Period Pain Can Be Insufferable But These Easy Tips Can Help You Manage It

It’s that time of the month again, when you wish you could escape the excruciating cramps, the constant bleeding, the nausea and the headaches that come with your period dates. A 2016 article on Harvard Health Publishing says, “Painful menstrual cramps, also called “dysmenorrhea”, usually involves the area around the lower abdomen or pelvis, but can be felt in other areas such as the lower back, hips or upper thighs.” Menstrual cramps, says the article, can be mild to moderately severe and can last for 1-3 days.

Here are some tips you can follow to ease the period pain:

Do light exercise

You may not be very enthused about the idea, but there is little evidence to suggest that you should not exercise while having your periods. A 2016 Marie Claire article quotes Dr Anate Aelion Brauer, a reproductive endocrinologist, as saying, “When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. It’s your body’s natural pain killer and mood elevator.” 

Having said that, don’t be too hard on yourself or put pressure on sensitive spots. You can try doing yoga if cardio exercises leave you over-exhausted.  

Try heat therapy

Heat therapy can work wonders with menstrual cramps. You can use a heating pad or a hot water bag on your lower back or abdomen in case the pain peaks. A 2006 study by scientists from University College London found that heat treatment “deactivates the pain at a molecular level in much the same way as pharmaceutical painkillers work”.

Stay hydrated

Make sure you drink enough water because dehydration can make your cramps more painful. You can have water-rich fruits and vegetables, like cucumber and watermelon, that can help you stay hydrated.

Go for massage therapy

A gentle massage with an essential oil around your abdomen is also known to alleviate menstrual pain. A 2012 study published in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research found that among two groups of women who were suffering from period pain, those who used essential oils for massage experienced a significant reduction in the duration of menstrual pain.