Why Period Pain Isn’t Normal: Causes, Relief, & Tips

• Introduction
• What Causes Period Pains?
• Common Period Pain Symptoms
• Period Pain Relief Tips
• Period Essentials to Reduce Period Pain
• When to Seek Medical Attention
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs
• Message from SuperBottoms

You've probably heard that period pain is a normal part of being a woman. That is not correct. It's a sign that something isn't quite right, and it suggests that a hormonal imbalance, nutritional issue, or underlying health condition needs to be addressed.

Your cycle should come and go with minimal fuss and discomfort in your daily life. The occasional cramp is usually nothing to worry about (and is common during the first two days of bleeding), but unbearable period pain, cramping, aching, throbbing, or stabbing sensations (especially those that require painkillers) should be tested for and treated.

What Causes Period Pains?

Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some common causes. Before we understand how to get relief from period pain, let us understand those periods pain reason and their causes:

1. Hormonal changes: The release of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances involved in the menstrual cycle, can cause contractions of the uterus, leading to pain.

2. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing pain and discomfort.

3. Uterine fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus can also cause period pain.

4. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs can lead to pelvic pain and other symptoms.

5. Other potential causes: Other factors that may contribute to period pain include stress, fatigue, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.

If you are experiencing severe or persistent period pain, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and discuss treatment options.

Common Period Pain Symptoms

• Cramping: This is the most common symptom of period pain and can range from mild to severe.
• Backache: Aching or pain in the lower back is also a common symptom.
• Headaches: Some women experience headaches during their menstrual period.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted is another common symptom.
• Nausea: Nausea or vomiting can occur in some women during their period.
• Mood swings: Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings and irritability during menstruation.

Suppose you are experiencing any of these symptoms, and they are interfering with your daily life. In that case, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to discuss possible causes and treatment options.

Period Pain Relief Tips

Lifestyle Changes

• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help reduce period pain and improve overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of period pain relief exercise and moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate period pain. To manage stress, practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, including reducing period pain. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet can help regulate hormones and reduce inflammation, which may alleviate period pain.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These substances can worsen period pain and dehydration.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen can also be effective for relieving period pain, but it does not reduce inflammation.

Heat Therapy

• Apply heat: Applying heat to your abdomen or lower back can help relax muscles and reduce pain. Use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm compress.

Relaxation Techniques

• Yoga and meditation: These practices can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which may alleviate period pain.
• Deep breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind and body, reducing tension and pain.

Herbal Remedies

• Consult with a healthcare professional: Before using any herbal remedies, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe for you.
• Explore options: Chamomile, ginger, and cramp bark are some herbal remedies that may help alleviate period pain.

Dietary Supplements

• Magnesium: Some women find that taking magnesium supplements can help reduce period pain.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to menstrual cramps. If you are deficient, consider taking a vitamin D supplement.

Remember, listening to your body and finding what works best for you is important. If you continue to experience severe or persistent period pain, consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

Period Essentials to Reduce Period Pain

Your period should not interfere with your daily activities. A variety of products are available to keep you comfortable and dry; which one you choose is entirely up to you.

Several factors can help you narrow down your options, such as the activity you will be doing, the cost of the product, ease of use, and the product's environmental impact. To assist you in making your decision, we are putting our best recommendations below: -

1. SuperBottoms MaxAbsorb Period Underwear - The Stress-Free range of SuperBottoms' MaxAbsorb Period Underwear is an innovative, comfortable, and hassle-free replacement for wearing extras such as sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups during your period.

It's made from 60% Premium Plant-Based (Bamboo) fabric, 35% Cotton, and 5% Lycra. It's stretchy, soft, breathable, and rash-free, providing 8-10 hours of dry comfort with no leaks.

2. SuperBottoms Flow Lock Cloth Pads - SuperBottoms Flow Lock Cloth Pads are comfortable, rash-free, soft and naturally antibacterial. It is made from natural materials that are completely safe, healthy, and stress-free for your body as well as the environment. It also absorbs twice as much as standard cloth pads and has a super secure leak lock to prevent leaks.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional:

1. Severe or worsening pain: If your period pain is becoming increasingly severe or is interfering with your daily life, it's time to seek medical attention.

2. Pain that interferes with daily activities: If the pain prevents you from participating in normal activities or limits your ability to function, it's important to consult a doctor.

3. Abnormal bleeding: If you experience hefty bleeding, irregular bleeding, or bleeding between periods, it's important to see a healthcare provider.

4. Pelvic pain between periods: If you are experiencing pelvic pain between your periods, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Addressing any concerns about your menstrual health with a healthcare professional is important. They can help determine the underlying cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Key Takeaways

• Period pain is not normal. If you are experiencing severe or persistent period pain, it is a sign that something is amiss and should be addressed.
• Various factors can cause period pain. Hormonal changes, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other factors can contribute to period pain.
• There are effective ways to manage period pain. Lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, heat therapy, relaxation techniques, and herbal remedies can provide relief. If the pain is severe or persistent, it is important to seek medical attention.

FAQs:

Q1. How to reduce period pain at home without medication?

Ans. Here are some natural ways to reduce period pain at home without medication:

• Use heat therapy: Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to your abdomen or lower back.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Stay active: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days.
• Get enough rest: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol: These substances can worsen period pain.

Q2. Which is the best period pain relief exercise?

Ans. Yoga is often considered one of the best exercises for period pain relief. It combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, which can help relax the body, reduce stress, and alleviate pain. Specific poses like child's pose, cat-cow pose, reclining twist, and bridge pose can be particularly beneficial.

Q3. What to do in periods pain if you are travelling?

Ans. Here are some tips for managing period pain while travelling:

• Pack essentials: Bring pain relievers, heating pads, or other comfort items.
• Rest and relax: Take breaks and avoid overexertion.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Eat healthy: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Practice relaxation: Try deep breathing or meditation to manage stress.
• Seek medical advice if needed: Consult a healthcare professional if the pain is severe.

Message From SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! No matter where you are around the world or in India, SuperBottoms ensures your kids are using the best and safest products. SuperBottoms offers the best cloth diapers, which are completely safe and gentle for your baby, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, padded underwear for potty training your kids, and period underwear for women. These products suit your baby's delicate skin at any time of year. SuperBottoms is a must-have product for you and your child whether you live in Canada, Kuwait, the United States, Qatar, Hawaii, Bahrain, Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, or the Philippines. SuperBottoms products are also available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit.

Reference Links

1. Overview: Period pain
2. Menstrual cramps - Diagnosis and treatment