Ladies, we all go through that time of the month where everything just goes south. You’re moody, hungry and aching all over. And to top it all off, you’re hit with painful and uncomfortable waves of cramps that just don’t go away.
Even though we have our periods so frequently, we know that each one can be equally tough and depressing. But you don’t have to suffer in silence; there are many remedies that can help alleviate menstrual pain and get you back on track. Here are our top 5 remedies to relieve period cramps that might just turn your world back upright.
1. Soothe your pain with heat therapies
Applying heat to your abdomen or back can make you feel more relaxed and may soothe your pain during your period. Studies have suggested that it helps to relax your uterine walls and blood vessels in that area, thereby improving the flow of blood to the uterus.
One example of a heat therapy is MenstruHeat – clinically-proven, effective heat therapy patches that relieve cramping pains naturally. You can purchase them on our wellness Marketplace, with delivery to your doorstep. Click here to view and purchase them in-app.
There are also other homemade heat therapies that you can use, such as a heating pad, hot towel or even a hot water bottle.
2. Go for a gentle and calming massage
If you have some time, going for a massage can help a great deal with the pain. You may already be experiencing aches all over your body, so a massage might just be the perfect remedy to relax muscle tension.
However, be careful not to go for a massage that is too intense as that may worsen your pain and leave you feeling even more sore than before. Go for ones that are gentle and calming (such as a Swedish massage with essential oils), or simply ask your partner, family member or friend to help!
3. Do regular aerobic exercise
Exercising releases endorphins, which burns away the chemicals that cause muscle contractions. This can help with pain relief and may also improve your mood.
The most effective kind of exercise for relieving pain is aerobic exercise, the ones that bring your heart rate up. The next time you get your period, even if it may be the last thing you feel like doing, try running or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day and you’ll feel better in no time. A short jog with a great view may do wonders for your mood as well.
4. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
Drinking caffeinated and alcoholic drinks during your period can make your pain much worse. You might be better off cutting out coffee, tea, alcohol and any other foods or drinks that contain them when you’re having your period.
If you love your tea, you can try drinking herbal teas instead, but of course, the best liquid for your body is water. To add, stay away from foods that contain a lot of salt, as that causes bloating and water retention, which can worsen your pain.
5. Don’t be afraid to consult a doctor
Period cramps are real pains and you shouldn’t be embarrassed to consult a doctor if they are getting too unbearable or disrupting your lifestyle. There are many medications that can help you relieve your period cramps and menstrual pains quickly and effectively.
Don’t get the impression that painful periods are the norm, and that we should all power through it. You’ll find that getting help and treating your pain is so much better than suffering in silence!