12 Ways to Curb Cramping During Menstruation
Nearly 80% of people who have periods experience painful cramping during menstruation, but luckily, there are several remedies that can help.
That time of the month is never fun. Fatigue, cravings, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and bloating are just some of the inconvenient symptoms that accompany most periods, but these pale in comparison to painful menstrual cramps.
If you’re part of the unlucky majority who experience cramping during their menstrual cycle, your time of the month is probably the worst time of the month. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Stay tuned for 12 ways to help you find some period relief.
What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
There can be many reasons for period discomfort, and if you experience chronic pain, it’s natural to wonder why! Whatever your situation, your doctor can help you understand why you suffer from uncomfortable cramps every month. Here are some of the most common causes of painful cramping during menstruation:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
It’s common to feel discomfort around your abdomen and lower back while menstruating, but these painful symptoms can leave you feeling helpless and defeated. Read on for tips on getting fast relief during menstruation so you can continue living your life.
Applying heat can help your muscles relax, improve blood flow, and relieve tension that’s causing period pain. These days, there are endless ways to get the benefit of heat, no matter your location. Whether you’re on a date or at your desk, you have plenty of options, from cordless heat wraps to microwavable heat pads and more.
Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) medication is one of the most commonly recommended remedies for painful period cramps. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium all lessen pain and help alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding.
If you’re menstruating and in pain, exercise might be the last thing on your mind; however, gentle exercise releases endorphins that help reduce pain and relax those tense abdominal muscles. Take a walk, do 15 minutes of yoga, or go for a swim and you might feel well enough to tackle the day again.
Reducing stress is much easier said than done, but if you’re suffering from intense menstrual cramps, stress can make the situation worse. Try mediation, deep breathing, yoga, or another one of your favorite ways to relieve stress when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Taking steps to relax can help you find period relief.
Bloating can cause discomfort and make your period cramps worse, but water can help. Drinking plenty of water during your time of the month can alleviate some of the pain, increase blood flow, and help relax your muscles. When you know your period is on its way, keep a water bottle handy.
Although caffeine has its perks, it can make your period cramps worse. So, steer clear of coffee and reach for decaf instead. If you need a midday pick-me-up, opt for an energy bar, protein smoothie, or flavored water instead.
Massages are excellent any time, but they’re particularly beneficial if you’re struggling with period pain. Massages can help reduce uterine spasms, reduce stress, and help relieve menstrual discomfort. Even if you can’t swing for a full-body massage, as little as five minutes a day on your belly can ease tension to help you feel better.
If soaking in a warm bath helps you relax, this might be just the thing you need to tackle your menstrual pain. Soaking in a hot bath soothes your lower abdomen and back, allowing you to relax and feel better.
Many herbal teas are packed with anti-inflammatory properties and antispasmodic compounds that can reduce the uterine spasms that cause cramping. Plus, they have other helpful benefits, like stress relief and helping with insomnia. But remember to avoid teas high in caffeine.
Here are the best teas for menstruation, as outlined by Healthline:
- Red raspberry leaf tea
- Ginger tea
- Chamomile tea
- Peppermint tea
- Cinnamon tea
- Green tea
- Thyme tea
- Oolong tea
If other remedies aren’t doing the trick, birth control is often recommended by doctors as an effective way to reduce menstrual cramping. If your period pain is caused by a hormonal imbalance, birth control can be incredibly helpful. Some forms of birth control can alleviate cramps by reducing your flow or stopping your period altogether.
If bloating and water retention are an issue, it’s a good idea to avoid certain cramp-inducing foods. The following foods are often culprits that cause bloating:
- Fatty foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Salty foods
- Carbonated beverages
Cutting back on these foods can help alleviate tension and soothe your abdomen. Try soothing teas or hot, flavored water instead of caffeinated beverages.
One of the best ways to tackle period pain is to supplement your diet with hormonal health supplements. Hormonal health is one of the most important parts of a balanced life. These health supplements help balance estrogen and progesterone, promote uterine health, and improve uterine circulation. Some of the ingredients that curb menstrual pain include:
- Vitex
- Yarrow
- Licorice
- Red raspberry leaves
- White peony
- Dong quai
- Cellulose
Curb Menstrual Cramps With Supplements From Perennial Life
If cramping during menstruation is bringing you down, curb the pain with hormonal health supplements from Perennial Life!
Hormonal health is one of the most important parts of a balanced life. Perennial’s Healthy Cycles formula approaches hormone health from three directions: hormonal balance between estrogen and progesterone, uterine health, and uterine circulation.
Using European, Native American, and Chinese herbs, this formula can help support hormonal balance and counteract PMS symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, excessive bleeding, cramping, breast tenderness, sugar cravings, and more.
Shop our products to see what healthcare solutions we can offer you! Check with your health care practitioner if you have any questions.
