Every month, you might experience unbearable pain during your periods. Period cramps are completely common and affect hundreds and millions of women worldwide.
Some women experience a lot of pain and discomfort which interferes with their daily life. So, it becomes essential to know how to stop period cramps.
The battle through the agony of period cramps can keep you from executing your daily tasks effectively. During this time, you might feel that your body is staging some kind of protest. But don’t worry! With the right tips, you can expect some menstrual cramp relief.
Tips On How To Help Period Cramps
One out of four weeks in a month can be very hard for some women due to period cramps. At this time, women often want to know how to stop period cramps at home immediately at home. It might be hard to get quick or instant relief from your cramps. However, a few tips will help you lessen the impact of cramps and make them more bearable.
1. Drink More Water
Does drinking water help with the cramps you experience during periods? Well, the key to combating period cramps is to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause muscle cramping. You should drink an adequate amount of water on your periods and even on regular days.
Drinking sufficient water will allow your body to maintain its optimum hydration levels. Your aim should be to drink at least eight glasses of water every day to compensate for the fluid loss and alleviate period cramps.
2. Herbal Teas Can Help
Herbal teas have been a go-to way to get rid of period cramps. People have relied on herbal teas to cure various ailments for centuries. Chamomile tea, for example, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help you ease your cramps and relax your uterine muscles. Ginger tea can also help you soothe your period pain with its natural healing properties.
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3. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Anti-inflammatory foods help in reducing inflammation in your body. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like walnuts, salmon, etc., help in easing menstrual cramps. You can also consume fresh fruits and vegetables while on your periods. Apart from providing anti-inflammatory properties, these foods also help in reducing oxidative stress in your body.
4. Avoid Junk Food
You might feel tempted to binge on junk food during this time of the month. However, if you truly wish to know how to prevent period cramps, let us tell you that junk food is the first thing you should avoid.
Most of you might consider junk food as your comfort food during periods. However, consuming junk food can exacerbate period cramps. Processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation and bloating. These foods worsen your menstrual symptoms.
5. Opt For Decaf Coffee
Consuming caffeine can contribute to a hormonal imbalance in your body during this time. It can constrict your blood vessels and create tension in your body. If you are looking for a hot beverage, you can try decaf coffee as an alternative to your regular coffee. Decaf coffee lets you enjoy your coffee breaks without worsening your menstrual pain.
6. Try Dietary Supplements To Help With Menstrual Symptoms
Doctors often recommend certain dietary supplements to people who ask how to prevent period cramps. For example, magnesium supplements can help you relax your uterus muscles. It helps in reducing the severity of cramps. Similarly, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E can reduce menstrual discomfort.
7. Heat Pads Can Calm Cramping
Heating pads can offer you quick period cramp relief. It helps in relaxing the uterus muscles and reduces the intensity of the cramps. You can put a heating pad or a hot water bottle on your lower abdomen for a soothing effect.
8. Exercise For Muscle Relaxation
Exercise is the best answer to how to help period cramps. If you engage in mild exercises, it can help in relaxing muscle tension. You might have hard medical practitioners asking you to do more yoga, walk, or move more when you are on your period!
It is simply because these activities act as natural pain relievers. Usually, vigorous activities don’t suit everyone. So, you can pick an exercise routine and stick to it throughout the time your period lasts.
9. Avoid Stress To Improve Mental And Physical Period Symptoms
Stress triggers hormonal imbalance and muscle tension in your body. So, you must avoid stress altogether. You can implement certain stress management techniques to ease your period symptoms. For example, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness practices can help you alleviate the symptoms of period cramps.
10. Massage Therapy Can Help
Massage therapy is an effective way to relax your muscles during your periods. You can use gentle massaging techniques on your lower abdomen to relieve your muscle tension.
Massage helps in stimulating the blood flow to the pelvic area. It helps you ease your discomfort during your periods.
11. Try OTC Medicines For Reducing Cramps
Several OTC medicines are also ideal for reducing cramps. However, before opting for any OTC medicines for reducing cramps, you must first consult a medical practitioner. Taking the OTC medicines as directed is a good pain relief for period cramps.
12. Alternative Medicine For PMS Relief
Alternative medicine practices, like acupuncture, acupressure, or herbal remedies, may offer relief from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. These practices also provide relief from period cramps. Acupuncture and acupressure stimulate specific points in the body to promote balance and alleviate discomfort.
13. Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control methods, such as birth control pills, can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce period cramps. If you experience heavy periods or menorrhagia, hormonal birth control can be an effective treatment option to manage bleeding and period cramps.
However, before opting for hormonal birth control, you should seek advice from a gynaecologist. A knowledgeable doctor will suggest the best treatments for heavy Periods/Menorrhagia.
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Conclusion
Periods can be messy. They become even more unbearable when you develop extreme symptoms of period cramps. Period cramps can affect your daily routine. Sometimes extreme pain and discomfort might also make you incapable of stepping out of your bed. However, with the above tips, you can manage your period cramps effectively.
Options such as staying hydrated, exercising, etc., are the best options to lower your symptoms. You can also seek support and advice from healthcare professionals, such as a private gynaecologist in London. Healthcare professionals can provide you with personalised guidance for managing period cramps effectively. To know more about how to reduce period pain, or any other queries and concerns, you can contact us without any hesitation.
Neha Goel
Neha Goel, a Psychology alumna and MBA graduate from CASS Business School, London, brings together her expertise as a Reiki Practitioner and Practice Manager. She integrates psychology and business strategies to foster holistic well-being and personal development.