How to Have a Sensory-Friendly Period

4 March 2025 | Admin

Let’s be honest—periods aren’t fun. But if you have sensory sensitivities, they can be even harder to deal with. The feeling of pads or tampons, strong smells, and noisy wrappers can all be overwhelming.

Some people’s brains process sensory information differently, making certain textures, sounds, or smells feel more intense. This can make their experiences of menstruation uncomfortable or even stressful. But small changes can help make your period easier to manage.

As you know if you often read our blog, our content ideas come from lots of sources. In this instance, it was a Trustpilot review left by Miss Carr on 25th Jan.

'Lovely products, being a family with 4 people who have periods it can be pretty expensive buying lots of pads, also being a family who are all neuro divergent there is a lot of sensory issues. So finding something that has been good for everyone is great, I bought different size and styles for each of us to try, I will be purchasing more this month as they were a big hit in this house' Trustpilot Review

In this guide, we’ll explain what sensory processing is, how your menstrual cycle can affect it, and simple tips to help you feel more comfortable.

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how your brain takes in and understands information from your senses—things you see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. Most people can filter out things they don’t need to focus on in everyday life, but for some, certain sensations feel much stronger or harder to ignore.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) happens when the brain struggles to handle sensory information. Some people may feel too sensitive to things like loud sounds, rough fabrics, or strong smells, while others might not notice these things as much.

A study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic people often struggle more with periods due to sensory sensitivity and difficulty coping with change. The study, called “Life is Much More Difficult to Manage During Periods,” highlights how periods can be extra challenging for those with autism.

SPD is common in autistic individuals or those with ADHD, but anyone can experience sensory processing issues.

For more information, check out these sources:

How Does Your Period Affect Sensory Processing?

Your period can change the way your body responds to sensory inputs. Hormones can make you more sensitive to pain, temperature, and even hunger or thirst. Some people also notice that sounds, smells, and textures feel more intense just before or during their period.

At the same time, sensory sensitivities can make periods more difficult. The feeling of pads, tampons, or blood can be uncomfortable. Strong smells from period products or the noise of wrappers might be overwhelming. Understanding these triggers can help you find ways to make your period less stressful.

How to Have a Sensory-Friendly Period

1. Choose Comfortable Period Protection

If pads feel too scratchy or tampons feel uncomfortable, try softer, reusable options like period pants or reusable pads.

Cheeky period pants are designed to be soft, breathable, and free from harsh chemicals, making them a great option for people with sensory sensitivities. Choose a selection of styles of period pants which have both been popular with those with autism spectrum disorder.

'Expensive on the outlay but they soon pay for themselves. So much nicer for a young lady with sensory disorder.' Trustpilot Review

2. Pick Unscented Products

Many period products have strong perfumes that can be overwhelming. Choosing fragrance-free pads, liners, or period pants can help reduce sensory overload and prevent irritation.

"These are my daughters favourites. She has lots of styles from cheeky wipes. All great, no leaks. These Almond high legs are really comfy and great under lighter coloured clothing. Please don't stop making them. In fact can you make popper ones? Which she wears out of the house. So easy to change especially with trousers, without getting undressed. Love this company, love supporting smaller British companies. They are a fantastic price and they do sensory designs, which is amazing as my daughter is autistic. I tell all our ND friends about them. Thank you.

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Feeling Cosy - Bamboo Period Shorts

£13.49

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Detachable Period Underwear - Quick Change Pants

Detachable Period Underwear - Quick Change Pants

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Heavy Flow Feeling Free - Boybrief Style Mid-rise Period Pants

Heavy Flow Feeling Free - Boybrief Style Mid-rise Period Pants

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3. Reduce Noise

The sound of crinkling wrappers can be annoying or stressful. You can avoid this by using period products with quieter packaging or preparing them ahead of time. Period pants and reusable pads don’t have wrappers at all, making them a quiet and easy option.

4. Avoid Uncomfortable Textures

If the feeling of menstrual blood is distressing, period pants or menstrual cups can help because they absorb blood quickly in a way that reduces direct contact. Choosing soft, smooth materials can also make a big difference in comfort.

5. Be Ready for Symptoms

Planning ahead can help reduce stress. Keep pain relief options like heat pads nearby, wear soft and comfy clothes, and drink plenty of water to help with bloating and cramps. Be aware that young people may have more mood swings than normal too.

6. Manage Temperature

Hormones during your period can make you feel too hot or too cold. Wearing breathable layers and choosing moisture-wicking period products can help keep you comfortable. Our period shorts are made from breathable bamboo, which helps regulate your body temperature.

7. Take Care of Yourself

Self-care is important. Wear soft, comfortable clothes, drink warm tea, or listen to calming music to help with sensory overload. Gentle stretching or movement can also help with cramps and overall comfort.

Making small changes can help you have a more comfortable and sensory-friendly period. Choosing soft, unscented products, avoiding noisy or uncomfortable materials, and preparing for symptoms can make a big difference.

At Cheeky Wipes, we’re here to help with comfy and eco-friendly period products. Have questions about period pants or reusable pads? Check out our related blog posts below or contact our team - we’re happy to help!