Lifestyle June 18, 2018
"Everything hurts and I'm dying."
We’ve all been there. You wake up, stand up and UGH—you can tell your monthly visitor is just about to arrive. “Great, just what I needed,” you think. However, that’s usually the extent of it.
Except for those times when it isn’t. Those times when you’re in excruciating pain, and it doesn’t go away. Earlier this year, doctors ruled menstrual cramps as painful as heart attacks. While there is no magic fix for getting rid of period pain, there are a few simple things you can do to lessen the discomfort.
This one has always been extremely hard for me. I need coffee the second I wake up to function properly, and this longing is even worse if my lower abdomen is suffering. However, it turns out caffeine is the opposite of your BFF when it comes to period pain.
Caffeine is a stimulant, so “…that means an exacerbation of menstrual symptoms like cramping, but also bloating, fatigue, mood changes, anxiety, and headaches,” according to sexual health website LOLA. Instead, try a soothing decaffeinated tea, such as chamomile, mint or my personal favorite, earl gray.
This is an easy one, and usually has great results. A women’s health study from 2012 found heating pads could be as effective as ibuprofen. Heating pads or patches are great, but you could also use a towel or even just take a warm bath!
This one can seem impossible, I know, but if you are able to get up and get moving a bit it will help with the pain! Exercising releases endorphins, which helps enhance overall well-being and also reduces cramps. If you can’t go for a run or even a walk, try something more calming like meditation or yoga.
Massaging your abdomen will increase blood flow, which may help reduce cramping. If you want to get extra fancy, you can use essential oils or a lotion containing essential oils, because they’ve been proven to lead to a significant reduction in amount and duration of pain.
Last but not least, you can always turn to some over-the-counter medicine to help reduce your discomfort. Medicine such as Aleve, Advil and Naproxen can all help lower your body’s production of prostaglandin. These are not as effective as birth control pills according to Healthline.com, but they are extremely helpful in a time when immediate-relief is needed.
If your pain is not alleviated by any of these activities, it may be time to seek out medical attention. Excruciating cramps are not only uncomfortable and reduce your quality of every-day life, but they are also dangerous and can mean something is going on under the surface. Consult your physician if your pain is consistent, and/or if your bleeding gets heavier.
