Menstrual pain is every woman’s nightmare… well, maybe between it and child labour. It is an uncomfortable condition, and one a lot of women have sought ways to handle since it isn’t totally avoidable.
Menstrual cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterine to pass blood to the Uterus.
Menstrual pain usually comes with different symptoms, including nausea, constipation, diarrhea, back pain, headache, etc. No matter how serious the discomfort, it can be minimised.
Here are some tips to help you.
TAKE PAIN RELIEVERS
There are several over the counter drugs that can help you get rid of period pain immediately. These drugs work by reducing the production of prostaglandins which is the body pain hormone. Some common over the counter drugs for treating period cramps include ibruprofen and piroxicam tablets. However, do not forget to consult a physician before using these drugs.
SEEK HERBAL REMEDY
Some people are usually not so trusting over drugs, and instead, appreciate herbal medicine more. If you fall in this category, there’s nothing wrong with this alternative, but it’s important to consult with a professional before using one. Some herbal remedies for menstrual pain include, Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Ginger, etc.
WORKOUT
Exercising can go a mile in easing up menstrual pain. Simple routines like walking, running or swimming can increase blood flow to the Uterus, and make menstrual cramps go down to some extent. It’s important to note that stressing yourself out too much can wear you out.
EAT MORE
Yes, you can literally eat your menstrual pain away by eating food that help alleviate period cramps. In fact the food you eat plays a huge role in determining whether you experience cramps or not during your monthly cycle. Some foods for alleviating period cramps include beans and legumes, ginseng, cocoa, dark chocolate, apricots, pears, bananas, cucumbers, kale, yogurt, spinach, broccoli, parsley, grapefruits, celery, hummus, banana, salmon etc.
DRINK LOTS OF WATER
Menstruation is usually accompanied by constipation, which tends to make things worse, and increase the pain. So it’s advised to drink a lot of water to reduce it. Water could be in form of fruit with high liquid content, like pineapples, vegetables, etc.
TAKE A WARM BATH
A warm bath also does relieve cramps. You can go the extra mile by infusing essential oils such as lavender, vanilla and peppermint oil into your bath water. Warms baths with oils not only boost endorphin levels but also improve blood circulation.