Period pain is something that almost all menstruating individuals have to grapple with. It can often be so severe that it can disrupt our daily lives. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to ease the discomfort associated with period pain. From lifestyle changes to natural remedies, there are a number of options available to help manage period pain. In this article, we will explore nine ways to cope with period pain and make it more bearable. We will discuss various methods that can help reduce the severity of the pain and make it easier to get through those difficult days. So if period pain is something that you struggle with, keep reading for some tips and tricks to make it more manageable.
What Is Period Pain?
Period pain is a general term used to describe the pain and discomfort that some people experience during their menstrual cycle. Symptoms can vary from person to person; some experience very mild pain, whereas for others, it can be severe enough to disrupt daily activities and interfere with sleep. Period pain is often caused by changes in your hormones during your menstrual cycle. Specifically, it is associated with progesterone and oestrogen, which are hormones that drop before your period begins. However, period pain can also be caused by menstrual disorders such as PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), fibroids, ovarian cysts, PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), endometriosis, and adenomyosis.
Signs Of Endometriosis And Other Menstruation Conditions
If you are experiencing discomfort during your menstrual cycle, it is important to rule out the possibility of a more serious condition. If the symptoms are severe and are accompanied by bleeding outside of your normal cycle or unusual pain, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. This misplaced tissue typically attaches itself to other reproductive organs, such as your fallopian tubes or ovaries. Symptoms of endometriosis include painful cramps, pain during sex, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and even blood in your urine or stool during your period, as well as difficulty getting pregnant. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions, as the disorders mentioned in the previous section can also have similar symptoms.
Tips For Reducing Period Pains
Over-The-Counter Medications
If you are experiencing period pain, there are a variety of pain relief medications that can help reduce discomfort. One of the most common is ibuprofen. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that can help ease period pain. If you have an allergy to ibuprofen or prefer not to take it, a combination of paracetamol and aspirin can also help to relieve your symptoms. If you are experiencing severe period pain and over-the-counter medicine is not helping, it’s important to speak to your doctor about prescription alternatives.
Reduce Bloating By Drinking More Water
One of the most common symptoms of your period is bloating. While it is a normal symptom during your period, it can be extremely uncomfortable. One way to reduce bloating during your period is to increase your water intake. You can drink water in a variety of ways, but the easiest way to drink more water during your period is to keep a water bottle with you at all times.
Use Herbal Teas To Relieve Inflammation
Some herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to help relieve the inflammation associated with period pain. There are a variety of herbal teas that can help ease menstrual cramps. Fennel is a great option as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. This can help ease menstrual cramps and reduce swelling and bloating. Chamomile tea is also a great option, as it has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help with cramps and bloating. Ginger tea is another herbal tea that can help ease menstrual cramps and reduce bloating.
Relax Menstrual Cramps With Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Certain foods are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. These can be eaten to help relieve menstrual cramps and reduce bloating. Foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties include pineapples, tomatoes, leafy green vegetables, berries, walnuts, almonds, and fatty fish such as salmon. You can also try incorporating spices into your diet that are known to help reduce inflammation, like turmeric, ginger or garlic.
Avoid Foods High In Sugar, Fat, And Salt
When experiencing period pain, it may be tempting to reach for comfort food, but it is best to avoid foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt. These types of foods have been shown to increase bloating and cramps, making your period more difficult to manage. Instead, it is recommended to consume more balanced meals that consist of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. This type of meal plan is recommended not just when suffering from pain but also when trying to maintain overall health. Consuming healthy foods can help you to feel better and avoid future health issues.
Avoid Caffeine
It is a good idea to avoid caffeine during your period. This is because caffeine has been shown to increase menstrual pain as it causes the blood vessels to narrow, which constricts the uterus. If you need a caffeine boost during your period, you can choose to eat protein-filled snacks instead for the same energy boost you get from caffeine.
Apply Heat To Reduce Cramps
One of the easiest ways to manage period cramps is to apply heat to the areas that are experiencing pain. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can apply heat using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm towel. You can also take a warm bath or shower. Applying heat to the areas experiencing pain will help to relax the muscles and reduce the pain as well as the inflammation. It is important to note that it is best to avoid applying heat directly to your skin as this can cause burns.
Try Exercise To Relax Muscles
Physical activity can help you to relax your muscles and ease menstrual cramps. This includes walking, swimming, yoga, and more. Physical activity can also help you to manage stress. Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle can have many health benefits. Not only can it be great for your mental health, but it can also be a useful tool to help manage menstrual cramps.
Consider Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control is a form of contraception that also reduces the symptoms people experience during their periods. If your symptoms are extreme, your GP may recommend that you go on hormonal birth control in order to manage the symptoms better. Hormonal birth control can be a helpful solution if you are struggling with heavy bleeding, painful periods, and severe cramping. There are many types of hormonal birth control, and finding the right one for you may take time as well as trial and error.
- Combined pill
- Implant
- Injection
- IUD (coil)
- IUS (hormonal coil)
- Patch
- Progestogen-only pill
- Vaginal ring
Final Thoughts
Period pain is a normal part of menstruation, but it can be incredibly painful and disruptive to our daily lives. There are a number of ways to cope with period pain, including drinking plenty of water, using herbal teas to reduce inflammation, eating anti-inflammatory foods, considering hormonal birth control, and more. There are also a number of over-the-counter medications that can help relieve menstrual cramps. No matter how severe your pain is, there are ways to make it more manageable and easier to get through. Periods don’t have to be a dreaded experience. With the right planning and a few helpful tips and tricks, it can be an experience that is manageable.
