Menstrual Cramps: 7 Ways to Get Relief from Period Cramps

Written by: withJuno Editorial Team, Reviewed by Dr Julian Hong

Discomfort in the lower back, abdomen, and thighs is a common side effect of period pain. The sensation lasts only a few days of the menstrual period and goes away. In some cases, it starts a few days before the period begins. Period cramps are the contraction of the uterine walls that causes pain. 

However, this pain is supposed to be bearable. If you suffer from unbearable menstrual cramps, it is likely due to other underlying health and lifestyle issues. Such issues have remedies that can provide menstrual pain relief. Consulting a medical professional will alert you of the causes and suggest the best treatments. 

Overview

Before you look for ways of period pain relief, you need to identify the causes of your pain. When you know the root of the pain, you can act on them with specific targeted remedies. Such effective treatments will eliminate the pain and provide relief and stop them from reoccurring. 

The menstrual pain is usually a sign of the prostaglandins working on the uterus muscles. The hormones make the uterine walls contract and relax. It is this contraction and relaxation that causes the cramps before period. The contractions lead to a lack of oxygen to the uterine muscles. 

Here are a few ways of period cramp relief to ease your period days.

7 Ways to Get Relief from Period Cramps  

1: Pain Reliever

Period pain is indescribably painful. Pain reliever provides instant menstrual cramps relief. There are different dosages of pain relievers. It is best to use the ones with anti-inflammatory properties as they reduce the prostaglandins in the body. 

The medicine for period pain comes with labelled instructions that one must follow. The treatment eventually provides relief from the pain as it relaxes the muscles. This medicine for period cramps dulls the pain and makes the period somewhat bearable.

2: Apply Heating Pad

Apart from menstrual cramps medicine, women can also adopt home remedies for relief.

Applying heat to the abdominal and lower back area relieves the pain. A heating pad to ease the pain is one of the simplest ways to find comfort. The heat relaxes the muscles. However, it is not a solution for chronic period pain.

3: Take Your Health Supplements

Besides the menstrual cramps medicine and heat pads, one must maintain a healthy diet. The vitamins and minerals in the diet reduce cramps. Vitamins like Vitamin B1 or Thiamine minimise stomach pain during periods. Magnesium also helps to combat the pain. Eating magnesium-rich foods will ease the pain — asparagus, legumes, whole grains, cauliflower, kale, oranges, nuts and seeds, etc.

4: Yoga Exercises Give Relief from Cramps

A foolproof way to combat period stomach pain is by exercising. Gentle exercises release endorphins reducing the pain sensation. It also helps to relax the muscles. Just fifteen minutes of yoga exercises or light stretching and walking will make one feel better. 

5: Massage Session with Essential Oils

When you experience menstrual pain, try a self-massage on the lower abdomen. Use essential oils like lavender, clary, etc. The fragrance calms the nerves, thereby reducing the pain. To soothe the nasty cramps before period, ensure to dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil.

6: Take Over the Counter Medicines

Over-the-counter medicines provide menstrual pain relief. The composition of these drugs lowers prostaglandin production. The medicine for period pain reduces severe pain and even bleeding. 

7: Add These Herbs to Your Diet

Herbal solutions for period pain relief are one of the best ways to reduce cramps. The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties reduce muscle contractions. The table below enumerates the purpose of the natural solutions:

Herb/SupplementMethod of AdministrationPurpose
Chamomile TeaTake chamomile tea twice per day.Chamomile increases urinary levels, which provides relief from muscle spasms. 
Fennel SeedsTake 30g four times a day for three daysa compound, Emmenagogue helps relieve the cramps during menstruation 
GingerA small piece, grated into lukewarm water, creates a pain-relieving concoction.Inhibits the prostaglandins.It contains salicylates that help synthesise salicylic acid in the body. Salicylic acid inhibits the nerves from producing prostaglandins which makes you feel cramps.  

Still Having Severe Menstrual Cramps?

While the tips mentioned earlier temporarily relieve stomach pain during periods, consult your medical professional in case of pain resurgence. They will analyse your symptoms and give you a correct assessment of the cause of your pain.

The treatments from the professionals will provide relief from period stomach pain. The healing process takes time. If you are put on medications, you must complete the entire course to see tangible results.

If you have recurrent period cramps, it could be primary dysmenorrhea. If your pain lasts 12 to 72 hours and you experience other symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, contact your physician as soon as possible. Keep track of the period stomach pain to present the report to the professionals. Track the symptoms of headaches and menstrual cramps.

Conclusion

Bad cramps often steal an excellent quality of life from any woman. You, however, do not have to sacrifice yours. Consult the professionals at the GetOva site and receive personalised treatment and solutions for your menstruation issues.

FAQs Related to Menstrual Cramps Relief  

How do you relieve period cramps?  

You can find period cramp relief through the following- exercises, pain relievers, heat application, hormonal medicines and yoga; etc

How long do menstrual cramps last?  

Generally, the cramps start 2-3 days before the period and go away after 2-3 days. If they do not disappear, your healthcare provider can assess your symptoms and prescribe menstrual cramps relief medication. 

What is the reason for periods hurting so much on the first day?  

The prostaglandin hormones cause the uterine wall to shed, causing painful cramps.

What relieves menstrual cramps the fastest?  

To receive instant relief, take a prescribed medicine for period cramps. 
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.

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