can still get pregnant while on your cycle!)
Instead of focusing on what frustrates you, take your anger out in a positive way.
There are tons of constructive (and creative) ways to express your anger. Hitting a ball (i.e. volleyball, tennis, golf, etc.), for example, is a great way to iron out your emotions. You could also go to the gym or go for a swim.
Don’t like exercising?
Even though working out can help alleviate period pains, sometimes going to the gym or doing a YouTube workout isn’t in the cards. Instead, write out your PMS anger. Just grab a pen, paper, and write exactly how you feel.
Sagittarius: Forgot their cycle was even starting
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Maybe you should try a period-tracking app.
Sags are whimsical and carefree, so much so that you may forget your period is even coming. Don’t end up running to the pharmacy with stains on your underwear–just download a period tracking app.
Some apps, like Clue Connect, even give users the chance to share their info with their friends, family, or partner. There’s nothing worse than a surprise period, especially if you’re wearing white!
There could be something else underneath all of that brain fog.
While it’s normal to feel sluggish and forgetful during your period, if you’re feeling extra foggy, you may want to consult your doctor. Forgetfulness is a symptom of iron deficiency anemia–which is caused by a loss of blood or gut problem, like a bleeding ulcer.
Anemia can seem worse during your period, so it’s best to stock up on iron-rich foods such as red meat and leafy greens.
Capricorn: Tries to speed it up
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You don’t have time to be out of commission.
Sure, being on our period is rough, but Capricorns take it personally. You have a packed schedule and a never-ending to-do list–why won’t your body cooperate with you and your ambition?
Tone it down and drink a bit of chamomile tea.
Herbal teas, particularly chamomile, aren’t just tasty, they’re good for PMS cramp prevention, too. According to a study published by the American Chemical Society, chamomile tea boosts glycine production, which has been proven to reduce muscle spasms.
What’s more? The positive effects of chamomile can last for up to two weeks after your first cup.
Aquarius: Eerily unfazed
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It’s all natural, baby.
Aquarians indulge in bubble baths and recreational swims in the gym pool– your symbol is the water-bearer, after all! You’re also super comfortable with your body and supportive of organic, sustainable period products–especially menstrual cups.
In fact, you could teach those other signs a thing or two about embracing the female body in all its glory.
Organic period products aren’t just better for the Earth.
They can be better for your body, too. Did you know that traditional tampons and pads can contain traces of harmful chemicals? Dioxins, for example, is a by-product of the chlorine bleaching process that’s used to make cotton look whiter.
Dioxins have been proven to interfere with hormones, damage the immune system, and cause cancer.
Pisces: Hones in on creativity
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Time do some creative self-inventory and self-care.
Pisces are known for being dreamers, and this doesn’t stop when Aunt Flo comes to town. Aside from painting, drawing, or writing out your feelings, you’re interested in finding new homeopathic remedies to help with the pain of your cycle.
There’s more than one natural remedy for menstrual cramps.
Drinking water is an easy way to ease bloating, which can make menstrual symptoms worse. If you get into the habit of drinking six to eight glasses of water per day (especially during that time of the month), you could prevent a bit of bloating.
Some women, particularly women who suffer from endometriosis, experience vomiting or diarrhea during their period. So it’s super important to replace lost fluids by drinking plenty of H2o.
If anything ever feels “off” about your period, talk to your doctor.
No matter your sign, keeping on top of your reproductive health is important. If you are experiencing a lot of pain or something else strange in your cycle, let your doctor know. If you don’t have an OB-GYN, you can always speak with someone at Planned Parenthood, too.