If you suffer from menstrual cycle pain, you are not alone. A majority of women experience varying degrees of period pain or dysmenorrhea, at some point in their lives. Most women suffer from menstrual cycle cramps i.e., discomfort and dull ache in their belly especially on the day their period starts. However, only a small percentage of women suffer from menstrual cramps so severe that it disrupts their everyday life.
During your period, the muscles of your womb contract and relax to help shed built-up lining. Sometimes you’ll experience cramps, which means your muscles are at work. A hormone called prostaglandin is released in women’s ovaries during a menstrual cycle; this can be a significant contributor to period cramps.
Home remedies to fight menstrual cramps
1. Drink fluids
Many girls feel bloated during their period, which causes discomfort and worsens period cramps. Staying hydrated reduces bloating, and thereby offering a simple period cramp remedy. Now that’s easy.
2. Jaggery
Jaggery is effective in preventing weakness caused by blood loss during a menstrual cycle, according to the International Journal of Chemical Studies. Jaggery contains many essential nutrients such as sodium and potassium. Moreover, it also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help in reducing uterine cramps.
3. Massaging with oils
Massage therapy for menstruation involves pressing specific points while the therapist’s hands move around your abdomen, side, and back. Adding essential oils for an aromatherapy style of massage may have additional benefits.
4. Heating pad
As per research published in Evidence-Based Nursing, the use of hot compresses or heating pads works effectively in reducing abdominal cramps during periods. This research also shows that women experience more relief from heating pads compared to painkillers, and ibuprofen.
5. Reduce stress and relax
Deep breathing exercises may also help in keeping any stress at bay and relaxing your mind and body, thus giving you the required period pain relief. Calming your body causes your muscles to expand and loosen, rather than them scrunching up and causing cramps.
(Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor before starting any regime or medical advice.)
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