How to Stop Period Pain Immediately: Remedies and Treatment
Periods can be painful for many women, with about 50 to 90 percent experiencing discomfort during menstruation. Known medically as Dysmenorrhea, period pain can result from hormonal changes or more serious conditions like Endometriosis. For some, the pain can be so severe that it disrupts daily life.
Typically, menstrual pain starts a few days before the period and lasts until about two days after it begins. If you have a regular cycle, you can plan ahead to manage the discomfort. However, even if you’re already experiencing pain and cramps, this article has got you covered. Learn how to stop period pain immediately and explore natural remedies for long-term management.
How to reduce pain in periods
There are several home remedies and medicines to reduce period pain. Let us explore them in detail.
1. Apply heat
Heat can effectively reduce period pain. According to a 2018 review, randomized control trials found heat favorable for Primary Dysmenorrhea (cramps or pain just before or during periods due to Prostaglandin). You can use a heating pad on the abdomen, but avoid direct contact to prevent irritation and burns. Instead of heating pads, you can try warm baths.
2. Stay hydrated
Drinking water during menstruation can also reduce cramps. A 2021 study found that hydration reduced pain intensity, menstrual bleeding, and the need for painkillers. You should drink eight to ten glasses of water daily to fight bloating and cramps.
3. Physical activity
Aerobic exercises, yoga, and stretching can also reduce the intensity of painful periods. High-intensity exercises are not suitable during periods, so you can try yoga poses like fish pose, cobra pose, and cat/cow pose on days when you have heavy periods. These stretches can alleviate discomfort caused by cramping and strengthen muscles. You can prefer jogging or walking on lighter days to boost blood circulation and reduce pain.
4. Anti-inflammatory foods
Foods that fight inflammation are ideal for painful periods. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. A plant-based diet is better for menstrual cramps as it has high antioxidants. On the other hand, animal products and oils can increase Estrogen levels, which increases pain.
5. Drinks
Many drinks can also ease menstrual cramps. Chamomile tea, with its antispasmodic properties, relieves painful periods. Beetroot juice is another option that reduces inflammation and the severity of menstrual cramps. Some other options are turmeric tea or ginger, chocolate, and lemon drinks.
6. Herbs
Herbs like ginger, fennel, chamomile, turmeric, peppermint, cumin, and chaste trees have medicinal properties that reduce inflammation, pain, and other associated discomforts like gas. Some of them have been compared to the efficiency of painkillers like Ibuprofen. However, you should consult a doctor before using herbs if you have any allergies, medical conditions, or ongoing medication.
7. Massage
Massage is another way to reduce pain caused by Primary and Secondary Dysmenorrhea. Studies have confirmed that massage of abdominal and pelvic soft tissues reduces uterine spasms and cervix adhesion. Acupressure (massage of specific body points) can also offer relief.
8. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another method to reduce menstrual cramps, especially those caused by Primary Dysmenorrhea. It is the process of inserting tiny needles at specific points to treat medical conditions.
9. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
It is the process of passing electrical current through the skin. TENS is an alternative to reduce period pain for those who do not want to take painkillers. It is a non-invasive and affordable method for managing menstrual cramps with minimal risks.
10. Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are other non-pharmacological alternatives to treating period pain. For better results, you can combine them with physical activity like yoga or light aerobic exercises for better results.
11. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDS are common painkillers that can reduce inflammation and instantly relieve period pain. They work to reduce period pain by blocking Prostaglandin production, the hormone-like substance that causes uterine contractions and pain. You can use NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen to reduce pain.
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12. Acetaminophen
NSAIDs are slightly more effective than Acetaminophen in reducing period pain. However, if NSAIDs do not work for you or you do not want to use them, Acetaminophen can also work effectively as a painkiller.
13. Prescription medications
Sometimes, home remedies or normal painkillers cannot reduce period pain. It is mainly because of serious conditions like Endometriosis, Fibroids, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. In such cases, you should consult a doctor for prescribing a stronger painkiller such as Mefenamic Acid for alleviating pain.
Conclusion
Period pain is common and occurs due to uterine contractions or more serious conditions like Endometriosis and PID. Several home remedies like heating pads, exercising, herbs like cinnamon and ginger, and drinks like chamomile tea can relieve period pain.
Therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation can also reduce cramps and pain. Pharmacological methods mainly include NSAIDs like Naproxen or other painkillers like Acetaminophen and Mefenamic Acid.
If you experience severe pain, you should consult a doctor. It will ensure that any serious complication or condition can be diagnosed on time and treated to improve the quality of life.
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