5 Things to Try to Ease Period Pain
Are your periods seriously painful and making some days of the month unbearable? You may not have tried everything to remedy it. Discover all our tips for reducing pain, to be applied as soon as symptoms appear.
1 - A little heat.
Soak in a nice warm bath or apply a hot water bottle to your belly. The heat helps to relax the uterine muscles and thus soothes the pain and cramping sensations.
2- Treat yourself to a massage.
Place both hands between your navel and your genitals and contract your stomach about 10 times/minute until you feel warmth. Do this for about 5 minutes.
3 - Move!
Even if you don't always feel motivated during your period, you should know that physical activity such as walking or stretching can activate circulation in the lower abdomen and reduce pain.
4 - Relax.
Did you know that stress can increase pain? Relax with relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, tai chi… or any other activity that helps you disconnect.
5- Consider anti-inflammatories.
Choose a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, which reduces the formation of pain-causing prostaglandins. It should be taken regularly (with milk or food to minimize stomach irritation) rather than as needed to keep prostaglandin levels low. However, since these medications may not be right for you, it is always advisable to consult your pharmacist before choosing a product.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT A DOCTOR?
You should see your doctor if:
- you are not getting relief from over-the-counter pain relievers, including NSAIDs;
- pain persists for several days before and after menstruation;
- pain appears in adulthood or worsens;
- you have the following symptoms: fever, thick, yellowish vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, and abnormally heavy menstruation.