Do you want a happier period? Follow these simple tips-and-tricks to get rid of painful period cramps. 

Period cramps are undoubtedly one of the most painful and inconvenient things you go through each month. From minor discomfort to excruciating pain, these cramps can have a significant impact on your daily activities and overall well-being. While you may have normalized them, there is no reason why you should go through the debilitating pain every month. Here's a list of effective strategies to help you find relief from cramps and have a more comfortable period each month:

Apply heat

Curling up in bed with a comforting heating pad is one of the best ways to deal with agonizing period cramps. Applying heat to your back or abdomen can help ease discomfort since heat helps relax the muscles that contribute to cramping. If you are looking for an on-the-go way for pain relief, single-use stick-on pads are an excellent option. You can also try soaking in a warm bath for instant pain relief. 

Gentle exercise

Some women may find that exercising is the last thing that they want to do when dealing with period cramps. But, did you know that engaging in light physical activity, such as walking, doing yoga or gentle stretching, can help you get rid of period cramps? Exercise encourages your body to release endorphins, which are known to have morphine-like effects and play a significant role in pain management. But don't worry, you don't need to do anything strenuous; a quick walk or a few minutes of yoga will be enough to increase circulation and loosen up your muscles.

Improve your diet

While it is very tempting to polish off a bag of chips or a jar of cookies, binging on junk food can make you feel worse in the long run. Given that some vitamins and minerals have been linked to a reduction in cramps, following a nutritious diet is an excellent strategy to ease period pain. Increasing your consumption of omega-3-rich foods (such as salmon, chia seeds and walnuts) while lowering your intake of processed foods, caffeine and salt may help relieve period cramps. 

Turn to tea

You can take the natural route if you don’t want to resort to over-the-counter medications for period cramps. You can combat really painful period cramps by sipping on a cup of tea rich in spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger all have anti-inflammatory properties which can help minimize discomfort. You can use a pre-mix to make it easy to get these benefits, here.

Massage with essential oils

According to study results published in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, massaging your skin with specific aromatic essential oils can ease the discomfort of period cramps. These concentrated plant extracts have natural pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing and wellness-enhancing properties. But which essential oils to try? We are all familiar with the calming and soothing effects of lavender oil. Using it while menstruating can help the body and mind unwind, lowering stress and tension that could cause cramps. Additionally, peppermint oil has a cooling and calming effect, making it an excellent choice for relieving period cramps. I recommend trying different oils to find the ones that work best for you and enjoy the benefits of a holistic approach to period discomfort.

For personalized guidance and expert care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Amy Shah today and take the first step towards a more comfortable and happier period.