Some people are lucky not to experience periods of pain, while others are unlucky for period pain and cramps. But worry no more because we have found 5 interesting and easy ways for you to relieve painful period cramps.
- Put a heat pad on your stomach
Period cramps can usually be easily dealt with if you apply some heat. This is actually an age-old method that has been in use for as long as humans have existed.
Well, maybe—at least we know it is an ancient technique. In fact, even science has supported this old practice. The thing is, heat is helpful in making your uterine contractions milder.
It helps relax your lower abdomen, efficiently reducing pain from those contractions.
As per Women’s Health Arizona, heat pads relieve pain by addressing the underlying causes of cramps, which are tight muscles and poor circulation leading to restricted oxygen flow. Heating pads promote blood flow, increasing circulation and delivering vital oxygen to your abdominal muscles. By relaxing the muscles, heating pads provide a natural method to relieve pain and alleviate pressure.
With that said, if you are having menstrual cramps, just reach for a heat pad, or a warm water bottle, and apply the tool to your stomach, lower abdomen, or lower back.
Find a comfortable sitting position whilst doing this and after a few minutes have passed, you should be able to breathe more easily. Getting into a warm bath can also help with alleviating painful menstrual cramps.
- Make a golden milk concoction
Have you ever heard of a particular South Indian beverage that is called golden milk? The Hindi name for this beverage is haldi ka doodh.
This beverage is comprised of milk (usually non-dairy), turmeric, a sprinkle of black pepper, a tiny drop of ghee, and coconut water.
Of course, coconut milk or cream is usually a favourite that goes along well with coconut water. Thanks to the use of turmeric, this beverage turns out a super nice colour of gold.
The combination of all of these ingredients helps greatly in relieving pains and inflammation. On top of that, this drink is typically served warm and can also aid in good, restful sleep.
Basically, this drink calms you down when you are trying to relax. Although magically, this drink also energises you if you drink it first thing in the morning. Whatever you do, do not use dairy in this recipe.
- Massaging your lower abdomen
If when you are having menstrual cramps there is nothing else you can do or make, your next best move is to just massage your lower abdomen.
This is close to where the uterus contractions are happening, so you can simply massage your stomach for a few good minutes. This usually does not help very fast or effectively, but it still helps.
According to Health Partners, massages can help reduce uterine spasms by relaxing the uterus. To effectively manage period cramps, massage therapy should concentrate on the abdominal area. This involves using warm oil to massage the abdomen and lower back region. The massage helps to relax the muscles and alleviate tension in the body, while also improving blood circulation in the area, which aids in reducing pain and discomfort.
On average, you can begin to gain some positive effects after massaging your lower abdomen for 2-3 minutes. To do this massage correctly, try these steps:
Begin with the right side of your lower abdomen; this should be the part of your stomach that’s just right under your pelvic bone.
Then, begin to massage this part gently in a circular motion, and keep going until you reach the right side under your rib bone. From here, go to your left side and move your way downwards from your left rib bone.
- Inhaling essential oil for relaxation
Did you know that pain has a lot to do with our sense of perception? Yeah, the central nervous system can help us feel more or less pain.
With that said, if you are experiencing painful menstrual cramps, it would do you good to help relax your nerves. One pleasant way to do that is by inhaling aromatic essential oils.
According to a study published in the Volant Europe Magazine in 2012, researchers investigated the effects of aromatherapy massage, involving both inhalation and skin massaging, using a blend of clary sage, lavender, and marjoram essential oils on menstrual cramps. The results showed that this specific blend of essential oils significantly reduced both the duration and intensity of menstrual cramps.
Essential oils are such powerful stuff, you can benefit greatly just from inhaling their scents. Some essential oils work to invigorate your mind, uplift your spirit, or calm you down.
You can choose whichever you like, but those with a calmative effect will work best in this scenario. A few essential oils that work wonders for this purpose are lavender, patchouli, bergamot, lemongrass, rose, and orange blossom.
Any of these aromas can work alone yet powerfully to give you a sense of calm, relaxation, and peace.
- Get warm when sleeping
Lastly, get warm when you are about to sleep. Or any other time, really. There is plenty of studies that have proven cold weather causes period pains to be more painful.
Therefore, it is important to get warm when you are experiencing menstrual cramps. Cover yourself up in a blanket, wear socks, wear double layers of jumpers, get in a warm bath, and of course, drink warm water.
Anything you can do to help yourself get warm. Don’t use the air conditioner, or if you really have to, set the temperature higher than usual. If you live in colder regions, be near a fire or heater.
But don’t resort to eating hot and spicy stuff, okay? When you are on your period, it would be wise to avoid spicy stuff (the extreme kind), greasy, and cold.
Any of those things, especially combined within a day, will just get you severe period cramps.
All in all, we discussed five methods through which ladies can get rid of painful period cramps. We are confident that if you try these methods religiously, you will definitely get rid of your period cramps.
Why Is My Period Pain Unbearable?
Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a common issue experienced by many women during their menstrual cycle. While most women experience some level of discomfort during their period, for some, the pain can be unbeaarable. This excruciating pain can interfere with daily activities and significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. In this paper, we will explore the reasons why some women experience unbearable period pain.
Hormonal Imbalance:
The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. During the menstrual cycle, the levels of these hormones fluctuate, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining. However, when there is an imbalance in these hormones, it can cause intense cramping and pain. In some women, the levels of prostaglandins, a hormone-like substance that triggers the uterus to contract, are higher during their periods, resulting in more severe cramps.
Endometriosis:
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue, which lines the uterus, grows outside of it. This tissue can develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs in the pelvic area, causing severe pain during menstruation. The endometrial tissue outside the uterus behaves the same way it does inside the uterus, thickening, and shedding during the menstrual cycle. However, as there is no way for the tissue to leave the body, it can cause inflammation, scarring, and intense pain.
Fibroids:
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. These growths can vary in size and number and can cause severe pain during menstruation. Fibroids can also put pressure on nearby organs, causing discomfort and pain. The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but they are thought to be influenced by hormones.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This infection is usually caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs). PID can cause severe abdominal pain during menstruation, along with other symptoms such as fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during intercourse.
Adenomyosis:
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This can cause the uterus to become enlarged and tender, leading to severe pain during menstruation. The exact cause of adenomyosis is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal imbalances and inflammation.
Intrauterine Device (IUD):
Some women use an intrauterine device (IUD) as a form of birth control. While IUDs are generally safe, they can cause severe cramping and pain during menstruation, especially in the first few months after insertion. This pain is caused by the uterus trying to expel the IUD, and it usually subsides after a few months. However, if the pain is unbearable, the IUD may need to be removed.
Stress and Anxiety:
Stress and anxiety can also contribute to unbearable period pain. When a woman is stressed, her body produces higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. This can cause an increase in inflammation and pain sensitivity, making menstrual cramps more severe.
Lack of Exercise:
Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Regular exercise can also help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a decrease in period pain. However, if a woman leads a sedentary lifestyle, she may experience more severe period pain.
Genetics:
There is evidence to suggest that period pain can be hereditary. If a woman’s mother or sister experiences severe menstrual cramps, she is more likely to experience them as well. This may be due to shared genetic factors that contribute to painful periods.
In conclusion, there are various reasons why a woman may experience unbearable period pain, and in some cases, it can be a combination of factors. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider if the pain is interfering with daily activities, as there are treatments available to help manage and reduce period pain. Women should also make lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and managing stress to help alleviate period pain. While period pain may be a common experience, it should not be debilitating, and seeking medical help can make a significant difference in a woman’s quality of life.
