Most women experience cramps before and during their periods. Some experience only mild symptoms but others are not so lucky. Menstrual cramps can be very painful and are not easy to bear. The pain can become intense enough to disrupt your normal life.
You are more likely to experience menstrual cramps before the age of 30. Heavy or irregular bleeding may also cause some pain in periods. Women with a family history of cramps may also get them. Smoking and excessive alcohol can increase the chances of cramps. Women who start their puberty relatively young (11 years of age or younger) are also more vulnerable to this condition.
If period pain makes your life harder every month then you don’t have to suffer in silence. You can talk to your doctor or a certified healthcare expert for advice.
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12 home remedies for menstrual cramps pain relief
Here are some simple home remedies for menstrual cramps that will help to reduce your pain and discomfort during your periods.
1. A heat patch
You can use a wrap or a heat patch on your stomach. It will help relax the muscles in your uterus. The unusually tense uterus muscles cause cramps and relaxing them will lessen the pain. A heating patch can also help with blood circulation, which lessens the pain further.
Most women will feel relief from using a heat patch. It’s a good option to lessen the pain without resorting to drugs. There are many abdominal heat patch varieties available in pharmacies and online stores. They are easy to use, merely requiring you to peel them and stick them to your stomach.
You can also use electric heating pads or hot water bottles in place of heat patches. These are less convenient to use than patches but they are still very useful if you plan to spend your time in one place.
2. Pain relief medicine
There are several over-the-counter medicines you can take for pain relief during periods. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are best for this purpose. Some common NSAIDs include ibuprofen and aspirin. These medicines work best when you take them at the first sign of cramps. Taking them after your pain becomes intense will increase the time these medicines may take to get some relief.
Be sure to talk to your doctor if you are already taking other medicines or supplements. If OTC medicines do not work, you can talk to your doctor for a prescription for higher-strength pain meds. A word of warning, pain meds are easily counterfeited. Be sure to buy them through an authentic channel like health2delivery.com to be sure of their authenticity.
3. Essential oils
A massage of essential oils can help relieve pain during menstrual cramps. The most effective oils for pain relief are lavender, rose, cinnamon, clove, and sage oil. Mix the essential oil of your choice with a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil. Take a few drops in your hands and rub them gently on your lower tummy in circular motions.
Make sure you are not allergic to the oil before using it or it may cause your skin to swell or redden.
4. Workout
Light exercise is one of the best ways to maintain your health while also relieving menstrual pain and discomfort. Half an hour of aerobics every other day is enough in most cases. If it is difficult to take this much time out of your day then you can simply adopt cycling instead of driving. You can also dance, swim, run, or play sports.
5. Hot bath
Soaking in a hot tub can be very helpful in relaxing your tense abdominal and uterus muscles. It can relieve your body of the built-up tension and stress. Mixing a few drops of essential oils can further help you relax and relieve your pain. You can also use a sprinkle of Epsom salt to relieve your muscular pain. Try and relax in the bath for 15-30 minutes for best results.
6. Yoga
Yoga and tai chi are some of the ancient disciplines that can help relieve pain in many conditions, including menstrual cramps. You do not need to do it every day. Simply engaging in an hour-long yoga session once a week will immensely help with your pain. Joining a yoga class may help with both physical and mental relaxation. It will also reinvigorate your tired spirit and allow you to continue living with zeal.
7. Supplements
Taking calcium, fish oil, and vitamins B, D, and E can help relieve pain during periods. You can also take ginger, cinnamon, and fennel for pain relief. If you are taking any supplements then please inform your doctor before taking any other medication. You need to be wary of any unwanted interaction between medicines.
8. Foods to eat and avoid
Some food items are better at relieving menstrual cramps pain than others. You may need to avoid foods that cause bloating or water retention. They include salty foods, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, fried meat, and fatty foods.
Eating foods that reduce inflammation may help relieve pain in menstrual cramps. These foods include virgin olive oil, avocado, fatty fish, and berries.
9. Drink plenty of water
Periods may cause you to become dehydrated. That’s why drinking plenty of fluids is crucial during this time. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water every day in normal conditions. You may need to drink more if the day is hot or you have been exercising.
10. Birth control
Using a birth control method cannot just help relieve cramps, but also help with mood stability and PMS. You can talk to your healthcare professional for the best birth control method suitable for your needs.
11. CBD
Some people find CBD to be helpful with pain and inflammation in many conditions, including menstrual cramps. Research to determine the authenticity of this claim is being done right now.
12. Sleep in the fetal position
The fetal position is the best position to sleep to help relieve pain in menstrual cramps. It doesn’t allow your body weight to press into your abdomen and lower back. This helps relieve the burden and the pain.
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