Several women encounter cramps before and during their menstrual cycle. While some may experience only mild discomfort, others face more severe pains. Sometimes, period cramps can cause intense pain, significantly impacting daily activities but thankfully, there are several remedies for period cramps that can ease this pain and discomfort.
If monthly menstrual pain consistently affects your routine, there are measures you can adopt to regain control. Explore these 15 tested home remedies for period cramps that have proven effective in alleviating discomfort and restoring balance to your busy life. Before then though, let’s quickly run through what causes period cramps and why they are painful.
What Causes Period Cramps?
During menstruation, discomfort in the abdomen, lower back, and thighs is a common occurrence. This discomfort arises from the contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the womb as it sheds its lining. These muscular activities often result in cramps.
Additionally, some may experience symptoms such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- headaches
- diarrhea
The exact reasons why some people experience more painful symptoms than others are not clear to doctors. However, factors associated with intense pain include:
- heavy menstrual flow
- being under 20 years old or experiencing menstruation for the first time
- having your first child
- having an overproduction of or sensitivity to prostaglandins, compounds that affect the womb.
Other contributing factors may include:
- uterine growths
- endometriosis (abnormal uterine tissue growth) or;
- the use of certain birth control methods.
For mild to temporary relief from cramps, several home remedies can be effective. Keep reading for tips on getting quick relief and potentially reducing pain during future cycles.
Why are Period Cramps Painful?
Period cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are usually painful due to the contraction of the muscles in the uterus. During menstruation, the uterus contracts to help expel its lining. These contractions are triggered by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Before menstruation starts each month, the level of prostaglandins in the lining of the uterus increases, prompting the muscles in the uterus to contract. The prostaglandin level is in its highest on the first day of menstrual cycle, which is why menstrual pain is usually worse then.
The intensity of period cramps can vary from person to person and may be caused by factors such as:
- Secondary dysmenorrhea
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Adenomyosis
Additionally, factors like stress, diet, and lifestyle choices may also play a role in the severity of period cramps.
Home Remedies for Period Cramps
1. Use a Heating Pad on the Abdomen
![Managing period cramps](https://i0.wp.com/lifestylemetro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Heating-Pad.webp?resize=1200%2C630&ssl=1)
4. Exercise
Engaging in exercise just before or during your period may not appeal to you, but it triggers the release of endorphins. Studies indicate that exercise is one of the remedies for period cramps to the extent that it could potentially eliminate or diminish the need for pain-relief medication. Opting for moderate activities like walking or gentle stretching during your period can prove beneficial as a substitute for more strenuous exercises.
5. Try Acupressure to Relieve Period Cramps
![Managing menstrual pain](https://i0.wp.com/lifestylemetro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Acupressure.webp?resize=1200%2C630&ssl=1)
Acupressure is a noninvasive method that provides relief from different types of pain by applying firm finger pressure to specific body points, alleviating various symptoms. Several studies have shown that acupressure has the potential to reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual pain. Based on some older research, massaging circular motions on a point above your ankle, measured four fingertips up from your inner ankle bone, is a remedy for period cramps.
To experiment with acupressure, follow these steps:
- Measure four fingertips up from your inner ankle bone.
- Apply firm pressure to this area for several minutes.
- Repeat this process as needed daily before and during your period.