How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Dreading that time of the month? Tired of feeling bloated and uncomfortable? As much as we’d all like to, we can’t just hit the pause button on our periods. Even though it’s a completely natural and necessary process, dealing with the accompanying cramps can be seriously frustrating.

Sometimes, symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with our ability to go about our daily lives. If you’re looking for relief, there are a number of things you can try. Not all of them will work for everyone, but it’s definitely worth experimenting to see what works best for you.

Over-the-Counter-Medications

Taking a pain reliever in the form of over-the-counter medication is one of the easiest, fastest and most efficient ways of getting rid of unbearable menstrual cramps. There are several products that could give you a sense of relief, including naproxen sodium. This potent menstrual cycle pain relief medicine works wonders in situations like this, quickly reducing the pain and discomfort you’re feeling.

Naproxen sodium falls under the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and works in the central nervous system (CNS) by stopping the production of prostaglandins which is the main cause of inflammation. Being so helpful, nowadays, you can find this particular menstrual cycle pain relief medicine under many different brand names but the thing that stays the same is its power to provide you with alleviation.

As is the case with any other medication, you should certainly consult with your doctor about taking naproxen sodium as period pain relief. The main reason for this is that you receive the right dosage since this can depend on the severity of your pain, body weight, health condition and other medications.

Generally, the recommended dose for adults and children 12 – 65 years of age is 1 tablet/capsule every 8 – 12 hours. If you need to adjust the dosage, do so by increments of 250 mg.

If you experience any side effects while taking naproxen sodium, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness or rash, stop using it immediately and consult with your doctor. You may need to switch to possible alternatives that will be easier on your body.

Massage with Essential Oils

Healing the body with herbal essential oils is something that’s been around for centuries, and for good reason. Not only do essential oils smell amazing, but they can also be incredibly effective in treating a number of ailments, including menstrual cramps.

By essential oils into massaging specific points on the abdomen, side and back, menstrual pain can be significantly reduced. Remember to dilute them with a carrier oil of your choice (coconut, almond, jojoba) to reduce the chances of burning or skin rashes.

A crucial thing to have in mind is to buy essential oils of natural origin in order to reap the benefits of their properties. Otherwise, you risk having no effect at all while also developing some skin reactions because of the use of synthetic essential oils.

Some of the most effective essential oils for menstrual cramps include lavender, clary sage and chamomile. You can use them individually or create a mixture of two or more for an even more potent effect.

Lavender in particular is excellent for relaxation and can be used to ease not only menstrual cramps but a number of other conditions as well. It may assist with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even headaches.

Chamomile is another one of those versatile essential oils that can be used for a wide range of purposes. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and even antioxidant properties make it perfect for soothing cramps as well as other types of pain.

Finally, clary sage is one of the most effective essential oils for menstrual cramps because it has the ability to regulate hormone levels. This makes it perfect for women who tend to experience pain and cramping during their menstrual cycle as a result of hormonal imbalances.

If you decide to buy essential oils, make sure to do your research and consider only high-quality products from reputable manufacturers. This will ensure that you get the most out of their properties and that you don’t experience any adverse effects.

Apply Heat to the Area

Applying heat to your stomach is one of the oldest ways to relieve pain in the abdomen. Practice shows that heat therapy on the abdomen and lower back (applied with the help of a heat patch or pack) is as effective as treating pain with NSAIDs.

However, heat therapy won’t work on everyone, so you can’t entirely rely on it, especially if having severe cramps and pain in the stomach caused by your period. Still, if you want to try this conventional way of treating menstrual pain and cramps but you don’t have a heat patch/pack at home, you can use a hot-water bottle or a hot towel.

Alternatively, you can make your very own heating pad by putting rice in a sock. Carefully tie it with a hair band, place it in the microwave for a few minutes and let it cool a bit if too hot.

Try Out Different Exercises

Research suggests that medium-intensity aerobic exercising may reduce pain caused by your period. In this particular study, it has been said that doing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 days per week for 8 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in period pain and cramps.

You really can’t lose anything by trying and even if you have a busy schedule, you can add a brief walk at lunchtime or while going to work. Dancing to your favourite songs at home or cycling is also considered as a part of low to medium exercising. The whole idea of this is to move your muscles which can lead to reduced cramps.