Ditch The Advil: How To Reduce Period Pain Naturally

We’ve known period pain can be excruciating for some women, and it seems like more women than ever before suffer from autoimmune diseases and hormonal and inflammatory conditions that complicate (to put it lightly) their menstrual cycles. Why is it that some women feel something akin to labor pains every month? 

John Guillebaud, professor of reproductive health at University College London, said that patients described period cramp pain as being “almost as bad as having a heart attack.” First of all, we must acknowledge that this man is not a licensed physician and can’t be quoted as giving a doctor’s opinion. However, anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician Dr. Kunal Sood supports the theory with his experience with his patients and is mystified as to why this condition of intense menstrual pain is not recognized as a health issue on the rise. 

Now, I asked a close female relative about her experience because she has birthed several children (and obviously had periods), as well as suffered strokes, a gallbladder attack, and a heart attack. She told me that her heart attack hurt much more than any period she has ever had and that her gallbladder attack was more similar to the heart attack experience than period pain. Granted, everyone’s individual experience is subjective and different, and she didn’t have a condition like endometriosis or PCOS. Several of my friends who suffer from these conditions have related how intensely their pain hits on their period and is seemingly unmanageable. 

Natural Relief Alternatives

Most females are in the habit of just popping a Tylenol or Advil regularly whenever the cramps start coming, but stop and think about the long-term effects on your liver after half a lifetime of menstruation cycles. Why not try other options for pain relief? Here are seven alternatives you can incorporate to help reduce your period pain:

Heat Therapy

Applying heat to the lower back and stomach can help relax the muscles and relieve period cramps and aches. You can use a heating pad, a hot towel, or a water bottle, or take a warm bath or shower.

Hydration

Although it’s easy to overlook, staying hydrated is extremely important because it may help to reduce bloating and overall discomfort. Hot or warm tea is also a great option, and herbal teas such as raspberry leaf, mint, ginger, and chamomile may have soothing effects and restorative properties. Avoiding alcohol and reducing your caffeine intake in the days leading up to your period can also help reduce the severity of your cramping.

Dietary Awareness

Sufficient, quality nutrition is key to balancing hormones and may help support less painful menstruation. Increasing omega-3 fatty acids with foods such as fish, flaxseeds, cod liver oil, and walnuts can have anti-inflammatory effects. Also, reducing salt intake can reduce water retention and bloating. 

Relaxation Techniques

Stress management is very underrated but highly effective. Techniques such as deep breathing, massage, slow stretching, and meditation may help with alleviating stress built up in the nerves and muscles as well as the subsequent period pain. 

Herbal Remedies and Natural Supplements

There are some herbs that have been used for centuries to naturally help reduce menstrual pain and hormonal bloating. Ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties, and herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or raspberry leaf are beneficial. A natural supplement that significantly helps muscle cramps is the mineral magnesium. Read more on magnesium here. You can take magnesium orally as well as topically with magnesium lotion or a magnesium Epsom salt bath. 

Essential oils are another kind of natural relief supplement. Try massaging a few drops of EO onto your lower stomach and back, drop some into a warm bath, and even diffuse it into the air for some aromatherapy (diffusers are easy to grab on Amazon and at places like TJ Maxx or Walmart)! 

Acupuncture

Some studies show that the use of acupuncture needles in the skin may help to reduce period pain by releasing endorphins and improving blood circulation. 

Exercise

Last but definitely not least, regular physical exercise can have significant positive effects on menstrual pain. Engaging in moderate exercise, even stretching and walking, can help release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. Movement also helps support good circulation, without which you’ll feel even more swollen and bloated. The heart’s job is to pump blood and stimulate the circulation of oxygen, nutrients, and fluids in your body, and it also serves to detox and flush stuff out, and the menstrual shedding of your uterine lining needs this circulatory support. 

Your Hormonal Rescue

The cycle-based wellness site and app 28 seeks to balance your hormones with gentle workouts as well as cycle-based nutrition guides and hormonal (mood) energy insights – all strictly science-based. The nutrition includes diet as well as supplement guidelines, and the exercises are designed for the feminine physique, instead of heavy weight-lifting and other male-oriented workouts that stress the feminine physiology. 

28 is more than just a fitness app – it’s a lifestyle of thriving vitality. I personally know of multiple women, including myself, who have reached significant results via 28 and regulated periods after months or years of irregularities and achieved consistent hormonal balance (as well as healthy weight loss and blood sugar management) after years of inflammation and swollen bloating. The exercises help with endurance and strength training for lean and toned muscle, and they’re accessible and easy to do at home with little to no equipment needed. 28 is the most holistic approach to a fitness/wellness app, and the success is reflected in the results. Why wait to start yours?!

Closing Thoughts 

While some may dispute that a life-threatening heart attack is much more painful than period pain, others who have often debilitating conditions do indeed suffer immensely during their period. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different, and one woman may experience more pain than another. A definite conclusion we can at least reach is that period cramps could hurt almost as badly as a heart attack for those women who are struggling with inflammatory and/or hormonal conditions. Try to work on natural pain management, as well as supporting your body throughout the other three phases of your cycle, to better prepare for your period.

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