Health Hacks to Manage Period Cramps & Discomfort

Periods generally makes females feel bloated and crampy. Headaches and sore breasts are common. Mood swings are also something that is experienced. More than 90% of women say they experience some of these symptoms — known collectively as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) — within a week or so before their period. PMS and period cramps are manageable. Cramps might turn out to be a serious downer, especially when painful and persistent. 

• Prioritize Sleep

A good sound sleep at night can help reduce stress and balance your hormones, potentially minimizing some of your pain. Power naps help rest off cramps for temporary relief and can help you feel restored and revitalized.

If you experience trouble falling or staying asleep due to period pain, try moving your pillows around to feel comfortable. Sleeping in fetal position can also ease the pressure on your abdominal muscles to relieve pain as you sleep. This position also prevents period leaks so it’s a definitely worth try!

• Invest in a hot water bag or use heating pad

Warmth can help relax your uterine muscles to ease pain and can promote sleep – plus, there are no additional side effects. You can apply a heating pad (or anything warm, really) to your lower abdomen or take a warm shower to help relax your muscles and ease the pain.

You can also drink hot water or tea to relax your muscles internally. Applying heat to your abdomen will get the blood flowing and relieve cramps; using a hot water bottle while relaxing actually blocks the pain messages that are being rapidly sent to your brain.

• Consume More Calcium

If you consume 1200 mg of calcium a day when your period is around, you could possibly cut your menstrual symptoms in half — including mood swings and cramping. The easiest thing to do is include dairy. The bonus point is you’ll have stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis later in life. Try taking a supplement if necessary after talking to a doctor.

• Restrict Caffeine

Try limiting caffeine intake, as it can cause bloating and water retention and could potentially make your symptoms worse. Reaching frantically for the coffee isn’t much helpful for you in the long run. Caffeine can make your PMS symptoms even worse, and it’s associated to elevate the levels of estrogen in the body. If you’re an addict or get a headache if you completely skip out then have a little bit — maybe half a cup — and then switch to better home-made hydration options like hot soups for the rest of the day.

• Exercise often more during other days of the month

Exercise helps with premenstrual symptoms like cramping and a lack of energy but practicing yoga or little moderate intensity helps. Add modifications to your exercises and focus on lower abdominal area.

Over to you

If your pain and cramps persists, and if it accompanies other symptoms like exhaustion or heavy periods, it might be a more serious issue and consulting a doctor about your symptoms is advised so you can figure out a treatment.