Do you struggle to find sufficient cramps help for your period? You’re not alone. In fact, surveys show that 80 percent of menstruating people experience painful periods sometime in their lives. More than half of these people take medicine for period pain, and a quarter of them miss out on work, social activities, and other responsibilities, as well. That’s a lot of pain in a lifetime and a huge chunk of time wasted trying to deal with it.
If you are one of many who experience regular period pain, then don’t worry. There are many ways to relieve period cramps and other hormonal discomforts at home. These popular menstrual pain remedies include special foods, exercises, and other things to help balance hormones, minimize symptoms, and support the rhythm of your unique moon cycle. Read on for cramp help.
Natural Period Cramp Relief Options
Of the many ways to relieve period cramps, natural pain remedies are often the most popular. Notably, natural solutions tend to be easier on the system and kinder to the environment. Here are some of the best natural period pain relief options you can try.
Cramp Pain Relieving Foods
The foods we consume contribute so much more than energy (calories) to our bodies. In fact, proper nutrition can help maintain a well-balanced hormonal cycle to minimize discomforts like period cramps and back pain. This should include a mix of vitamins, minerals, fibers, and probiotics.
Some of the best foods for period pain include magnesium-packed bananas, lemons and other vitamin C-rich foods, ultra-hydrating watermelon, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale.
Herbal Supplements for Period Pain
People have been using herbal supplements for centuries to help manage pain, mood, and other common menstrual discomforts. Some of the best herbal remedies for period pain include ginseng, black cohosh, menthol, and chaste berry, all of which we proudly feature in our menstrual relief patches. Other excellent herbs for period pain include chamomile, fennel seed, and vitamins E, D, calcium, and magnesium.
Exercise Your Cramps Away
Early research suggests that exercise could also help relieve menstrual discomfort, though the reason isn’t totally understood. Some suggest that exercise releases endorphins and endocannabinoids, which can help reduce pain and improve mood. Other experts state that exercise reduces prostaglandin, which is the chemical that triggers menstrual cramping.
Whatever the reason, it’s wise to focus on specific exercises that are relatively easy to perform during a painful period. Long jogs or heavy weight-lifting activities aren’t it. Instead, try yoga, Pilates, or swimming exercises to improve blood flow, reduce menstrual pain, and minimize strain on your joints.
Other Uncommon Cramp Relief Methods
Some other activities you can try to help find period cramp relief include focused breath work, localized heat therapy, acupuncture, or even orgasms (yes, really!). You should also increase your water intake (especially during heavy flows) to reduce bloating and minimize stress, which can also make cramps worse. Medication, journaling, or Copoeia’s Serenity Soothing Gummies can help.
Medical Solutions for Menstrual Cramps
Sometimes, natural options are not enough. In more severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary to reduce period cramping and other menstrual discomforts. If this is true for you, then first consider taking OTC medication.
Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen reduce period pain by blocking prostaglandin production, whereas other pain medications like aspirin work by blocking pain signals to the brain. There are also period-specific medications like Midol and Pamprin, which usually contain a few different medications to block pain, boost energy, and minimize bloating. These OTC menstrual cramp relief options are great for those who need a little extra help, but they are generally only recommended for people over 19 years old.
If OTC meds don’t cut it, then it may be wise to consult your doctor regarding the best period relief options for you. He or she may recommend stronger drugs like prescription-strength painkillers or hormone-based birth control. Some experts also theorize that Viagra, a drug prescribed for erectile dysfunction, may also help ease period pain in menstruating people by improving blood flow to the uterus. Experts suggest that increased blood flow could help “flush out” prostaglandins and increase oxygen in the blood, both of which could help improve menstrual discomforts.
If all else fails, your doctor could recommend surgery to remove whatever is causing your extreme period pain. For example, your doctor could recommend endometrial ablation to shrink your uterine lining to slow a regularly heavy flow. On the other hand, if menstrual pain is caused by fibroids, then having them removed via a process called myomectomy may be necessary. If none of that works, then the complete removal of the uterus and all associated plumbing (a hysterectomy) may be the only remaining solution.
What Causes Period Cramps?
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s discuss what actually happens in the body to cause period pain. To be clear, menstrual discomforts include much more than cramps (though it is a major part of it). Period cramps, which range in severity and duration, generally feel like a tightening of the uterus in the lower abdomen. Notably, these painful sensations can also occur in the legs and back, but this is less common.
Other uncomfortable menstrual symptoms include headaches, bloating, mood swings, excessive food cravings, and fatigue. These symptoms are most common in young adults (under 30) or those who experience heavy or irregular bleeding. Smokers are also more likely to experience painful periods compared to non-smokers, according to some research.
Notably, we aren’t totally sure what causes painful periods. However, experts believe that it’s likely due to an increase in prostaglandins, which are hormone-like chemicals that trigger menstruation. Though prostaglandins are a necessary part of the menstrual process, researchers have found that people with high levels of the chemical also experience painful periods. For example, high prostaglandin levels may cause exceptionally strong contractions, which may reduce blood flow – and thus, oxygen – to the uterus.
Interestingly, people who are more prone to inflammation are also more prone to high prostaglandin levels. What’s more, inflammation can make other menstrual symptoms worse, including mood swings, head aches, bloating, and more. This helps explain why anti-inflammatory products are still some of the best medicines for period cramps.
Final Thoughts About Period Cramp Help
You can’t get rid of your period, but you can get rid of period pain. Use these tips to finally find relief from painful period cramps and other menstrual symptoms.
You can also try our premium period patches made with some of the best herbs for period pain, including 30 milligrams of hemp-based CBD per patch. These long-lasting patches provide up to 48 hours of continued period relief without hassle or up-keep. Don’t forget to subscribe and save to guarantee a regular supply of natural pain relief patches and one less headache each month.
Have you tried our menstrual relief patches? Visit us on social @CopoeiaWellness to leave a review!