Effective Home Remedies for Menstrual Pain

What are menstrual cramps | What causes Period Pain | Pain Reliever for Menstrual Cramps | Exercise for Menstrual Cramps | Food for Irregular Periods | Key Takeaways

Do you feel that staggering pain in your abdomen and lower back during your menstrual cycles? You are not alone! For many women, menstrual cramps or period pain is a monthly discomfort that can range from mildly irritating to debilitating. While over-the-counter painkillers may provide you with a temporary period pain solution, they come with potential side effects and relying on them for a long-term basis can be harmful. Fortunately, there are natural yet effective home remedies for menstrual pain that can also aid in the regulation of menstrual cycles.

But before we delve into these menstrual pain relief solutions, let us understand where these cramps stem from and what causes them to worsen.

What are Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are a common condition experienced by women during their menstrual cycle. These cramps stem from the uterus while it contracts to expel its lining. Period pain or menstrual cramps are typically felt as a dull, throbbing pain in the lower abdomen, back or thighs. However, for some of us, this dull throbbing can escalate into painful cramps, which is again, a natural outcome during menstruation, but can be very uncomfortable to bear.

Before we move forward, just checking if your pain is bearable enough for you to read on. If you are reaching out for that “instant relief from period pain” tablet or popping a pill right about now- Do Not!

It is unlikely that a medicine (which is not a pain killer) provides instant relief from period pain. Moreover, relying heavily on painkillers can result in indigestion, stomach ulcers, headaches, constipation, and other side effects like drowsiness or diarrhoea to name a few.

Instead, try these naturally Sourced happy cycles capsules that contain the goodness of ayurvedic herbs like Ashoka, Lodhra, Shatavari, and Fenugreek in addition to essential nutrients like folic acid, iron and more. Pop in 2 capsules daily and start enjoying your period cycles instead of dreading them.

And while we deliver it to you, you can try a cup of ginger-turmeric tea for period stomach pain relief. It won’t be a magical remedy but will definitely soothe you.

Alright then, now that we are sorted, let’s understand exactly where our period pain comes from!

What Causes Period Pain?

The exact cause of menstrual cramps is still unknown, but it is believed to be caused by an increase in the hormone prostaglandin, which is released by the uterus during menstruation. Prostaglandins cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining which  can cause pain, inflammation and discomfort during the menstruation cycle.

Now that we have a general idea about what period cramps are and how they manifest within us, let us learn about some home remedies for menstrual pain. 

Home Remedies for Menstrual Pain: Small Changes for Great Relief

One of the foremost reasons for excessive period cramps in some women as compared to others could be hormonal imbalance. During periods, the body secretes a particular hormone called prostaglandins that induces strong contractions in the uterus wall._Source

This increased contraction due to prostaglandins in addition to other hormonal imbalances could be the reason for that excruciating pain in your abdomen, thighs or back.

So, before we delve into home remedies for menstrual pain that regulate cycles, let us quickly learn about natural remedies for hormonal imbalance that can provide a certain amount of menstrual pain relief.

Pain Reliever for Menstrual Cramps- Supplements for Cramp Relief

 In addition to exercise, there are several natural supplements that can provide relief from menstrual cramps. Here are some of the best and easily procurable period pain solutions:

1. Ginger: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help in providing period stomach pain relief by reducing inflammation associated with menstrual cramps. You can consume ginger in the form of tea or take ginger supplements.
   
   Research says that some women found relief from period cramps when they consumed ginger-turmeric tea during the first 3-4 days._Source
   
2. Magnesium: Magnesium is an essential mineral that can help to relax the muscles and reduce cramping._Source You can take magnesium supplements or consume magnesium-rich foods like spinach, almonds, and avocado.
   
   
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and a great pain reliever for menstrual cramps. You can consume omega-3 fatty acids in the form of supplements or by eating foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed.
   
   
4. Amla: Amla can help in flushing out toxins and is amongst the best remedies for hormonal imbalance during the menstrual cycle. It is also rich in vitamins C, B1 and B2 and can help regulate heavy flows on days 2 and 3._Source
   
   
5. Folic Acid and Iron Supplements: Blood loss due to excessive flow can lead to cases of anaemia in women. Folic acid aids in the production of cells that carry iron in the body. Thus it is crucial that you consume supplements with folic acid and iron.
   
   If you find it difficult to Source these nutrients naturally, fret not, we can take care of you. Our Happy Cycles are loaded with essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, Ashoka, Shatavari, etc. whereas our Iron++ Gummyhugs can help keep your iron levels in perfect check.
   

Now that we know what essential nutrients we require on a daily basis, let us learn about effective home remedies for menstrual pain and some nutritious food for irregular periods.

Exercise for Menstrual Cramps- Steps for Immediate Relief

 Exercise is one of the best ways to alleviate menstrual pain. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps. Here are some exercises that can help you to relieve menstrual pain:

1. Yoga: Yoga is a great remedy for menstrual pain as it can help in relaxing your muscles and reduce tension. The child's pose, the cobra pose, and the pigeon pose are all effective yoga poses that can help in relieving menstrual pain
   
   
2. Aerobic Exercises: Aerobic exercises like jogging, cycling, and swimming can help to improve circulation and reduce cramping. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day.
   
   
3. Stretching: Stretching is a simple and effective exercise for menstrual cramps. You can try stretching your lower back, thighs, and hips to reduce cramping.

Nutritional Habits to Prep you for The Tougher Days

 Making healthy dietary choices can also help to reduce menstrual pain. Here are some nutritional habits that can help alleviate menstrual pain and prevent imbalances:

1. Increase Water Intake: Drinking plenty of water can help to reduce bloating and water retention, which can worsen menstrual pain.
   
   
2. Reduce Caffeine and Alcohol Intake: Both caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate menstrual pain, so it's best to reduce your intake during your period.
   
   
3. Increase Fibre Intake: Eating fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to reduce constipation which can sometimes worsen period cramps.
   
   
4. Reduce Sugar Intake: Eating too much sugar can cause inflammation and worsen menstrual pain. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners like honey or dates.

Additional Home Remedies for Menstrual Pain:

• Use a heating pad to ease your contracted muscles and improve flow
  

• Massage your lower abdomen and back with sesame oil
  

• Take a pain reliever only if the pain is absolutely unbearable.

 Here is an easy-to-follow diet for regular periods:

Breakfast: Soymilk, almonds, 1 egg (either as a poach or omelette) / multi-grain toast

Snack: Orange, amla, grapes, apple (take either one of these)

Lunch: Roti + Dal+ Fish / Egg / Chicken / Paneer Curry

Dinner: Chapati + Spinach / Beetroot / Bottleguard / Mix. Veg Curry

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, menstrual pain is a natural part of the menstrual cycle and can be managed with simple and natural remedies. The above-listed natural home remedies for menstrual pain can make periods less of a burden. Practising a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet for regular periods, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can regulate hormonal balance, reduce stress, and alleviate menstrual pain. If menstrual pain persists and interferes with daily activities, it's best to seek medical advice. Remember, menstrual pain relief is achievable through natural remedies, and it's vital to listen to your body and give it the support it needs during these challenging days.