Ditch The Advil: How To Reduce Period Pain Naturally
Excruciating periods are not normal. Women shouldn’t be doomed to doping themselves with Advil for the rest of their menstruating lives. But what does recent research indicate about the pain?
We’ve known period pain can be excruciating for some women, and it seems like more women than ever before suffer from autoimmune diseases and hormonal and inflammatory conditions that complicate (to put it lightly) their menstrual cycles. Why is it that some women feel something akin to labor pains every month?
John Guillebaud, professor of reproductive health at University College London, said that patients described period cramp pain as being “almost as bad as having a heart attack.” First of all, we must acknowledge that this man is not a licensed physician and can’t be quoted as giving a doctor’s opinion. However, anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician Dr. Kunal Sood supports the theory with his experience with his patients and is mystified as to why this condition of intense menstrual pain is not recognized as a health issue on the rise.
Now, I asked a close female relative about her experience because she has birthed several children (and obviously had periods), as well as suffered strokes, a gallbladder attack, and a heart attack. She told me that her heart attack hurt much more than any period she has ever had and that her gallbladder attack was more similar to the heart attack experience than period pain. Granted, everyone’s individual experience is subjective and different, and she didn’t have a condition like endometriosis or PCOS. Several of my friends who suffer from these conditions have related how intensely their pain hits on their period and is seemingly unmanageable.
Natural Relief Alternatives
Most females are in the habit of just popping a Tylenol or Advil regularly whenever the cramps start coming, but stop and think about the long-term effects on your liver after half a lifetime of menstruation cycles. Why not try other options for pain relief? Here are seven alternatives you can incorporate to help reduce your period pain:
Heat Therapy
Applying heat to the lower back and stomach can help relax the muscles and relieve period cramps and aches. You can use a heating pad, a hot towel, or a water bottle, or take a warm bath or shower.
Hydration
Although it’s easy to overlook, staying hydrated is extremely important because it may help to reduce bloating and overall discomfort. Hot or warm tea is also a great option, and herbal teas such as raspberry leaf, mint, ginger, and chamomile may have soothing effects and restorative properties. Avoiding alcohol and reducing your caffeine intake in the days leading up to your period can also help reduce the severity of your cramping.