Home Remedies to Relieve Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain is a common phenomenon for many people, especially during or before their period. However, research has shown that while some women only experience mild cramps, others who aren’t lucky tend to experience painful menstruation, ranging from discomfort around the lower back, thighs, and abdomen.

Though the major reason why some women experience painful menstruation and others don’t have not been precisely discovered, some factors which however point to the reason behind severe menstrual pain could include; having a heavy blood flow, growth in the womb, first childbirth, use of birth control, just starting your period and endometriosis also known as abnormal uterine tissue growth.

If your period cramps are weighing you down every month and stopping you from doing the things you love, specific home remedies can help provide you relief and give you back a sense of control. Here are some proven home remedies that potentially lessen the pain during your next cycle while allowing you to get on track with your busy life.

Use a heat patch

Research has shown that applying heat to your lower back and abdomen can help relax the muscles of your uterus, thereby relieving you of pain. This same research has also shown that people who use a heat wrap rarely suffer from mood swings or get easily fatigued.

You can easily purchase an abdominal heat patch online or at your local drugstore, and if you don’t have one, you can take a warm bath or use a hot towel. Abdominal heat patches are very easy to use as all you have to do is peel and stick them to your abdomen.

Exercise

Most people might feel like exercising during or before your period might not be the best course of action, but in reality, recent studies have shown that aerobic exercise aids in reducing pain caused by period cramps. Further research also suggests that while exercise is not only an effective way of relieving menstrual pain but to an extent, it is also capable of minimizing or eliminating the need for pain-relief medication.

Massaging with essential oils

Another way of reducing menstrual pain is by engaging in massage therapy for about 20 minutes or more. Massage therapy, in this case, usually involves pressing specific areas around your abdomen, back and side.

Research also suggests that including some essential oils in your massage therapy can help ease period cramps; oils like lavender, sage, rose, cinnamon, and clove are the most effective at reducing period cramps, especially due to their ability to boost circulation. It is essential to mix your essential oil with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil or jojoba oil as they perfect the task of carrying the essential oil into your skin and allow it to spread over large areas.

Taking an OTC medication or pain relievers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and medications like naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil) remain an effective means of treating heavy menstrual bleeding and menstrual pain. These drugs are capable of reducing the body’s production of prostaglandin. Though they help in reducing the pain, there are however not as effective as oral contraception.

Avoid certain foods

It is often good to cut down on foods that cause water retention and bloating, especially during menstruation. In addition, cutting out or reducing your intake of fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, and salty foods can alleviate cramps and reduce tension.

While periods cramps are very common and tend to disrupt your day-to-day activities, remember these remedies as listed above will always help in minimizing the discomfort they cause; however, if, after a couple of days, the pain still refuses to go, be sure to follow up with your doctor.