When it comes to that time of the month, some women are blessed with milder symptoms whereas others experience the worst pain imaginable. Are you one of those women who get painful menstrual cramps? If yes, then continue reading.
Although it’s normal, if the pain is of higher intensity, you will need something else apart from natural remedies, such as period cramp relief tablets. Usually, the pain starts one week or a few days before you need to get your period. Here is a list of a few things you can take or do to relieve your period cramps.
Reduce Cramps with Period Pain Tablets
Sometimes the period pain is just too much to bear. It prevents you from doing anything, and you just want to curl up in your bed and stay there. However, even then, you will still feel the throbbing pain in your lower abdomen. As soon as you think it’s over, the cramping pain intensifies. Oftentimes, drinking tea and eating something warm doesn’t help either. In cases like that, taking ibuprofen might help you ease the pain, at least for a while.
But if ibuprofen doesn’t work, you can try something else. For severe pain, it’s better to get period cramp relief tablets. These medications may alleviate the striking pain and discomfort you have been feeling. If you have some gluten allergies, or maybe you’re lactose intolerant, there are period pain tablets that do not contain gluten, yeast, lactose, or wheat.
Besides abdomen pain, some women may experience headaches and lower back pain. This is all due to the hormonal changes that happen in the body. Prostaglandins (natural chemicals in your body) cause the uterine muscles to contract in order to shed the inner lining during menstruation. An excess amount of these chemicals causes painful menstruation, and the pain from the uterus can radiate to the lower back.
For this reason, some medications, including Naprogesic, inhibit the production of prostaglandins, providing temporary relief from abdominal cramps. This will also relieve lower back pain and headaches.
Luckily, nowadays, you don’t have to leave your house in such a painful state. There are many online chemist shops where you can place an order with just a few clicks, and have it delivered to your home address.
Warm Up Your Lower Abdomen with a Heating Pad
Once the cramps begin, one of the best ways to feel immediate relief is to grab the good old heating pad. Heating pads have been used for a long time, and with good reason. The heat relaxes the uterine muscles and increases blood flow, which relieves pain.
Apart from using a heating pad, taking a hot bath will have the same effects. Just make sure you have at least one heating pad in your house since it can be a life-saver, talking from experience.
Drink Some Tea
There is nothing better than drinking a cup of nice, warm tea to alleviate the pain of menstrual cramps. In fact, a 2019 research review demonstrated that chamomile tea possesses effective properties that can help in relieving menstrual pain, such as antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory properties, and others. Chamomile tea is also beneficial in reducing the severity of menstrual depression symptoms.
Another great tea is ginger. According to research, ginger has compounds that can inhibit the production of prostaglandins to a certain extent. Thus, reducing the discomfort and pain in your lower abdomen.
Don’t Stress Out
Everyone is aware that stress can have a negative impact on our lives, particularly when it comes to our health. It is one of the main contributing factors for many chronic diseases. But, some researchers have also linked stress to painful menstruation. Women who were stressed out early in the menstrual cycle reported more painful symptoms than those who weren’t.
Do Some Yoga Exercises
Physical activity is crucial for our health. So if you are wondering, “What helps menstrual cramps naturally?”, then there is nothing better than exercise. Since your energy levels are low, it’s best if you avoid running since it’s a high-intensity activity. Doing a few simple yoga stretches and poses instead will make you feel a lot better.
When you do these poses, your brain releases endorphins, which help suppress pain signals caused by cramping. Yoga can also improve your circulation. This is important because when you experience menstrual cramps, your uterus contracts so much that it cuts off some of the blood flow and alerts your brain by sending pain signals.
Try Essential Oils
Essential oils and blends have many benefits, including helping to reduce period pain. There are several ways you can use them for this purpose. You can either try inhalation or massaging your belly with a few drops of your favourite oils.
Lavender is among the first oils you should try. It calms the prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain and uterine contractions. Other oils you can use include cinnamon, chamomile, etc.
Stick to a Healthier Diet
Some foods can reduce inflammation in your body, which helps with menstrual cramps. That is why you need to incorporate more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc. These foods also increase your energy levels.
However, if you eat high-inflammatory foods, such as refined carbohydrates, processed meat, french fries, and others, you raise your estrogen levels. This causes the uterine lining to thicken, so when it begins to shed, it causes more painful menstrual cramps.
The Verdict
Menstrual cramps can be so painful that they prevent you from doing your everyday activities. Fortunately, non-prescription medication and natural remedies can make it much more bearable. So, don’t stress out, take your pills and cosy up in your bed with a heating pad. By the time you wake up, everything will be just fine.
