Do you suffer from the discomfort of menstrual cramps during your period? Dysmenorrhoea, also known as period pain, can be debilitating for some women. Thankfully, there are many simple and natural remedies available that can help provide relief from menstrual cramps.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss five ways to get relief from dysmenorrhoea so that you can make it through your next cycle in comfort.
So, let’s get started.
An overview of dysmenorrhoea
Dysmenorrhoea, commonly known as period pain, is common among women of reproductive age and can range from mild to severe. It generally occurs during the first few days of menstruation and can interfere with daily activities. The two main types of dysmenorrhoea are primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Primary dysmenorrhoea is more common and results from the excessive production of hormones during the menstrual cycle, which causes strong uterine contractions that lead to cramps in the lower abdomen or back. Whereas, secondary dysmenorrhea is caused mainly by underlying medical conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fibroids, or adenomyosis.
5 ways to get relief from menstrual cramps
There are various ways to relieve menstrual cramps and make them more bearable. Here are five common methods that can help:
1. Exercise:
Regular exercise can help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps, as it helps to release endorphins which act as natural painkillers. Even a light 30-minute walk or some stretching can be beneficial in relieving menstrual cramps.
2. Heat:
Applying heat to your lower abdomen or lower back area is known to relax tense muscles and alleviate pain caused by menstrual cramps. You could use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm compress for this purpose.
3. Massage:
Gentle massage on the abdominal region and lower back area is also an effective method in relieving menstrual cramps. This will help improve circulation in the areas and relax your muscles.
4. Diet:
Eating foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory agents like Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin B6, and calcium can help reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps. Foods like salmon, spinach, walnuts, and kiwi are all great sources of these nutrients.
5. Medication:
If natural remedies do not work for you, then over-the-counter dysmenorrhea medicine such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be taken to alleviate the pain caused by menstrual cramps.
Conclusion
Menstrual cramps are a common yet inconvenient part of life for many women. While no cure-all works for everyone, there are several ways to get relief from period pain. Diet and exercise can be key in managing dysmenorrhoea symptoms, so it’s important to stay active and maintain a healthy balanced diet.
Other options include taking over-the-counter medications or trying natural remedies like heat therapy and essential oils.
FAQs
What makes period cramps worse?
Factors such as dehydration, stress, and a lack of sleep can make period cramps worse. Eating too many salty foods or not eating enough fibre can also contribute to stronger cramps. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and warm compresses may help reduce the intensity of period cramps.
Do menstrual cramps worsen with age?
While menstrual cramps can affect women at any age, research suggests that they may worsen with age. This is because older women tend to experience longer, more intense periods and are less likely to respond to certain treatments. They may also be affected by pre-existing conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids, which can contribute to menstrual cramp intensity.
What foods reduce period pain?
Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds, are thought to help reduce inflammation and ease cramps. Additionally, adding some vitamin E-rich foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, and avocados can also offer relief.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.