6 Must Try Remedies To Reduce Period Pain

Menstrual periods for most women occur every month and usually last around 5 days. Periods, menses, or chums are part of a healthy reproductive system in women.

Normally a girl hits puberty between the age of 10 and 15, which is when she starts getting periods.

The menstrual cycle occurs within a woman’s body as it prepares for the possibility of pregnancy each month. The cycle happens every 28 days, but it can start as early as day 21 and normally lasts for 5 days, with the first 2 days having the heaviest flow or bleeding.

Let’s discuss periods and 10 tips to reduce period pain at home.

# Light exercises to relieve period pain

So how do we manage period pain at home? No one wants to go through this agony of period pain, especially when already dealing with the woes of monthly periods. You may not feel like exercising during a painful period. But did you know that exercising during periods can significantly reduce pain?

Exercising releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) which help reduce period pain without the need for pain-relieving medications or pain killers. Moderate exercises like walking are more effective for period cramps as compared to strenuous exercises like resistance training and running.

# Yoga combats PMS symptoms

Yoga is also known to combat PMS symptoms, including period cramps. It’s relaxing, soothing, and can also put you into a peaceful meditative state when practised in the right manner. The cat-cow pose, child’s pose, plank pose, and cobra pose are four yoga poses that are said to be most effective for combating period pain.

# Use a heating pad to get rid of pain during periods

Using a heating pad wrapped in a towel and placing it on your tummy and lower back can also help reduce the period pain. One study even found heat therapy to be as effective at treating period pain as NSAIDs.

# Try a warm shower to relax your muscles

Taking a warm shower can relieve pain and help you relax. Who knew that a simple hot water bath or warm shower could be pain-relieving! This is because the heat from the shower dilates your blood vessels. The dilated blood vessels let blood pass through more easily. The heat also helps relax and soothe your muscles, thus reducing the cramps or period pain!

# Get some quality sleep

Many women find it difficult to get good sleep when on their periods. But getting a good night’s rest can really help when dealing with period pain. To get better quality sleep, try setting and sticking to a nightly routine by sleeping at the same time every night. You can also listen to soothing music or take a warm bath before going to bed. Sleeping in different positions during your periods is also shown to help improve sleep quality. Watching TV or checking your phone should be avoided for at least one hour before bedtime. The goal should be to be as relaxed as possible so that you ease off to sleep.

# Follow a healthy diet

What you eat can have a big impact on your period. We recommend eating minimally processed foods that are rich in fibre for period health. Brown rice, leafy green vegetables, flaxseed, walnuts, chicken, and fish are a few good examples of foods for healthy periods. Foods to avoid include fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, and salty foods. Avoid these as they can cause bloating, discomfort, and water retention.