More than half of menstruating women deal with dysmenorrhea, or period discomfort, for at least one or two days each month. That’s also why you have headaches, nausea, and every other awful symptom on your period. The worst part is most of them do not know any natural remedies for period cramps.
So, what causes cramping during your period? Menstrual cramps are caused by uterine contractions that cause the lining to shed. Imagine your uterus squeezing itself. That’s what causes the pain.
Unfortunately, period cramps can hurt not only your uterus and stomach but also your lower back, groin, and upper thighs. If this has been your monthly story, you may have given up hope of having a different experience. But this does not have to be the case. In this article, we’ll go over five natural remedies for menstrual pain.
About 90% of menstruating women experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) just before their period. It can be uncomfortable and annoying to deal with cramps, irritation, tiredness, and other menstrual symptoms every month.
The good news is that you can use natural remedies to alleviate period cramps at home. However, bear in mind that although these techniques can alleviate mild to moderate period pain, they won’t always work, especially for long-term issues like endometriosis.
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A common premenstrual syndrome is that you may feel as though you have gained weight or that your stomach or other portions of your body are swollen. This is usually caused by bloating or water retention. Even though bloating is a normal period symptom, it can be uncomfortable and exacerbate menstrual cramps.
Despite what many people think, drinking water often during the day is one of the natural remedies for period cramps that can help reduce bloating and some of the discomfort that comes with your period. Try carrying a bottle of water with you at all times and refilling it several times throughout the day. The recommended daily water intake varies by person, but eight 8-oz glasses are a good starting point. Consuming hot water can also help to relax your muscles and increase blood flow throughout your body, a natural remedy for cramps caused by uterine contractions.
Some herbal teas contain antispasmodic ingredients that aid in the treatment of uterine muscle spasms that cause cramps, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and bloating. Bloating can be reduced by consuming teas with hibiscus, dandelion, lemon, and cinnamon.
Teas made from raspberry leaf, chamomile, thyme, and oolong can also help with menstrual cramps. Green tea, ginger, and peppermint are also good for inflammation and bloating. So, get some of these teas and keep them on hand for your next period. They also improve your sleep and reduce stress, both of which can impact your mood.
The foods you eat before and during your period can be natural remedies for period cramps. You don’t have to eat boring meals, though. There are delectable foods that may naturally relieve cramps. Foods that lower inflammation can improve blood flow and ease tension in the uterus. Berries, tomatoes, pineapple, and spices like garlic, ginger, or turmeric are all good options to eat during your period. Almonds, walnuts, leafy green vegetables, and fatty fish such as salmon can all help reduce inflammation. So stock up on these items and prepare easy yet tasty meals.
Having some cake and French fries might sound really good, especially when you’re consumed in discomfort. But eating such foods will only make your cramps worse. Foods that are heavy in sugar, trans fats, and salt can lead to inflammation and bloating, which exacerbates cramping and pain in the muscles. Reduce your intake of red meat, high-fructose corn syrup, highly processed foods, and foods with added oils. Instead, choose unsalted nuts and seeds, lean meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Your blood vessels constrict when you consume caffeine. Your uterus may become even more constricted as a result, intensifying the pain of cramps. If you must have coffee during your period, switch to decaf. If you rely on caffeine to get through the afternoon slump, eat a high-protein snack or go for a short 10-minute walk to boost your energy.
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Many factors can cause period pain, so it’s important to know how much pain you are experiencing and why. It’s possible that you are the only woman in your family who suffers from severe cramps. Maybe it wasn’t until you were in your 20s that you began to experience painful periods. Most people have some discomfort during their periods, but if it’s severe, you might need to see a doctor instead of relying solely on home remedies. Whatever your circumstances are, a doctor can help you understand why you have excruciating cramps every month.
Here are some of the most common causes of painful periods:
These are not your typical menstrual cramps. They can be a sign of another illness and are more severe and prolonged. Talk to your doctor about treatment options for unpleasant cramps if you believe your degree of pain before, during, or after your period is abnormally high, has changed from what it used to be; or you’re worried about your symptoms.
About 5% of women who are menstruating have premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a more severe type of PMS. Although the exact aetiology of PMDD is unknown, women who have high stress levels, depression, or a family history of depression are more likely to have it. Similar to PMS, but more severe, PMDD symptoms include more excruciating cramping.
Uterine fibroids are benign growths that can form in the uterine lining. They can be large enough to alter the form of your uterus or so small that they are invisible to the naked eye. After menopause, they frequently decrease or disappear entirely. They typically first emerge during the childbearing years. Fibroids can result in heavy periods and excruciating menstrual pains because they develop in the uterine lining. Your doctor might suggest treatment for uterine fibroids if this is the case. Although doctors cannot predict who may develop uterine fibroids, some variables can raise the risk. These include being overweight, having a family history of fibroids, being older, and having African American ancestry.
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A cyst is a fluid sac that develops in or on your body and is mostly harmless. Usually, during ovulation, ovarian cysts form in the ovaries. Every month, a lot of women get at least one little cyst that goes away on its own. On the other hand, some women have big or numerous ovarian cysts, which may be painful or problematic. In certain situations, managing the cysts may require medical intervention.
PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, can also result in ovarian cysts. In this disorder, the ovaries develop several tiny, benign cysts due to a hormone imbalance. Insulin resistance, painful periods, trouble becoming pregnant, and other health issues might result from this. Period irregularities, extra facial and body hair, weight gain, trouble losing weight, acne, and thinning hair are all signs of PCOS. Your doctor can prescribe effective treatments to help control the PCOS symptoms.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the term for an infection of the uterus and ovaries. The illness typically starts when bacteria from a sexually transmitted infection (STI) enter the reproductive organs. PID may also occur after surgery. For some women, PID might result in excruciating cramps, although many women do not have any symptoms.
The endometrium, another name for the uterine lining, develops inside the uterus. However, if you have endometriosis, your endometrium grows outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes or ovaries. When your body tries to remove uterine tissue during your period, the endometrium that grows outside the uterus has nowhere to go and may become trapped inside the body. This could cause painful cramps, heavy bleeding, discomfort, and inflammation. Thanks to medical advancements, most endometriosis patients can now be effectively treated with medications and procedures.
Adenomyosis is a treatable condition in which the endometrium transforms into the uterine muscle wall. Although this is more likely to occur in a single area, the endometrium can affect the entire uterine muscle. Although it can be controlled, adenomyosis can result in excruciating cramping. Although the actual etiology of adenomyosis is unknown, women who have had uterine surgery or children are more likely to get it.
If you’ve tried any or all of these home remedies for period pain and the pain persists, consult your primary care physician or OB-GYN. If you want to know which options will work best for you, talk to your doctor, who can prescribe stronger remedies for menstrual cramps that can significantly reduce pain. In either case, you no longer have to dread your periods. Try these remedies, but also seek medical attention if you experience any other symptoms.