Cramps. Bloating. Irritability.
Menstrual periods can be uncomfortable – downright miserable sometimes – and for some women, they can even be debilitating for a few days of the month. We’re not just here to commiserate (but we totally will!). We’ve researched dozens of articles looking for some easy, accessible, and affordable tips to help make your period less miserable!
Tip #1: OTC Meds
This one may seem like an obvious answer. Over-the-Counter (OTC) meds can be very helpful [1] when it comes to pain relief (and they’re typically easily accessible), but sometimes a more natural solution is preferable. Keep reading for more of those options.
Tip #2: Heat
A hot (but not too hot) water bottle, a heating pad on a low setting, or even a warm bath can help relieve some of that discomfort [2]! Just don’t use heat for more than 15-20 minutes at a time.
Tip #3: Exercise
We know…it sounds like exactly the opposite of what you probably feel like doing (laying on the couch with junk food and binge-watching Netflix? No? Just us?). But it’s been reported that women who exercise regularly experience less menstrual pain [3], so a brisk walk just might do the trick! (Note to self: I should totally be doing this regularly in the future and not waiting for cramps to be a reminder!)
Tip #4: Avoid Certain Foods
Though you may be craving certain things, foods (and drinks) that cause bloating or water retention are not doing you any friendly favors during this time of the month. Foods that are fatty and/or salty should be avoided as well as carbonated drinks and drinks with caffeine [4].
Try swapping these out for herbal teas and see if fruit satisfies that sweet tooth. We know – again – it sounds like the opposite of what you really want to be doing, but your body will thank you in the long run!
Tip #5: Consider a Menstrual Cup
Many women report that switching from traditional period products like pads and tampons to using a menstrual cup has helped to reduce their period discomfort [5]. Bonus: making the switch can save you money and can be more eco-friendly, too [6]! There’s not a lot of scientific research about this topic (yet!), but we’re hopeful to see some studies on this soon.
(A lot of women are nervous to make this switch, but menstrual cup manufacturers have tons of helpful tips and tricks on their websites and social media channels to help you feel comfortable about making the switch and to answer those common questions about comfort, insertion, and removal.)
When to See Your Doctor
While some monthly discomfort is totally normal, it’s important to talk about this with your primary doctor or OBGYN to ensure that what you’re experiencing is typical. Extreme pain or debilitating periods could be an indication of something else that’s going on medically, and your doctor may have helpful tips for your specific situation.
Sources:
- Menstrual Cramps: 5 Tips fo Getting Period Pain Relief. Houston Methodist. (2021, Sept. 24) https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2021/sep/menstrual-cramps-5-tips-for-getting-relief-from-period-pain/
- Natural Remedies for Period Pains. University of Utah Health. (2017, Aug. 31) https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/health-library/all/2017/08/natural-remedies-period-pains
- Menstrual Cramps: 5 Tips fo Getting Period Pain Relief. Houston Methodist. (2021, Sept. 24) https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2021/sep/menstrual-cramps-5-tips-for-getting-relief-from-period-pain/
- 16 Foods to Eat (and Some to Avoid) During Your Period. Health Line. (2023, Feb. 21) https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/what-to-eat-during-period
- Menstrual Cups: Everything You Need to Know. Medical News Today. (2019, May 2) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325093
- Menstrual Cups vs. Tampons: Things You Might Not Know. Mayo Clinic. (2016, March 24) https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/menstrual-cups-vs-tampons-things-you-might-not-know-about-the-cup/