How can you relieve painful periods?

For many of us, getting our period means intense pain. While a hot water bottle is usually our best friend, let’s take a look at some alternatives to help relieve period pain.

Tips, tricks, diet, exercise, medication, and old-fashioned home remedies—Louloucup takes a look at the various solutions for relieving painful periods.

Primary dysmenorrhea affects women who have experienced these pains since they first started menstruating. Generally, these are not organic pains but rather functional ones. 

Secondary dysmenorrhea affects women whose pain started at a certain point, and the cause is often physical. Endometriosis is one of the possible causes of secondary dysmenorrhea.

The only symptom recognized by the scientific community to define painful periods is pelvic pain in the midsection. The pain can be cramp-like or sometimes throbbing, diffuse, and continuous.

That doesn’t mean this period of hormonal upheaval doesn’t come with other unpleasant, sometimes even hard-to-handle symptoms.

Among the most commonly mentioned are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lower back pain, leg pain, extreme tiredness, lethargy, or even a feeling of malaise.

It is possible to relieve period pain by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Not that women who suffer from period pain have bad habits, but there are a few small changes that can help us get through this difficult time.

It goes without saying that good sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet help our bodies better cope with whatever comes their way. 

Here are four tips that can bring comfort and relief during an acute pain crisis:

• Heat is a great ally for relieving pelvic pain. Warmth helps relax the pelvic muscles that contract and cause discomfort. On a smaller scale than childbirth, the uterus contracts to expel dead endometrial cells—these are contractions. According to Planète Santé, a study showed that heat is as effective as ibuprofen and works even faster. A hot water bottle is a powerful ally. Whether you use a dry heat pack or a hot water bottle, it delivers effective, direct heat to your aching lower belly. Cramps quickly fade away!
  
  
• A good shower or even abath relaxes a body tensed by pain. Hot water soothes and relaxes you, easing both physical pain and your state of mind. You'll feel good and more comfortable in your body and your skin.
  
  
• A gentle belly massage using light circular motions helps relax the area. Use a neutral plant-based oil for smooth movements. You can also look into essential oils that might be effective. A few drops of sage or basil mixed with the neutral oil can provide relief. Before using essential oils, it’s important to do your research and know how to dose them properly.
  
  
• It’s harder to do, but walking, stretching, or doing some yoga poses can really help. It’s simple: moving gets your blood flowing throughout your body, including your lower abdomen.

To naturally relieve painful periods, you can turn to herbal remedies. 

• 🍓🍓 Raspberry leaves have antispasmodic properties. has anti-inflammatory effects. As for yarrow, it’ll help you relax and soothe stomach cramps. You can easily find infusions and herbal teas in specialty and organic stores. While the effects aren’t 100% scientifically proven, drinking something warm can bring relaxation and comfort.

• 🧴🧴 Essential oils are also valuable as a supplement. However, we strongly urge you to learn how to use them properly. Some are inhaled, some are taken with neutral tablets, while others are mixed with neutral carrier oils. Always ask a pharmacist for advice before buying.

• 🌱🌱 Tarragon essential oil is considered a powerful antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory remedy. It’s the essential oil to have for relieving period pain! 

• 🌿🌿 Clary sage essential oil mimics the action of estrogen and reduces uterine contractions.

• 🪴🪴 Basil essential oil acts on uterine muscles and also on the nervous system to help reduce pain from cramps.

Doctors, gynecologists, or midwives can prescribe various medications to help relieve menstrual pain. In any case, it's important to try to anticipate and not let the pain set in.

• The most common option is undoubtedly the antispasmodic Spasfon. The famous pink pill can ease painful periods for many young women and girls.

• Dafalgan, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Advil may also be prescribed.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be prescribed for stronger pain, such as Antadys, for example.

⚠️ Be careful with self-medicating. 
We want to highlight the dangers of self-medicating. It’s never safe or harmless to take medication on your own. For example, aspirin increases bleeding and is not the solution for your period.