6 Period Pain Remedies to Drive Away your Period Blues
Finding remedies to relieve period pain can be tricky because not every woman experiences the same kind of pain. While it could be bearable for some, others may be going through excruciating pain. The intensity of the pain is also affected by factors such as lifestyle, genetics, other medical conditions, etc. How does one find relief from period pain then? Don’t worry, we got you. In this article, we’ll help you understand why you get period cramps and effective ways to manage the pain.
Why you get period pain?
When you get your period, the reason you get the pain that you feel is because the muscles of your uterus contract and relax. This contraction happens to shed the inner lining that has built up over the last menstruation cycle. It is because of this process that you experience stomach cramps. Although it is very normal to feel some amount of discomfort, the intensity is quite severe for some women. Furthermore, period pain differs in different stages of your life. If you’re among those who suffer from painful period cramps and if you’re wondering what can help relieve period pain, read on for detailed information.
Most women may experience period cramps before and during their periods. These cramps can hamper your daily routine along with causing other issues such as headaches, bloating, backaches, heavy blood flow, and more.
Following the period pain remedies listed below can be a great way to get some much-needed pain relief. The good thing is that most of these remedies have other health benefits, which can help you stay healthier in the long run.
Use a Heating Pad
When you wonder about what helps relieve period pain, think heat. Applying heat on your abdominal area is one of the most preferred period pain relief remedies. Whether it is a heating pad or a hot water bottle, you can wrap it in a cloth and place it on your lower abdomen. You can also drink warm water at regular intervals or have a hot water bath in the morning to feel better.
Massage with essential oils
This is one of the easiest and safest ways to relieve period pain. If you are wondering how to reduce period pain with less fuss, then an oil massage can be of help. Oils made from lavender, sage, marjoram, rose and cinnamon can be effective in relieving period pain. You can take a few drops of your favorite essential oil and mix it with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba. Then gently massage your belly in a circular motion. A five-minute massage can help boost circulation in your belly that reduces the pain from the cramps.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is a soothing herb that helps in enhancing pelvic circulation. Consume chamomile tea in small amounts to feel your cramps relax. It is best to stock up on chamomile as a quick fix to relieve period pain when you feel a heating pad or other methods is not doing the trick.
Eat a banana
When it comes to looking for ways on how to relieve period pain, just take a peek into your fruit basket. Bananas have high potassium content that helps ease the pain from period cramps. Try and eat a banana or drink a banana smoothie. This is said to help alleviate period pain.
Add avocados to daily diet
Avocados have high magnesium and potassium content. These minerals are said to help relax the muscles in the uterus that in turn influences the action inside it, also helping you prevent period pain. When you have a healthy balance of these two minerals in your body, you are less likely to face excruciating period cramps. This is a great way to prepare your body for period cramps in the long run. Add avocado into your weekly diet to maintain healthier and pain-free periods.
Yoga
It might sound daunting to exercise while you are writhing in pain. However, a few simple stretches that relax the pelvic and hip muscles can work like magic. Make use of a pillow and a yoga mat and try doing some yoga positions. Asanas such as Cobbler's Pose (Baddha Konasana) which opens up the pelvic region, Head to Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana) which helps stretch hamstrings and hips, and Seated Straddle (Upavistha Konasana) which helps in stretching the inner thighs, can help in combating period pain.
Tips that will help in the long run
While the above period pain remedies are great for temporary relief, you may want to work towards incorporating changes in your lifestyle that will help in reducing period pain in the long run.
1. Dietary changes
You can start by limiting the consumption of processed foods and include more fibre-rich foods in your diet. The below foods are a good option:
- Brown rice
- Walnuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds
- Olive oil
- Broccoli
- Green leafy vegetables
- Chicken and fish
- Dairy products
Along with the above foods, drinking plenty of water will also do wonders for your health.
2. Exercise
Daily exercise will prove to be beneficial for overall health as well as in reducing period pain in the long run. Exercising releases endorphins, which help reduce pain.
Stay prepared for your periods by keeping having a pack of ALWAYS pads with you at all times. Opt for ALWAYS Cotton Soft Ultra Thin Pads, Extra-absorbent gel core instantly absorbs liquid and locks it inside the pad to prevent leakage. The pads are also armed with flexible wings, so it stays in place no matter what you do to provide up to 100% comfortable protection. You can also stay prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always Period Calculator .
When to see a doctor?
Mild cramping and pain are part of periods, but if you notice any of the below symptoms, you must notify your doctor:
- If you have severe and heavy bleeding
- If the pain and bleeding worsen over time
- If you have sudden pain after the age of 25
- If the pain is severe enough to hinder daily activities
While these home remedies can help you get rid of period pain after it arrives, the key is to maintain a healthy lifestyle to improve your menstruation. You can try and reduce your caffeine intake and make sure you are well-hydrated throughout the day.
Disclaimer
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.