Women's Health: How to Ease Menstrual Pain Naturally

Yes... it's that time of the month again!!! If you never suffer from period pain or menstrual cramps you’re extremely lucky. Unfortunately for many women, it’s just a fact of life, that before and during a period they may suffer from menstrual cramps. Severe period pain is called dysmenorrhea

Usually menstrual cramp pain is mild. But sometimes it can be severe. The pains can vary from sharp stabs that make you double over to a nagging pain that spreads through your belly and lower back. Some women also experience dizziness, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting.

 

There are two types of menstrual cramps: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is more common in young women and often becomes less severe from the mid-20s onward and after giving birth. Secondary dysmenorrhea can be caused by other conditions such as endometriosis, fibroid tumors, pelvic adhesions and ovarian cysts – or by using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception.

causes menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps are thought to be related to prostaglandins – substances that are made by the lining of the uterus – that cause the uterus to contract. At the start of your period, prostaglandin levels are high, and as you start to menstruate, the levels decrease. If you don’t ovulate, it is unlikely that you’ll get cramps during your period. Doctors often prescribe the pill to ease painful periods – but these can cause abnormal bleeding in some women.

How to ease Menstrual cramps

Are you plagued with monster menstrual cramps that just won’t let up.

Instead of popping aspirin like candy for a little relief, try curing your cramps naturally with these natural remedies.

Diet is Key

The worse you eat, the worse you’ll feel. We know the first thing you want to do is reach for the chocolate or greasy fries but trust us, you’ll regret it later. Eat cleansing foods like fruits and salads to restore some balance to your out-of-whack body. Avoid sugar, flour-based products like bread and pasta, rich heavy food and anything with preservatives. Your tummy will thank you. 

Take your Multi-vitamin

We know remembering to take your one-a-day can be a tough task but come period time you will want to be religious about it. Zinc, calcium and B vitamins help to reduce cramps, bloating and other menstrual symptoms.

Do Some Light Exercise

You are bloated, in pain and just want to veg out, but light exercise will ease your cramps. Try low impact workouts like yoga, Pilates or walking. Or you can just try these floor exercises: Lie down and elevate your legs by putting a pillow under your knees or lie on your side and bring your knees up to your chest to relieve back pressure. 

Turn Up the Heat

Soothe those contracting muscles with a little heat. You can use a heating pad or soak in a bath with warm water with some essential oils like relaxing chamomile or lavender.

Go the Herbal Route

Herbal remedies such as Viburnum prunifolium, Scutellaria spp. and Cimicifuga raemosa have an antispasmodic effect (aka they suppress muscle spasms) that will help reduce menstrual cramps.

Drink Some Tea

A cup of chamomile tea will have a warm, relaxing effect on your body. Add in a few teaspoons of honey with is a natural pain reliever.

Sleep Tight

In general, getting enough sleep is crucial to one's health. But, believe us when we say, be especially diligent during pms-prone times. Interruptions in your regular sleep rhythms can interfere with your regular cycle and result in even more irritability, fatigue and stomach cramping.