How To Get Rid Of Period Pains In South Africa

What is Dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for pain with your period (menstruation) or menstrual cramps. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea is the name for common menstrual cramps that come back over and over again (recurrent) and aren’t due to other diseases. Pain usually begins one or two days before you get your period or when bleeding actual starts. You may feel pain ranging from mild to severe in the lower abdomen, back or thighs.

Pain can typically last 12 to 72 hours, and you might have other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and even diarrhea. Common menstrual cramps may become less painful as you get older and may stop entirely if you have a baby.

What causes painful menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps happen when a chemical called prostaglandin makes the uterus contract (tighten up). The uterus, the muscular organ where a baby grows, contracts throughout your menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the uterus contracts more strongly. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to muscle tissue. You feel pain when part of the muscle briefly loses its supply of oxygen.

How To Get Rid Of Period Pains In South Africa

1. Use a heat patch

Using a heated patch or wrap on your abdomen can help relax the muscles of your uterus. It’s these muscles that cause period cramps. Heat can also boost circulation in your abdomen, which can reduce pain.

Research shows that heating pads can help relieve period cramps and may even be more effective than taking acetaminophen (Tylenol).

You can buy abdominal heat patches online or at any drugstore. They’re super easy to use — just peel and stick them on your abdomen.

Electric heating pads and hot water bottles aren’t as convenient to use as patches, but they’re good choices if you’re spending some time at home and don’t need to move around much.

2. Massage your tummy with essential oils

Research suggests that some essential oils can help ease period cramps when massaged onto the abdomen, especially when used in a blend of oils.

Oils that seem to be most effective at reducing period cramps include:

lavender
sage
rose
marjoram
cinnamon
clove

Before using essential oils, you’ll want to mix them with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Carrier oils work by safely “carrying” the essential oil into your skin and helping to spread the oil over a large area. You’ll also want to do a patch test before applying essential oils to your skin, just to check for an allergy.

Once your oil mixture is ready to use, rub a few drops between your hands and then give your tummy a gentle massage using a circular motion.

3. Take a pain reliever

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help with period cramps and other period-related pain, like headaches.

While pretty much any type is bound to offer some relief, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are best, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This is because NSAIDs don’t just relieve pain and inflammation, but they also reduce the number of prostaglandins made by your body and lessen their effects.

OTC NSAIDs include:

ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
naproxen (Aleve)
aspirin (Bufferin)

To get the most bang for your buck, ibuprofen is the best of these OTC NSAID options, according to a 2020 meta-analysis.

The study compared the effectiveness and safety of OTC pain relievers for period pain. The most effective was actually diclofenac, but it was worst for safety, making ibuprofen the best option for dysmenorrhea.

These medications work best if they’re taken at the first sign of cramps or pain. Be sure to take only as directed and talk with your doctor first if you have a history of heart, liver, or kidney problems, or if you have asthma, ulcers, or bleeding disorders.

4. Exercise

According to a 2018 study, low-to-medium intensity aerobic exercise may help reduce pain caused by period cramps.

In this study, scientists found that women who did 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 days a week for 8 weeks showed significant reductions in period cramps.

To fit an aerobic workout into your schedule, consider biking to work, going for a brisk walk at lunchtime, dancing to your favorite tunes, or playing a sport you enjoy.

5. Soak in a tub

Soaking in a hot bath is another way to surround your abdominal, pelvic, and back muscles with the warmth they need to relax.

You can enhance the pain-relieving power of a good soak by adding a few drops of essential oils — like lavender, sage, or rose — mixed with a carrier oil to your bathwater. Adding Epsom salt may also help relieve muscle pain.

Try to relax in a hot bath for at least 15 minutes to get the most benefit from it.

6. Do yoga

One study suggests that, like aerobic exercise, yoga may also be helpful for reducing period cramps.

In this study, experts found that women who participated in a 60-minute yoga class once a week for 12 weeks showed significant reductions in their period pain.

If you’d like to try yoga, look for a class with both a physical component and a relaxation component. Research suggests this combination is most effective at reducing pain from period cramps.

7. Take supplements

Several studies suggest that different types of dietary supplements may help reduce period cramps, though it’s not known exactly how they work.

A 2017 review of magnesium use in gynecology found the mineral to be considerably more effective at relieving cramps than placebos in controlled studies.

A 2020 review of nine studies on the effectiveness of cinnamon, fennel, and ginger found that all were associated with reduced period pain. Cinnamon also appeared to shorten the duration of pain.

Other supplements that have been linked to reduced period cramps include:

calcium
vitamins B6, B1, E, and D
vitamin B12 and fish oil

As with OTC meds, use as directed, and talk with your doctor if you’re taking any other medications, as they may interact with supplements.

8. Avoid caffeine and salty foods

Some foods are better than others when it comes to improving — or worsening — period pain.

For instance, eating foods that reduce inflammation may help. These include:

berries
fatty fish
avocado
extra virgin olive oil

It’s also a good idea to limit foods that can cause water retention, bloating, and discomfort, like:

salty foods
caffeine
alcohol
fatty foods

According to a 2020 study, following the Mediterranean diet and reducing alcohol intake was associated with shorter, lighter periods and reduced menstrual pain.

9. Stay hydrated

If you’re dehydrated, abdominal cramps might feel more painful.

Aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. You’ll need more if it’s hot, if you’ve been exercising, or if you simply feel thirsty.

10. Try acupressure

Acupressure is a noninvasive approach that can provide relief from various types of pain. It involves using your fingers to apply firm pressure to specific body parts to help ease various symptoms.

Various studies have shown that acupressure may reduce the severity and duration of period pain.

According to some older research, rubbing circles on your calf at a point above your ankle can relieve period pain.

To give it a try, follow these steps:

Measure four fingertips up from your inner ankle bone.
Firmly rub this area for several minutes.
Repeat daily as needed before and during your period.

11. Consider birth control

If home remedies aren’t cutting it, consider talking with a healthcare professional about birth control for period pain.

Birth control pills are often prescribed to treat painful periods. Other hormonal birth control methods may also help period pain, including:

intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Depo-Provera shot
vaginal ring
the patch
implant

Bonus: Birth control may also help with other period issues, like PMS and mood stability.

12. Try a TENS machine

Using a TENS machine may help relieve period pain. TENS — short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation —uses low-voltage electrical currents to treat pain.

Portable TENS units can be purchased for use at home and they’re easy to use. All you do is attach the sticky electrode patches to your skin over your lower abdomen or back where you feel the pain and choose the intensity setting that feels best.

Studies have shown that TENS users experienced a reduction in period pain, improved quality of life, and took less pain medication for their period pain.

13. Consider CBD

Some people find using CBD for menstrual cramps to be helpful. There’s no research into the effects of CBD specifically for period pain, but anecdotal reports suggest it can help with inflammation and chronic pain.

In a 2019 survey of women with endometriosis, the participants self-reported CBD oil and cannabis as the most effective remedy for pain relief compared with physical self-management methods, like yoga and stretching.

14. Switch up your sleeping position

Anecdotal reports say that the fetal position is the best sleeping position for menstrual cramps. This could be because the position doesn’t place weight on your abdomen or lower back which is where period pain is typically felt.

There isn’t any research into how your sleeping position can affect period pain, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth giving a try.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you get rid of period pain fast?

How to relieve period cramps fast at home

Apply heat. “Heat can help relax the muscles contributing to cramping, so applying heat to your abdomen or back can help relieve your pain,” says Dr.
Take a pain reliever.
Exercise.
Take steps to reduce stress.
Get your vitamins and minerals.

Why is my period so painful?

Without oxygen, the tissues in your womb release chemicals that trigger pain. While your body is releasing these pain-triggering chemicals, it’s also producing other chemicals called prostaglandins. These encourage the womb muscles to contract more, further increasing the level of pain.

What position helps period cramps?

Sleep in the fetal position: If you’re normally a back or stomach sleeper, try rolling to your side and tucking in your arms and legs. This position takes pressure off your abdominal muscles and is the best sleeping position to relieve tension that can make cramping worse

Does chocolate help period cramps?

Dark chocolate may help ease menstrual cramps due to its high magnesium content. Magnesium helps relax muscles and may stop the production of compounds that signal cramps. Copper, another nutrient found in dark chocolate, may also play a role.

How much period pain is normal?

Mild to moderate cramps for one or two days during your menstrual cycle is usually normal. But many women experience painful and intense menstrual cramps that can feel debilitating and interfere with everyday activities and exercise.

Can you have a period out your bum?

In general, bright-red blood means the bleeding has come from somewhere near your anus. This is a typical sign of piles (haemorrhoids) or a small tear (anal fissure) in the skin of your anus. Although these are common problems, don’t let embarrassment stop you seeing your GP.

Do Period pains get worse with age?

The pain usually begins when your period arrives each month and lasts for between one and three days. Secondary dysmenorrhoea. This is pain caused by an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis or fibroids. This type of period pain gets worse with age.

How can a 13 year old get rid of cramps?

If cramps bother your daughter, she can try:

a warm heating pad on her belly.
taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or store brand) or naproxen (Aleve or store brand); this works best if the medicine is started at the first sign of cramps.

Why do periods hurt so much on the first day?

This pain is caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins that are made in the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high.

How do you stop period pains at night?

Lie down on your back and keep this pillow under your knees. Keep your legs straight and not higher or lower in height as that can affect the blood flow. If you do not have a round pillow, you can roll a towel or any other cloth and keep it under your knees. This will help relax your muscles and bring you at ease

Is ice cream good for period cramps?

Dairy isn’t a smart choice.

Dairy is a major part of a well-balanced diet, but eating too much cheese or consuming too many milk-based products on your period can cause your period cramps to worsen. In fact, dairy can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea, according to Healthline. So, play it safe and skip the ice cream

How long do cramps last?

Cramps can last from a few seconds up to 10 minutes. Thigh muscle cramps tend to last the longest. During a cramping episode, the affected muscles will become tight and painful and the feet and toes will be stiff. After the cramps have passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your legs for several hours.

Why do I poop so much on my period?

These hormones stimulate muscle contractions in the uterus. These contractions help the body to shed the uterus lining. At the same time, the period hormones may stimulate muscle contractions in the intestines and bowels, which are close to the uterus, causing more frequent bowel movements.

Is ice cream good in periods?

Having a lot of dairy products is not the best idea, as it can cause cramping. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream contain arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), which can increase inflammation and can intensify your period pain.

What should avoid in periods?

Steer clear of fried food and readymade snacks including packaged food since they are rich in salt and sodium. “Consumption of excess salt causes water retention that leads to bloating during your period,” said Dr Patil. In fact, also avoid spicy food since it can upset your stomach and cause acid refluxes

Why do I have blood when I wipe but not on my pad?

Most people notice spotting as a few drops of blood on their underwear or toilet paper when wiping. In most cases, spotting should not cause concern. Often, hormonal changes due to birth control, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger it.

When I wipe after peeing its light pink?

With some forms of UTI, blood may be seen after urinating and wiping. This may be just some pink staining when wiping after urination or you may see a toilet bowl that looks like it’s full of blood.

Why does my period look like jelly?

A. If you notice on heavy days of your period that blood seems extra-thick, and can sometimes form a jelly-like glob, these are menstrual clots, a mix of blood and tissue released from your uterus during your period. They can vary in size and color, and usually, they are nothing to worry about

Do periods get better with age?

During your 40s, your ovaries slow their estrogen production, so your periods may get shorter and lighter, or come less frequently. Menopause occurs when your period stops completely for 12 consecutive months. For most women, this happens in their late 40s or early 50s.

Can a 7 year old have period cramps?

During the first year after periods start, only 7% or less of teens will have cramping. Some of these girls will have a medical cause such as a blockage.