It is not a surprise that not one single woman likes to get her period. It is an unpleasantness that every woman has to live with once a month. Also, it is sometimes accompanied by menstrual pains. However, this problem can be fixed with the help of a few natural, hormonal or medicinal hacks. Here are a few solutions to adopt if you constantly suffer from period related pains.
1. Adapt your diet
Know that what you eat can influence how you feel during your menstrual cycle. Indeed, your consumption of sugar can have an effect on your menstrual cycle. Overconsumption of sugar results in overproduction of insulin, which produces pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. These hormones are responsible, among other things, for the pain we feel when we have our periods. You should, therefore, switch from sugar to fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, etc.) as well as any food rich in omega-3. Note that you should also avoid red meat and coffee when you feel pain. Coffee is a substance that accentuates pain as well as stress.
2. Take anti-inflammatory drugs if needed
If you feel pain because of your menstruation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen can help ease the pain. They are also recognized to reduce head pains caused by migraines. You can get yourself this type of medicine at the pharmacy (they are sold over the counter). Make sure you follow the right dosage.
3. Opt for the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)
Unless you want to get pregnant, you can always opt for an intrauterine contraceptive device. It is a good way to fix painful and recurring periods. Also, know that you can keep it for 5 years.
4. Take the contraceptive pill
Not only is the contraceptive pill a good way to avoid getting pregnant but it also reduces a lot of the production of prostaglandin as well as menstrual fluids. It is also a good way to stop ovulation. By taking the contraceptive pill, you will shorten your period as well as relieve the pains that come with it.
5. Place a heating pad on your stomach
Your stomach hurts? Place a heating pad on it. It will help relax your contracted stomach muscles. You now have a totally natural way to help ease the pain in your stomach.
6. Exercise
It is rare that we feel like exercising when we suffer from menstruation pains. However, moving and exercising is actually a great idea. Indeed, exercising will activate your blood circulation while oxygenating your body, which can reduce the pain you feel.
7. Do some yoga to relax
Stress can increase the pain you feel when you have your period. It is essential that you relax. Why not do some yoga? It is a very nice and soothing activity and some of the postures can actually reduce some of the pain you feel. All you need to do is talk about it with your yoga teacher.
8. Have sex
If you and your partner don’t mind having sex while you are on your period, know that having an orgasm is a great way to chase away uterine pains but also the pains related to migraines. It would be a shame to deprive oneself of this remedy!
9. Massage yourself
Massages can be very profitable, especially when you have your period. All you need to do is to superimpose your hands on your stomach and on your lower stomach and contract it 10 times per minute in order to feel some heat. Do this massage for about 5 minutes.
10. Try essential oils
Essential oils are another natural remedy for pain caused by your period. Indeed, you can add Ylang-Ylang essential oil, diluted in a little bit of vegetable oil, when you massage yourself. You can also add a drop of tarragon and mandarin essential oil to the mix. If you don’t like these odours, lavender, sage and marjoram essential oil are also good options. Do you like taking baths? Add a few drops of cypress essential oil to your bath…you will feel much better, we promise.
Sources:
- Cosmopolitan
- Brunet
- Passeport Santé
