How can you relieve painful periods?
For many of us, the arrival of our period is synonymous with intense pain. While a hot water bottle is our best ally in most cases, let’s look at some alternatives to help relieve period pain.
Tips, tricks, diet, exercise, medication and other home remedies—Louloucup reviews the different solutions to ease painful periods.
What is dysmenorrhea, or painful periods?
The term dysmenorrhea (which literally means difficult menstruation) refers to the pain that occurs before, during and after menstruation.
It’s estimated that 79% of women are affected. One in four is thought to suffer from the severe form, defined by an impact on daily life (missing work or school, skipping usual activities).
⚡️ What’s the difference between primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea?
Primary dysmenorrhoea affects women who have had these pains since their very first periods. These are generally not organic pains, but rather functional.
Secondary dysmenorrhea affects women whose pain appeared at some point after previously painless periods; the cause is often organic. Endometriosis is, among others, one of the causes of secondary dysmenorrhea.
How do painful periods manifest?
⚡️ What are the symptoms of painful periods?
Pelvic, central pain is the only symptom recognized by the scientific community to define painful periods. It can be cramp‑like, or sometimes throbbing, diffuse and continuous.
That doesn’t mean this time of hormonal upheaval doesn’t come with other unpleasant, and in some cases, very hard-to-bear symptoms.
Among the most commonly mentioned are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lower back pain, leg pain, extreme fatigue, lethargy and a general feeling of malaise.
How can you relieve painful periods?
If the imbalance is emotional or psychological (stress, fatigue, etc.), you can work on it with the help of a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist. An anxious or highly stressed nature can be soothed with practices such as sophrology, for example. By addressing psychological issues, many physical problems often improve as well.
You can help soothe your period pain by adopting a healthier lifestyle. It’s not that women who suffer during their periods have a bad lifestyle, but there are a few small habits you can adopt that can make this difficult time easier to get through.
No need to remind you that good sleep, regular exercise and a balanced diet help our body cope better with whatever it may face.
Let's highlight 4 tips that can bring comfort and relief in case of an acute pain crisis:
-
Heat is a great ally for relieving pelvic pain. Heat helps relax the pelvic muscles that contract and cause pain. On a smaller scale than childbirth, the uterus contracts to expel dead endometrial cells – these are contractions. According to Planète Santé, a study has shown that heat is as effective as ibuprofen and works faster. A hot‑water bottle is a powerful ally. A dry hot‑water bottle or a traditional water‑filled bottle delivers effective, direct warmth to your numb lower belly. Cramps quickly fade away!
-
A good shower or even a bath relaxes a body tensed up by pain. Hot water soothes and relaxes you, easing both the pain and your mind. You feel good—better in your body and in your own skin.
-
A belly massage using light circular movements helps relax the organ. Use a neutral plant oil so your hands glide smoothly. Also look into **essential oils** that might be effective. A few drops of sage or basil mixed into the neutral oil can bring relief. Before using essential oils, it’s important to get informed and know how to dose them properly.
- A bit harder to put into practice, but **walking, stretching or doing a few yoga poses** can really help. It’s quite simple: moving your body boosts blood circulation everywhere, including in your lower abdomen.
3 ultra-soft Louloucup period panties 🪶 🧶
⚡️ How can you naturally relieve painful periods?
To naturally relieve painful periods, you can turn to plants.
- 🍓🍓 Raspberry leaf has antispasmodic properties. Sage has anti-inflammatory power. As for yarrow, it will help you relax and soothe tummy cramps. In delicatessens and organic shops, herbal teas and infusions are easy to find. Even if their effects aren’t 100% scientifically proven, simply drinking something warm can bring relaxation and comfort.
- 🧴🧴 Essential oils can also be very helpful as a complement. However, we strongly urge you to learn how to use them properly. Some are inhaled, others are taken orally on neutral tablets, and others are mixed with neutral vegetable oils. Ask your pharmacist for advice before buying any.
- 🌱🌱 Tarragon essential oil is considered a powerful antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory remedy. It’s the must-have essential oil to relieve period pain!
- 🌿🌿 Clary sage essential oil mimics the action of oestrogens and reduces uterine contractions.
- 🪴🪴 Basil essential oil acts on the uterine muscles as well as on the nervous system to reduce pain caused by contractions.
⚡️Which medications can relieve painful periods?
Doctors, gynaecologists or midwives can prescribe various medications to ease menstrual pain. In any case, it’s important to try to anticipate it and not let the pain take hold.
- The most classic option is without a doubt the antispasmodic Spasfon. The famous pink tablet can ease painful periods for many girls and women.
- Dafalgan, Ibuprofen, Doliprane and Advil can also be prescribed.
- Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be prescribed to relieve more intense pain, such as Antadys, for example.
⚠️ Be careful with self‑medication.
We want to draw attention to the dangers of self‑medication. It is never safe or harmless to take medication on your own. Aspirin, for example, increases bleeding and is not the right solution when you have your period.
Read this article whenever you want, pin it!
