If you’re in that time of the month and it just makes you want to sleep all day or curl up in bed because of your menstrual pain, then you’re probably tempted to pop painkillers just so you can proceed to do your daily activities without wanting to drag your feet again.
The common medications prescribed for menstrual pain are ibuprofen, paracetamol, naproxen and mefenamic acid. Yes, it is probably the easiest way to get rid of pain, but just like any other medicine, it has side effects when taken in excess or prolonged use. Side-effects usually include bleeding disorders and damage to the liver, gastric problems, stomach pain, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. These are only a few of the side-effects that are probably not worth the immediate relief especially when you’re used to taking these medications. It is not recommended to use painkillers unless the pain is excruciating and needs immediate attention.
Below are a few things that you can consider in order to prevent or relieve menstrual pain without the use of medications:
Regular Exercise
We’ve heard this so many times before and yes, this is absolutely true. Being physically active and exercising regularly helps reduce pain during your time of the month. It doesn’t always have to be strenuous exercises or extreme weight lifting. Even yoga, pilates, walking, and cycling are helpful.
Juices & Tea
While you’re curled up in bed in pain, you can sip your hot lavender tea, raspberry tea or jasmine green tea to soothe the pain. Aloe vera juice with honey is also well-known in easing the flow and reducing menstrual pain. Surprisingly, even a tall glass of carrot juice also assists in regulating the blood flow! (Plus, it’s good for your eyes too.) Avoid caffeine as much as possible and just substitute your daily dose of coffee for tea. Caffeine has chemical properties that exacerbate pain.
Hot Compress
Don’t forget this. It’s an oldie but a goodie. Applying a hot pad or a water bottle helps in relaxing your abdominal muscles. It also improves blood flow. Another substitute for this is to take a relaxing warm bath or shower.
Stop Smoking
Cigarettes have chemicals that make the blood composition thicker. It also constricts blood vessels that hinder proper blood flow that contributes to menstrual pain.
I’m guilty with doing this. Even with migraines. However, that’s a different story.
I used to pop painkillers for period cramps because it gets very unbearable during the day. But don’t get me wrong, I don’t do this for the entire week. Just on a day that it’s just too much to even walk around.
I only take painkillers when I have to go out and do stuff. But if I’m just going to stay at home, I just wrap myself up in bed and try not to move at all. The head pads work well too.
The headpads/water bottle is effective.
These tips are very effective. But only for a few hours. But that’s better than never, right?
I try to stick with remedies like this as much as possible. It’s easier to be safe than sorry! You might be causing you body harm while you think you’re getting relief.?
Just try to relax as much as possible. It really helps. My favorite is the warm bath! I also use scented candles such as lavander to relax myself. I’m not sure why or how, but it works for me!
I think it’s more on the feeling of comfort that makes you feel better. ?
The tea really works wonders. Not only that, but depending on what tea you’re drinking, you get added benefits.
I’ve read somewhere that warm milk also helps. Something to do with calcium reducing the pains. Haven’t tried, but I’m willing to try the list here.
Will definitely try the carrot juice. That’s a new one.
For me, regular exercise doesn’t exactly stop the pain just like what the article says. It just reduces. I used to have intense pain but when I tried incorporating a bit of exercise every day and it’s tolerable now. Didn’t believe it at first as I thought it was unrelated.
I know! I didn’t believe it too. It’s very surprising!
Natural remedies are always safer. It may not be as immediately effective but it’s non-harmful and has no side-effects so I guess that makes it better.