How to get rid of period cramps
January 5, 2023
At the start of their menstrual cycle, a lot of people complain of experiencing stomach or pelvic pain. In rare circumstances, treatments can provide relief.
The uterus constricts during a period to force the lining away from the uterine wall and enable it to leave the body through the vagina. These contractions may hurt or be uncomfortable. They’re commonly referred to as cramps.
Most menstruating women suffer lower abdominal cramps, though the pain can also spread to the lower back, groin, or upper thighs. Menstrual cramps typically worsen at the start of a period and improve during the next few days.
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What triggers menstrual cramps?
Your uterus is contracted, which results in period cramps. Changes in your body’s hormone levels, particularly prostaglandins, cause these contractions. Your uterus contracts during menstruation and releases its lining as blood through your vagina.
Some individuals are more prone to period pain, especially those who:
- Are under 30 years old
- bleed heavily during their periods
- have irregular bleeding
- have a history of period pain in their family
- Smoking
- Went through puberty too soon (age 11 or earlier)
Why do menstruation cramps occur?
The womb’s muscular walls contract and relax during menstruation to assist the womb in shedding its inner lining. Some persons have discomfort. As a result, ranging from mild to severe. These sensations usually last 48 to 72 hours and can get softer as people age.
Home remedies for Period Cramps
There are ways you can do to regain control if period pain cramps your style every month. Here are 14 tried-and-true home treatments to help you feel better and return to your busy schedule.
1. Comfort Foods
You shouldn’t be buddies with potato chips, doughnuts, or other fried, fatty meals. Instead, consume whole grains, lentils, beans, vegetables (particularly leafy dark-green ones), fruits, and nuts as part of a low-fat, high-fibre diet.
Vitamins E, B1, B6, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are among the nutrients that reduce the hormone-like compounds that cause those excruciating cramps or ease muscle tension and inflammation.
2. Stay hydrated
Although it won’t directly alleviate your cramps, staying hydrated can assist with bloating, which makes cramps feel worse. Keep a water bottle nearby when your period is coming, and add some mint or a touch of lemon to encourage you to drink. Limit your daily salt intake to no more than 2,300 milligrammes, and stay away from alcohol because both can cause your body to lose water.
3. Cut latte down
Avoid drinking coffee the day before and the day of your period since caffeine might aggravate cramping. Be careful not to mix it with tea, chocolate, soda, or energy drinks. Instead, try a small, veggie-packed smoothie in the morning or in the middle of the day.
4. Massage
Spending as little as 5 minutes daily on your stomach can improve blood flow and reduce stress, making you feel better. Several days before your anticipated menstruation, begin. After their period, women who started applying a lotion containing a combination of marjoram, clary sage, and lavender essential oils experienced cramps that lasted for shorter periods the next month. These essential oils include pain-relieving ingredients.
5. Orgasm
Menstrual cramps may be relieved by having an orgasm. This is because the uterus contracts during an orgasm and then relaxes. This might minimise the severity of menstrual cramps.
Similar to physical activity, having an orgasm causes the production of endorphins and other pain-relieving hormones, which makes one feel wonderful.
6. Take a bath
Another technique to give your back, pelvic, and abdominal muscles the warmth they require to relax is to take a hot bath.
Adding a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender, sage, or rose, blended with a carrier oil to your bathwater can increase the pain-relieving effects of a relaxing soak. Epsom salt may also assist in reducing muscle soreness. To benefit from a hot bath, try to unwind in it for at least 15 minutes.
7. Steer clear of coffee and salty foods
Regarding reducing or increasing period pain, some foods are better than others.
Consuming meals that lower inflammation, for instance, can be beneficial. These consist of the following:
- Berries
- Avocado and fatty fish
- virgin extra olive oil
Limiting items that can lead to bloating, water retention, and discomfort is also a good idea. Examples include sour food, caffeinated beverages, and fatty foods.
8. Exercise
Although little proof exists that exercise reduces period discomfort, many women swear by a sweat session to unwind. Endorphins are feel-good brain chemicals that are released during exercise. So go for a walk, get on the treadmill, or swim.
9. Put Heat Into It
These days, you can enjoy warm, soothing pleasure without plugging in. You have choices, whether at your desk or out on a date. Consider cordless heat wraps that can be recharged, disposable heat wraps explicitly made for menstruation cramps or microwaveable heat pads.
When to seek medical help?
If home remedies do not relieve cramps or a person suffers particularly severe cramping, they may want to speak with a doctor.
To handle the symptoms, a doctor may advise trying more at-home cures or prescribe medication, such as birth control pills or specific painkillers.
Other signs that may require a visit to the doctor include:
- Extremely painful or uncomfortable cramps that interfere with daily living
- very heavy bleeding cramps that worsen with time or age
These signs could point to an underlying illness for which a doctor can recommend a successful course of treatment.
Doctor for Period Cramps
Make an appointment with your primary physician or a medical professional specializing in the female reproductive system (Gynaecologist) if you experience bothersome menstrual cramps.
People also ask
How do I get rid of period cramps fast?
- Applying heat to your abdomen or back will assist in reducing your pain because heat can relax the muscles, causing cramping.
- Exercise
- Taking action to lessen stress
- Get your minerals and vitamins.
Why is my period so painful?
Natural substances called prostaglandins, which are produced in the uterine lining, are what cause this agony. The uterine muscles and blood vessels constrict as a result of prostaglandins. The prostaglandin level is high on the first day of a period.
How long do period cramps last?
Although some women experience pain days or even weeks before the beginning of their period, period discomfort often begins when your bleeding starts. Although it occasionally lasts longer, the pain typically lasts 48 to 72 hours. So when your bleeding is the most severe, it’s typically at its worst.
What drinks help with period cramps?
Menstrual cramp relief can be obtained quickly and naturally by sipping chamomile, fennel, or ginger tea.