Everyone who experiences periods experiences them differently: some people experience 2-3 days of light bleeding and no pain, others have a much longer, heavier, and more painful experience – as you’re currently on a page about period pain, you likely belong in the latter group.
For people who regularly experience period pain, the most pronounced symptom is cramping. This cramping can sometimes come with other symptoms such as lower back pain, nausea, headache, loose stools, and dizziness. All of this is normal, but also entirely unwanted – so how can you effectively manage period pain?
When to Visit the Doctor
Period pain varies, but it shouldn't consistently debilitate you or last throughout your period. It typically occurs before and during menstruation, lasting a few days. Though it can be severe and spread to your back or thighs, it shouldn't hinder your movement.
If your period pain significantly affects your daily life, worsens over time, or starts after 25, consult a doctor. Conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids may be mistaken for period pain and require early diagnosis for proper management.
Medicinal Remedies
Arguably, the main benefit of living in the modern world is modern medicine – remedies designed by doctors and scientists to cure all that ails us. That being said, if you’re taking the medical route to easing pain you should always read the label and follow the directions for use.
When it comes to period pain, these are the remedies that could help:
Heat
Applying heat to a cramp is a great way to relieve the pain and Period Pain Heat Patches are a convenient way to get heat to the affected area. Heat patches are discreet, won’t hinder movement, and can last for hours.
Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medication
Anti-inflammatory pain medication, like ibuprofen or naproxen, help to ease period pain by reducing prostaglandins (a hormone-like substance that causes pain). Paracetamol can also help with mild cramps but won’t have the same anti-inflammatory. Remember to always read the label and follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful.
Hormone Treatment
If your periods are always very painful, you may want to consider some longer-term solutions. Speak to your doctor, as hormone treatments such as oral contraceptives can sometimes help alleviate period pain over time.
Non-Medicinal Remedies
People have been menstruating for longer than modern medicine has existed, so of course some tried and true methods for alleviating period pains without digging out your drug box exist.
Going the non-medicinal route is a good option if you’re on medications and aren’t sure how they’d mix with common pain killers, or if you’ve already taken medicine for your pain and are just waiting for it to kick in.
So, here are some non-medicinal things you can try:
Heat
We’ve already told you about the benefit of heat, but our Period Pain Heat Patches aren’t the only heat related treatment for pain. Wheat bags are another effective way to apply heat to your abdomen.
It may be uncomfortable to bathe while on your period but you could draw yourself a warm bath prior to the start of your period, which has the dual benefit of easing your cramps and being very relaxing. You could add some ICE Salts Magnesium Muscle recovery which may help your body to absorb some more magnesium which eases cramping.
Light Exercise
We know the last thing you want to do right now is go for a jog, but doing a little bit of exercise can help reduce period pain. Try do some stretches or take a walk around the block – your body will thank you.
Massage
Gently massaging your abdomen has been found to help people experiencing menstrual cramping, you can either perform the massage yourself or convince someone close by to do it for you.
Why All of the Above Works
Period pain happens when your uterus contracts, which it needs to do to expel its lining (endometrium). This process is not dissimilar to what happens during childbirth, however, the contractions you have during your period should be much less severe.
Heat, exercise, and massage can help reduce pain by increasing the blood flow to the area. Increased blood flow means more oxygen is getting to the cramping muscles, which helps relax those muscles.
Period cramps function the same as all other cramps, so you can use treatments for period cramps to help with stomach cramps and muscle cramps.
Treating Period Pain
There are many things you can do to help ease your period pain, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor and try out different methods to figure out what works for you. Deep Heat’s Period Pain Heat Patches can help you with localised pain, while Pain Relief Naproxen Liquid Capsules can assist if your pain is more generalised. ICE Salts Magnesium Muscle Recovery can help your body relax.
Regardless of how you choose to treat your pain, we hope you get better soon!
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
