Yes, sadly, that awful time of the month has returned, bringing with it discomfort, pain, and mood swings. Are you tired of just having to accept it and put up with the agony and pain that comes along with it? If you said “Yes,” then read on for our top tips on how to control or relieve period cramps so you can go about your day pain-free!
Disclaimer
Please carefully read the directions, ingredients, and contents on the products! Please check to see if you are allergic to any of the following products before purchasing or using them, and always see your doctor before starting any new product to ensure that it is right for you.
1) Effective Cramp Relieving Products:
Beurer EM50 Menstrual Relax
This has received clinical approval! Although it appears simple, this product has 15 intensity settings and a heat function that heats up to 43°C. These features allow you to personalise it to your level of pain and help in the relief of cramping muscles. Plus, due to its flexible material and firm adhesive pads, it’s able to stay securely attached to the your body. Even better, it is unnoticeable beneath clothing so you can wear it anywhere!
Pros
15 Intensity settings
Heat settings (reaches 43°C)
Flexible yet soft material
Cons
Pricey
Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt
Why not relax in a hot, soothing bath to relieve the tension and pain of being on your period? This is an excellent addition to your bath to help with pain relief and to relax cramping muscles! The formula includes essential oils that helps to soothe and relieve stress as well as lavender essence, which encourages good sleep.
Pros
Eases pain
Relaxing for body & mind
Encourages a good night sleep
Good Price
AviiatoR® Pregnancy Pillow
It can be challenging to find the ideal sitting or sleeping position because every position is uncomfortable. Even though these pillows are made for pregnant women, they are an excellent alternative for easing back and other types of pain. Being made of only cotton, it is soft and comfy and is easily shaped into a variety of positions.
Pros
Relieves discomfort
Pillow filling is 100% cotton
Adjustable filling for ideal level of softness
Cons
Pricey
Hot Water Bottle
Even though it’s the oldest trick in the book, it still works wonders at relieving period pains. This hot bottle includes a cosy, fluffy cover that traps the heat and a belt that you can rest your hands in. The warmth can provide some relief and comfort to the cramping muscles, as well as help with the discomfort.
Pros
Durable
Great for pain relief
Warm for a long period of time
Fluffy cover belt with hand pocket
2) Helpful Diet Changes:
Dietary changes can be helpful because they greatly reduce the discomfort and symptoms of periods. Caffeine should be largely avoided during your period since it causes your blood vessels to contract, which in turn tightens your uterus and worsens cramping. Change to decaf coffee or tea, which are better for your health and can ease cramps during your period.
The following teas will help you feel much better:
Teas
Twinings Superblends Wellbeing Collection Variety Pack
The flavours in this package are: Defence, Glow, Digest, Detox & Sleep. The tea takes at least three short minutes to prepare when using freshly boiled water. As a big plus, the tea doesn’t just taste good but it has advantages for your immune system, skin, hair, and it helps you sleep better at night!
Pros
Range of flavours
All natural
Various benefits to improve your wellbeing
Twinings Fruit Selection
You can enjoy and experiment with 80 bags in total thanks to this multipack’s 4 mixed boxes of delicious fruit teas! The fact that each tea bag is packed in its own envelope for added freshness makes this a terrific choice if you enjoy fruity-flavored teas that taste great.
Pros
80 bags of tea
Range of fresh flavours
Clipper Organic Restoring Roots Ginger & Turmeric Tea
Ginger tea may help with both pain and bloating brought on by period-related symptoms as it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Ginger can also significantly reduce heavy flow as a big bonus.
Pros
Caffeine free
20 tea bags
Contains anti-inflammatory & pain-relieving properties
Cons
Some people might find the flavour strong
Teapigs Chamomile Tea Made With Whole Flowers
Tea made from chamomile flowers has anti-spasmodic qualities that can help with menstrual cramp relief. The chamomile flower is well known for its health advantages, which include relaxing, encouraging sleep, and helping with digestion.
Pros
Relieves painful cramps
Contains health benefits
Food
Avoid eating fast food and foods heavy in salt and sugar as these can cause bloating and inflammation, which will intensify your period pains. This may sound hard as you may want to lean on comfort food to get through your period but don’t worry there’s still plenty of delicious options to go for instead!
Some alternative options include:
Brown rice – Vitamin B6 is present (may help with bloating)
Oranges – They contain magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D
Watermelon – Your body will quickly become hydrated and it also will add natural sugars to your diet
Dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa content) – Contains vital nutrients including potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron
Broccoli – It is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and fibre
Beans – It is an excellent source of fibre, iron, and beneficial fats
3) Vitamins & Supplements
Vitamins and supplements supports healthy nervous system functions, immune system function, and metabolism regulation. This may help with regulating your period and relieving period symptoms.
Here are some great choices if you want to try some out:
Vitamin B1 Thiamine Supplement
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a good supplement for reducing menstrual bleeding and has been found in a study to be helpful in reducing period cramps.
Pros
Gluten free
4 months supply
Vegan friendly
Natures Aid Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 helps in the control of hormonal activity, which reduces exhaustion and tiredness. The only requirement is taking 1 tablet with food on a daily basis. Additionally, studies have shown that vitamin B6 consumption can help in lowering PMS symptoms, particularly the pain caused by menstruation.
Pros
Suitable for vegans
Can help relieve menstrual pain
100mg
Vitex Supplement for Women
Chasteberry is a popular supplement for relieving period cramps and other symptoms. Vitex is widely used to relieve the symptoms of menstruation, including breast soreness, mood swings, cramps, and headaches.
Pros
Supports hormone balance
Gluten free
Vegan friendly
Support & eases monthly period cycle's
zipvit Magnesium 500mg
According to studies, a woman’s period can be reduced emotionally and physically by taking magnesium and vitamin B6 together. Magnesium, a mineral that is necessary for both physical and mental well-being, may make you feel better during your period.
Pros
Vegan and vegetarian friendly
Reduces tiredness & fatigue
Helps with menstrual symptoms (physical & emotional)
Exercise
Even though it may be the last thing on your mind to exercise while on your period, it is actually quite helpful for relieving cramps. Endorphins are released during exercise, which helps to relax your muscles and reduce the need for painkillers.
Here are some examples of what exercises you could do:
Jogging
Walking
Swimming
Pilates
Another option is to follow to a workout on YouTube
4) Over The Counter Medicine
Taking over-the-counter painkillers on a regular and proper dosage can help manage cramp pain and any discomfort associated with menstrual symptoms.
A great example of an over-the -counter medicine for relieving period symptoms:
Nurofen Express
It rapidly enters the bloodstream and quickly relieves a variety of symptoms, including headaches, back pain, body aches, and period pain.
Pros
Relieves pain & discomfort
Fast & effective