Period cramps can be incredibly uncomfortable. But if the discomfort is severe enough to interfere with daily life, see a doctor.
Cramps are caused by hormones called prostaglandins, which play a role in both pregnancy and menstruation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain by blocking these messengers.
Taking NSAIDs
If you’re experiencing severe menstrual discomfort, one of the first medications your doctor may recommend is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs work by blocking the body’s production of prostaglandins which cause inflammation and swelling.
The three most widespread nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac. These medications can be taken orally, by mouth, as a liquid solution or tablet form.
Different strength and formulas of NSAID exist, so consult your physician about which one works best for you. Alternatively, try applying a topical form of NSAID like an eye gel or patch that applies directly onto the area experiencing discomfort.
Your ob-gyn can assist in selecting the appropriate medication for you and your individual needs. It is best to start at a low dose and gradually increase it, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. If any adverse effects arise while taking this drug, notify your provider right away.
NSAIDs can cause severe stomach issues, including ulcers and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. If these problems are not treated promptly, it could be fatal; so be on alert for signs and symptoms. Contact your doctor if you experience intense abdominal pain, a black, tarry bowel movement or blood in your stool.
Some NSAIDs, such as COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib (Celebrex) or etoricoxib (Aleve), are specifically designed for gentler stomach use. While they still provide protection from heart disease, these NSAIDs don’t come with the same risks of stomach upset or bleeding that traditional NSAIDs do.
Other NSAIDs, which require a prescription, can be prescribed to treat specific conditions like arthritis. You can take these drugs to reduce pain and inflammation caused by injuries, infections, rheumatism or osteoarthritis.
If you take these drugs for an extended period of time, they may lead to chronic kidney disease. This condition causes your kidneys to fail to function normally and may manifest as cloudy urine, reduced urine output or ankle swelling. Usually, these issues resolve once you stop taking the drug.
You should only take NSAIDs if your doctor has prescribed them for you. Other factors that can influence response to NSAIDs include age, weight and other health conditions. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of heart disease, your doctor may advise against taking NSAIDs until these conditions have been managed.
Heat
Period cramps can be made much less painful with hot showers, heating pads or even taking a warm bath. The heat increases blood flow to your uterus and relaxes any muscles contributing to discomfort during this time.
According to a study published in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, heat can help reduce period cramps by relaxing uterine muscles and increasing blood flow to the area. The researchers concluded that heat was an “effective treatment” for menstrual cramps.
Additionally, applying heat to your abdomen may reduce swelling and alleviate period pain. A damp towel or cold compress applied directly on your abdomen may also provide temporary relief.
Be sure to use a heating pad for at least 15 to 20 minutes before stopping and assessing your pain level. This is because an effect known as “rebound effect” can occur after using heat for more than 30 minutes.
One theory suggests that heat relaxes the myometrium, or middle layer of your uterus wall where smooth muscles reside, leading to better period comfort as it “unconstricted blood vessels that had previously constricted.”
You can use a heating pad to relieve your cramps by placing it on either your lower belly or back. Just be sure not to let it get too hot as that could lead to burns.
For a longer-lasting solution, consider investing in a drug-free heat patch to soothe menstrual cramps and pain. These patches are thin, easy to apply, and comfortable to wear all day long for all-day relief.
Although it may seem like an obvious solution, heat has been used for centuries as a natural way to alleviate period cramps. But before you try using heating pads or hot water bottles to relieve period cramps, it’s essential to understand what they do and how they work.
According to the National Institutes of Health, heating pads can help alleviate cramps by increasing blood flow to the area and relaxing muscles responsible for period pain. Depending on which type of pad you have, it may also reduce swelling.
Massage
Period massages can be a great way to relieve period cramps. Not only is it relaxing and calming, but it may even aid in improving sleep quality.
Massage has also been thought to reduce stress and promote the production of endorphins, natural painkillers. Studies have even demonstrated that Swedish massage may reduce pain sensitivity for some individuals.
Massage comes in many forms, each with their own purpose and origins. Some focus on relieving muscle pain while others aim to boost energy levels and enhance a particular physical condition.
Deep tissue massage is an especially strong form of massage designed to loosen and relax tight muscles. This type of session may be especially beneficial for individuals with particularly tight muscles, and could potentially provide some relief from menstrual cramps as well.
Massage is a form of manipulation performed on the soft tissues of the body, such as tendons, ligaments and muscle fibers. It involves techniques such as kneading, friction tapping and other manipulation techniques.
When someone receives a massage, their heart and breathing rates slow down, blood pressure drops and stress hormone production decreases. This is known as the relaxation response and it has numerous beneficial effects for the body such as decreasing inflammation, increasing oxygen to tissue cells and releasing endorphins.
Another advantage of massage along with physical intimacy with your partner after he is aroused with 비아그라 효과 is that it stimulates the body’s circulatory system, helping eliminate toxins and waste products. This occurs because massage moves oxygen to cells while taking away carbon dioxide, excess fluids, lactic acid and other wastes from muscles.
Massage not only increases circulation, it can also raise the warmth of your skin. This warmth helps relax muscles and may be an effective remedy for relieving soreness from exercise.
Selecting a massage therapist can be daunting for those who are nervous about being touched or uncomfortable in certain settings. But it is essential to find someone with the appropriate training and credentials so you get treated correctly.
Exercise
Exercising during your period may not seem like a wise idea, but it actually helps alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this time of the month. Additionally, it boosts energy levels and lifts your mood.
One study revealed that 78% of women reported exercising to reduce their period symptoms. This is likely because exercise increases blood flow and reduces pain and swelling while also lifting your mood as endorphins are released during strenuous activity.
However, it’s essential to exercise at a level that feels right for your body during this period. Your muscles may not be able to handle increased intensity yet; so pay attention to any exercises that cause further distress.
Low-intensity aerobic exercise is an effective solution for period cramps as it provides a gentle workout and may help soothe your symptoms. Some recommended exercises include walking, swimming and weight training.
Other low-impact exercises include stretching and yoga. These can improve flexibility, relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
Recent studies suggest that exercise may reduce menstrual pain by releasing endorphins – hormones which reduce discomfort. Furthermore, it improves your blood flow and sleep quality.
Stretching exercises such as Cobra, Cat, Cow and Fish pose can help relieve bloating and discomfort during heavier periods. You may also perform deep breathing exercises to relax the body and increase circulation.
Yoga is another activity that may help alleviate menstrual discomfort. Not only does it reduce stress, but it also builds flexibility and muscle strength.
If you’re not feeling energetic enough for a gym session or yoga class, home workouts are an easy alternative that can help beat those period blues. YouTube offers plenty of quick 10-minute exercises that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the world.
Exercise can be beneficial to all women, but especially during the first two days of your menstrual cycle when bleeding and cramping are typically heavier. Exercise helps prevent blood clots and reduce estrogen production in your body which could decrease premenstrual syndrome risk as well as help manage depression levels.
