How To Stop Your Period Pain

How To Stop Period Pain

The first few days of your period are likely to be the most painful. This is because the uterus is contracting in order to shed the inner lining and produce the menstrual period.

Exercise, sex, and eating your favorite food stimulate the production of hormones that ease the pain and lift your mood.

But if you really feel terrible, don’t force yourself to do a physical activity. Just try to listen to what your body is telling you.

How Can You Manage Period Pain

Dr. Ross agrees that persistent period pain just isn’t talked about enough. If your menstrual cramps keep you from going to school or work, or simply getting out of bed, she recommends trying over-the-counter treatments such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen . If your period pain doesn’t respond to these treatments, it’s time to make an appointment with your health care provider. They’ll ask about your medical history and might do a pelvic exam or imaging test to determine what’s causing the pain and which treatment might help relieve your pain.

In extreme cases of period pain, your doctor might recommend hormonal birth control pills, which stop ovulation and decrease the severity of menstrual cramps, per the Mayo Clinic. Hormones that can ease period pain can also be given through an injection, skin patch, implant , vaginal ring, or IUD.

For some people, home remedies are enough to manage period pain. Dr. Ross suggests trying heat in any form, such as soaking in a warm bath or applying a towel soaked in hot water, a hot water bottle, or an electric heating pad to the area where you feel cramping. “These all help to relieve cramps by increasing blood flow and relaxing the muscles,” she explains. “Heat also has an analgesic effect.”

Can Bad Period Cramps Be A Sign Of Something Else

Period cramps usually dont signify that something is wrong with your health. But in some cases they can be a symptom of a medical condition:

• Endometriosis This disorder occurs when tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside your uterus, often adhering to your bladder, ovaries, or even your bowels.
• Uterine Fibroids These are noncancerous growths that emerge inside the uterine walls. They can range in size from one tiny speck to several bulky masses.
• Adenomyosis Tissue that normally lines the uterus begins to grow inside the organs muscle wall.

Pain from these conditions may seem like period pain, but it typically lasts longer and can be more severe than your usual menstrual cramps.

If you experience this type of pain, its important to see your doctor, Thielen says.

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Period Pain Caused By A Medical Condition

Less commonly, period pain can be caused by an underlying medical condition.

Period pain linked to an underlying medical condition tends to affect older women. Women aged 30 to 45 are most commonly affected.

Medical conditions that can cause period pain include:

• endometriosis where cells that normally line the womb grow in other places, such as in the fallopian tubes and ovaries these cells can cause intense pain when they shed
• fibroids non-cancerous tumours that can grow in or around the womb and can make your periods heavy and painful
• pelvic inflammatory disease where your womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries become infected with bacteria, causing them to become severely inflamed
• adenomyosis where the tissue that normally lines the womb starts to grow within the muscular womb wall, making your periods particularly painful

Can Stress Cause Heavy Periods

It can. Stress and anxiety make you release certain hormones that can cause a thickening of your uterine lining. That means that once it’s time to shed that lining or endometrium, your period will be heavier. In addition to this, stress can cause your periods to become irregular. That’s why managing your stress can be good for your period pain.

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If Youre Using Sex Toys

Toys made out of nonporous materials like silicone, ABS hard plastic, metal, and glass are the safest option in general, Luna says. Especially during your period, because they can be cleaned completely.

When used without a condom, toys made out of porous materials like TPR, TPE, jelly, rubber, and PVC can harbor bacteria, which increases the risk of infection.

Improving Your Diet May Alleviate Period Cramps

When researchers put 33 women with dysmenorrhea on a low-fat vegetarian diet, they found it eased their cramps, according to research published in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Start by swapping out less healthy fats like the saturated fats found in animal products for healthier ones like unsaturated fats found in olive oil, suggests the American Heart Association. Overall, try to make the fats you eat better quality, such as those found in fish or nuts, the organization suggests. Examples of meals not overly reliant on fats can be found in the healthy eating plate guide from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

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How Can You Tell If The Pain Of Your Menstrual Cramps Is Normal

If you have severe or unusual menstrual cramps or cramps that last for more than two or three days, contact your healthcare provider. Both primary and secondary menstrual cramps can be treated, so it’s important to get checked.

First, you will be asked to describe your symptoms and menstrual cycles. Your healthcare provider will also perform a pelvic exam. During this exam, your provider inserts a speculum . The provider is able to examine your vagina, cervix and uterus. The doctor will feel for any lumps or changes. They may take a small sample of vaginal fluid for testing.

If your provider thinks you may have secondary dysmenorrhea, you may need additional tests, such as an ultrasound or a laparoscopy. If those tests indicate a medical problem, your healthcare provider will discuss treatments.

If you use tampons and develop the following symptoms, get medical help right away: over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Dizziness, fainting or near fainting.
• A rash that looks like a sunburn.

These are symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening illness.

Which Painkiller Is Best For Period Pain

If you’re experiencing mild period pain, over-the-counter NSAID medications such as aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen are usually enough to provide relief. If your period pain is more severe, prescription painkillers can also be recommended by your doctor. Oral contraceptives can also help control certain causes of menstrual pain.

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Curl Up With A Heating Pad To Ease Period Cramps

The uterus is a muscle, so anything that helps relax muscles, like applying heat, can be beneficial, Thielen says.

Indeed, research published in Evidence-Based Nursing found that topically applied heat was just as effective as ibuprofen for period cramps. Over the two study days, the women used heat alone, heat plus ibuprofen, ibuprofen alone, or a placebo. The best results were in the heat plus ibuprofen group adding heat led to faster improvements.

A review published in March 2014 in The Journal of Physiotherapy also found that heat significantly lessened a womans period pain.

Acupuncture May Help By Relaxing The Nervous System

Acupuncture can help relieve cramps, says Jeannie Bianchi, a licensed acupuncturist in San Francisco. This ancient Asian healing method is thought to relax the nervous system, allow more blood to flow to internal organs, and quell inflammation, Bianchi says.

In a review published in April 2016 in the CochraneDatabase of Systematic Reviews experts looked at 42 studies that observed the effects of acupuncture on period cramps. Each compared acupuncture with no treatment, conventional treatment , or a sham acupuncture procedure. Many of the studies found that the acupuncture group had less period pain and no side effects. The researchers emphasize, however, that the quality of all of the studies was poor.

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Way To Stop Your Periods

From above, it is quite clear that there exists an array of reasons that would compel somebody to have their period delayed or permanently stopped. Depend on what reasons you have, you can have your period stop for a day, a week, or even permanently.

Stopping your period can be done both naturally at home or using medical options. Some of the simple ways to stop your periods quickly for a day would include using the following methods:

Plants That Relieve Pain

Herbal Treatment

Health practitioners may prescribe herbs to treat a woman’s menstrual cramps. Black cohosh, cramp bark, turmeric, and chasteberry are a few herbs that have been used. They are effective for pain relief and decreasing inflammation. Chasteberry has been used extensively in Europe for the treatment of irregular menstrual cycles, cyclical breast discomfort, premenstrual syndrome , and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Make sure your doctor knows about all of your medical conditions, medications, and supplements because herbs are not appropriate for every woman. Herbs may interfere with the action of some medications or decrease their effectiveness.

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What Are Treatments For Severe Period Pain

If your period pain is primary dysmenorrhea and you need medical treatment, your health care provider might suggest using hormonal birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, or IUD. Another treatment option might be prescription pain relievers.

If you have secondary dysmenorrhea, your treatment depends upon the condition that is causing the problem. In some cases, you may need surgery.

How To Stop Periods Permanently

The period or menstruation cycle is normal and harmless. Your period is a natural way to cleanse your reproductive system. When occurring irregularly, it can be a sign of an underlying condition. Stopping your period permanently is a serious decision that needs lots of consideration. This is not to say that you cannot stop your period permanently.

If your reasons for stopping your period are not a medical emergency, then you might want to reconsider such a decision, especially for a young girl. You might opt for semi-permanent methods such as using contraceptives and other natural methods.

If you are, however certain that you would wish to stop your period permanently, then you can try the following:

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Focus On Clitoral Or Other External Stim

This goes for every day of your menstrual cycle, not just when youre bleeding, but sex doesnt have to mean penetrative sex.

Explore your other erogenous zones, adds Luna. Use a vibrator, Wartenberg wheel, feather, or your fingers to stimulate your clit, breasts, neck, inner thigh, lower stomach, and armpit.

When To Seek Medical Advice

Period pain is common but treatable. You should see your doctor for advice on the best ways to manage period pain, especially if your period pain is stopping you participating in your usual activities.

If your pain has started after a history of trouble-free periods or is getting worse, visit your doctor to make sure that there is no underlying disorder causing your pain.

You should seek medical advice if:

• the pain is getting worse with each period
• the pain lasts longer than the first 2 days of your period
• over-the-counter medicines that you have used in the past can no longer control the pain
• menstrual bleeding has become increasingly heavy
• the pain is accompanied by fever
• there is abnormal discharge or bleeding
• the pain occurs at times unrelated to menstruation
• there is a recent change in the nature of your period pain or
• you use an intrauterine device as a method of contraception.

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How To Get Rid Of Period Cramps Naturally

A lot of women have their own ways of dealing with tough menstruation cycles and PMS symptoms, from tips handed down by mom to turning to medications. And if those work for you awesome!

But if youre looking for some new, natural ways to combat that painful time of the month, then this is the list for you. From essential oils and Epsom salts to fish oil and your favorite tunes, these methods for how to get rid of period cramps will help ease period pain so you can live your best life all month long.

1. Try acupuncture.

When youre in pain, the idea of getting pricked by needles probably doesnt sound too appealing. But acupuncture, a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for more than 2,000 years to treat chronic pain and can be especially effective during a hard-to-handle menstrual cycle. In fact, one small study out of Australia and New Zealand found that acupuncture treatment can ease period pain, including secondary symptoms like headaches and nausea, in women.

The pilot study of women ages 18 to 45 years old had them undergoing one of four types of manual or electro-acupuncture treatments over three menstrual cycles. Half of the women experienced at least a 50 percent reduction in the severity of their symptoms over three months of being treated with acupuncture and reported they were able to use fewer painkillers to treat pain.

2. Take a hot bath with Epsom salts.

3. Get a dose of extra-virgin olive oil.

4. Try fish oil supplements.

5. Get more sleep.

How Can You Relieve Mild Menstrual Cramps

To relieve mild menstrual cramps:

• For the best relief, take ibuprofen as soon as bleeding or cramping starts. Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . They reduce the output of prostaglandins. If you cant take NSAIDs, you can take another pain reliever like acetaminophen.
• Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen.
• Rest when needed.
• Avoid foods that contain caffeine.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Massage your lower back and abdomen.

Women who exercise regularly often have less menstrual pain. To help prevent cramps, make exercise a part of your weekly routine.

If these steps dont relieve pain, your healthcare provider can order medications for you, including ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory medication in a higher dose that is available over the counter. Your healthcare provider might also suggest oral contraceptives since women who take oral contraceptives tend to have less menstrual pain.

If testing shows that you have secondary dysmenorrhea, your provider will discuss treatments of the condition causing the pain. This might mean oral contraceptives, other types of medications, or surgery.

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Causes And Risk Factors

Doctors distinguish between two types of period pain, called primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is where the period pain is caused by the womb muscle contractions alone. Hormone-like substances called prostaglandins play an important role here. They influence the perception of pain and cause the muscles in the womb to tighten, helping to shed the lining of the womb. Primary dysmenorrhea is more common in women under the age of 30 and women with heavy periods. It can run in families, and stress can play a role too.

Period pain that is caused by something other than the muscle contractions is called secondary dysmenorrhea. Benign growths in the womb, such as fibroids or polyps, are often responsible for secondary dysmenorrhea. Severe period pain may also be caused by endometriosis. In endometriosis, the kind of tissue that lines the womb grows elsewhere in the abdomen too. Sometimes contraceptive coils used for birth control can also cause secondary dysmenorrhea.