Ladies, we all go through that time of the month when 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.
Fortunately, there are many remedies that can help alleviate menstrual pain. If you’re wondering how to relieve painful period cramps, keep reading to find out our top 5 remedies to relieve period cramps to help you get through these few days.
1. Soothe your period pains with heat therapy
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, which improves the flow of blood to the uterus.
You can look up clinically-proven, effective heat therapy patches that relieve menstrual cramps. Alternatively, you can try to make your own homemade heat therapy at home, such as using a hot towel or a hot water bottle.
2. Go for a gentle and calming massage
Going for a massage is another way that can help to relieve your pain. In addition to soothing your menstrual cramps, a massage can also help with any aches over your body as well.
For the more budget-conscious ladies, ask your partner, family member or friend to help, instead of heading out to a massage parlour!
3. Do regular aerobic exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals in your brain. Endorphins help with pain relief by blocking pain receptors and improving your mood.
The most effective kind of exercise for relieving pain is aerobic exercise, which raises your heart rate. Try going for a short walk or even a run (if you feel up to it), especially on days when your period feels lighter. A short jog with a great view can do wonders for your mood as well.
Preparing mat for pelvic floor exercises | Image from Pexels
4. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
Drinking caffeinated and alcoholic drinks during your period can make your period pains much worse. Try cutting out coffee, tea, alcohol and any other foods or beverages containing caffeine, and see if this helps to lessen the pain.
If you love your tea, opt for herbal teas instead, which contain less caffeine. Additionally, stay away from foods that contain a lot of salt, as they can cause 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 to relieve your period cramps and menstrual pains quickly and effectively.
While it’s normal to feel some discomfort during our periods, painful periods shouldn’t be the norm. They could be a sign of sexual health issues, like endometriosis or even fibroids. Instead of keeping quiet and trying to power through it, reach out for medical assistance instead. You’ll find that getting help and treating your pain is so much better than suffering in silence!
Image Source: iStock
This article was first published on Doctor Anywhere and republished on theAsianparent with permission.