Painful cramps, mood swings, tender breasts, and possibly even dizziness – all of this month after month and again. Women who experience what people refer to as ‘that time of the month’ go through some severe cramps. Menstrual cramps are different for every woman. For some of them, it’s just minor discomfort, but for others, it leaves them in unbearable pain. Most women manage to get to work or just get through the day – barely, but there are women who can’t even move because that’s how bad the pain gets.
Technically, the body is preparing the uterus in case you get pregnant. But when it doesn’t happen, the lining of the uterus breaks down, which triggers the muscles to contract and squeeze the lining out. When the contractions happen, blood vessels get constricted. That reduces the blood flow and causes unbearable pain. Some women may have an overzealous uterus which causes excessive pain. In other words, you’re being punished for not getting pregnant. A recent study claims that period pain can be as bad as having a heart attack. Now, if that’s not bad enough, then I don’t know what is. But there are ways in which you can reduce the cramps.
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Here is how to ease period pain.
1. Work the diet
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Yes, as much as you would like to stuff yourself with all the cheese and chocolates in the world, too much fat in your regular diet could be a big problem. Reducing fat and increasing vegetables will definitely help in easing out the cramps. It’s good for your health generally too. Of course, you can have pizzas and ice creams, but make sure you pick the healthier unsaturated fats on a regular basis. Try fish, nuts, food made from vegetable oils and everything else that you might have been yelled at for not eating by your mom.
2. Kill the pain with pills
This is the easiest way out, but many women prefer not to do this. Turning to medicine just for cramps is not the ideal thing to do. But moderate use of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication will probably just make life easier at almost no cost. These medicines reduce prostaglandin production, which is the cause for all the cramps in the first place. Do make sure that you check with your doctor first though, especially if you have any history of bleeding or allergies for any medication or even kidney-related issues. If not, then this is your best bet.
3. Tea trick
Teas have been used traditionally to cure a lot of things, and the same goes for menstrual cramps too. Some herbs might act like estrogens that will definitely ease the pain. Do consult your doctor though, especially if you’ve had any hormone-related issues in the past. Cramp bark is known to be very helpful for the cramps. Just boil two teaspoons of it in a cup of water, simmer for 15 minutes and drink it thrice a day. Raspberry leaf tea or tea with peppermint oil may also help. Remember though, you’re looking for herbal tea and not those flavored ones.
4. Spa time
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When you’re looking at how to ease period pain, this method has been known to be one of the most reliable ones. Massages are good for you when you are on your period, though they are just good for everyone in general. You can massage yourself or ask someone else to do it for you. Take some diluted essential oil and just massage gently on the lower abdomen area, lower back, and legs. The fragrance of the oil will help you relax while the massaging will relieve you of the pain.
Suggested read: Study says period pain is ‘as bad as having a heart attack’
5. Heating pads
Studies have found that applying heat is almost as effective as taking a painkiller. In fact, using medicine along with the heat pad might just do the trick. The lone heat pad might not help much if the cramps are too bad. So, if it gets really bad and even the medicine doesn’t seem to be helping, use a heat pad or a hot water bottle. They’re good for when you need to reduce those muscle spasms. So, use the heat and have some chocolate; you’ll definitely be a happier person.
6. Warm bath
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Who does not like a nice, warm bath? Maybe the weird people who like cold showers but the rest of us definitely love the warmth. And, if you’re on your period, there is nothing better and more relaxing than a warm bath or a shower. The warm water and steam work together and act in you favor. The heat will reduce the cramps while you relax. Even if you don’t have time for this, take out at least half an hour to do this.
7. Do it
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Yes, sex helps you reduce the cramps! Technically speaking, the endorphins (natural painkillers) released into your bloodstream when you have a climax are the ones that reduce the painful cramps, but sex it is. Even working out will do the trick, but why say no to sex, right? Of course, if you don’t want to try period sex (best, though the messiest sex ever), you can hit the gym or just work out at home for the same result. As long as you have those endorphins being released, you’re good to go.
8. Try acupuncture
Certain acupuncture joints are thought to help in the lessening of painful monthly cramps. These points regulate the blood flow through the abdominal cavity which can calm those muscle contractions. Acupuncture tricks the nervous system into a relaxed mode which is known to be as effective as those medicines that you pop in. Acupuncture also has other benefits like improving digestion, giving you better sleep, and a happier mood. It doesn’t hurt to try, does it?
9. Supplement yourself
All that bleeding deprives your body of plenty of minerals, so make sure you stock up on it via your diet and a few extra supplements. Take calcium and magnesium supplements throughout the month to prepare for the cramp-week during your period. This will help with the muscle relaxation. Just make sure you take the right dosage, because otherwise you might end up with loose stools. The best thing would be to consult your doctor and take the prescribed dosage.
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10. Contraceptive way
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Who knew birth control pills could do more than just to not get you pregnant? Studies have shown that oral contraceptives help in reducing the pain when you get your period. It doesn’t matter if you take a low or medium estrogen level pill; just know that it will give some relief from that pain. Of course, these pills do have side effects like spotting, tenderness of breasts, nausea, risk of blood clots and the like; so like always, consult your doctor about this as well.
Now that you know how to ease period pain, you can stay prepared in advance. Every woman dreads these cramps, and there’s good reason why. But these remedies have actually helped millions of women like you to make their period more comfortable. They’re effective, so give each one a shot and see what works best for you. Everyone’s body is different, so what might work for your colleague may not do anything for you.
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