What Causes Period Pains?

A hormone called prostaglandin triggers muscle contractions in your uterus that expel the lining. These contractions can cause pain and inflammation. The level of prostaglandin rises right before menstruation begins.

Symptoms of Period Pains 

Most women experience some pain during their periods. The pain is felt as muscle spasms in the stomach, which can spread to the thighs and the back. For some women, period pains can be severe and are accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache.

 Suggested Home Remedies For Period Pains

1. Heating pads 

You can place a heating pad or a warm water bottle (wrapped in a towel) on your tummy to relieve period pains. Heat can aid in the relaxation of abdominal muscles and reduce muscle tension. Heat can also improve blood circulation and reduce congestion and swelling. This aids in relieving pain caused by muscle spasms and nerve compression during periods.

2. Exercise 

Exercising may seem difficult during painful periods, but it can help relieve pain. You can do gentle swimming, walking or cycling. It may help reduce period pains. Exercise aids in pain relief by increasing the production of chemicals that block pain. You can try yoga or Pilates (to improve physical strength), which can help distract you from the pain and discomfort that comes with your periods. 

3. Lifestyle Changes 

Apart from these remedies, you can also try making some lifestyle changes to help alleviate period pain and the associated symptoms. These include:

• Stopping or cutting down your smoking can help with period pain. Smoking increases period pains by reducing oxygen supply to the pelvic area. 
• Eating high fiber foods and plenty of salads and vegetables.
• Cutting down on sugary foods such as cakes, chocolate, and biscuits help with period pains. You can reduce your intake of sugary drinks by replacing them with pure fruit juices or mineral water.  
• You can reduce the amount of salt intake, as it can help avoid water retention. 
• Some findings report that natural dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium may reduce period pain.

 Before making any of these lifestyle changes, consult with a doctor.

4. Warm Bath or Shower  

You can try taking a warm shower or bath. Heat is known to help dissipate pain and soothe the muscles. The heat from a warm bath or shower can help relax and reduce period pains. Heat can also increase pelvic blood flow to eliminate local blood and body fluid retention and diminish swelling, thereby causing a reduction in pain.

5. Massage  

You can try a light, circular massage around your abdomen. This may help reduce period pains. It is a simple and effective self-help measure.

When to Seek Medical Help? 

For many women, some pain during their period can be expected. However, you should see your doctor if: 

• Home remedies and self-care measures don’t work, and the pain is interfering with your daily life. 
• The pain suddenly worsens. 
• You are over 25 years and experiencing severe pain for the first time. 
• You experience fever with your period pain. 
• You have pain even when you are not having your period.