Its that time of the month again, and it’s never fun. From changing your bathroom habits to food cravings It’s, sleep problems, bloating and mood swings (usually irritable), fatigue and tender breasts, it’s no wonder periods can be so uncomfortable. Most of these symptoms start before your menstrual cycle even begins, serving as a warning sign of what’s to come. And then there’s the period cramps. If you’re one of the one-in-eight women who experience menstrual cramps during your cycle, you’re in for a nasty surprise. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand why you even get period cramps and find some relief from period pain relief. Today, we will talk about how to calm period cramps naturally.

To comprehend the causes of menstrual cramps, it is important to understand the purpose of the menstrual cycle itself.

During a woman’s reproductive cycle, her body undergoes preparations for potential pregnancy on a monthly basis. Menstruation, commonly known as a period, occurs when the uterus sheds its lining. This shedding is intended to ready the uterus for the possibility of receiving and nourishing a fertilized egg.

As a result of this shedding, blood and tissue are released from the uterus. However, along with menstruation comes a range of symptoms, varying from bothersome to painful, including cramps.

The process of shedding the uterine lining involves contractions of the muscles and blood vessels in the uterus. These contractions can lead to cramping sensations in the lower abdomen and back. The experience of period cramps can differ among women, with some experiencing only mild discomfort while others endure severe pain that interferes with daily activities.

Following menstruation, which typically lasts for three to seven days, the uterine lining begins to regrow and thicken. As time progresses, ovulation takes place.

If ovulation occurs without the presence of a fertilized egg, it signals to the body that it is time to initiate the menstrual cycle once again.

And so, the cycle continues.

Since primary dysmenorrhea or regular period pain is not caused by any medical condition, there is no permanent solution to this pain. This pain will be more or less as long as your period lasts. However, with increasing age, the intensity of this pain decreases.

Primary dysmenorrhea can be treated in two ways.

1) Pharmacological treatment (drugs, hormonal therapy)

2) Non-pharmacological treatment or natural pain relief.

In this post we will talk about non-pharmacological treatment or natural ways to relieve pain-

1) Shake your back or lower abdomen with a heating pad or hot water bottle to calm period cramps.

2) Avoid tea, coffee or caffeinated foods completely. Many people have a habit of drinking tea or coffee when they have a headache during their period. It is important to exclude it.

3) If there is a habit of smoking or drinking it should be avoided.

4) Massage lightly on the back and abdomen.

5) Take a hot shower or bath with hot water.

6) Avoid sugar or sweets altogether. Many of you have a craving for chocolate or sweets. Chocolate or sweets can increase period pain

7) Regular sex helps reduce menstrual pain for married couples.

There are some exercises that help reduce period cramps, especially Kegel exercises and yoga. You can try them.

Regular intake of certain herbs and supplements can significantly reduce your period cramps-

1) Omega 3

2) Zinc

3) Magnesium

4) Evening primrose oil

5) Peppermint

The dosage of the supplement depends on your age, height, weight.

Herbs include-

1) Ginger – Ginger reduces inflammation in the body. So ginger works very well for period pain. You can drink ginger tea (without tea leaves) or 2 grams of ginger powder mixed in water during period days.

2) Chamomile Tea – Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to relax your body. So regular consumption of chamomile tea can reduce period cramps.

3) Cinnamon – Studies have shown that cinnamon tea is very effective in reducing menstrual cramps.

4) Peppermint tea- Peppermint is very effective in reducing period cramps. You can drink peppermint tea on the days of your period.

5) Turmeric Tea – Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and red pepper, they are effective in reducing period pain. Regular consumption of turmeric tea reduces period cramps along with irregular period problems.

6) Fennel and Liquor ice – These two herbs help in calm period cramps. So, you can notice a lot of improvement in your menstrual pain by having this tea in your regular diet and during your period.

Now let’s see what to do for secondary dysmenorrhea-

The above measures are also very effective in reducing the pain of secondary dysmenorrhea. But yes, when you have extreme period pain then everyone should do some tests first to see if there is any problem. If these tests reveal any problems like PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Hormonal Imbalance then you must solve these problems before taking the above remedies. Because in 70/80% of cases, when these problems are resolved, period cramps are reduced to a large extent.

Here some more quick tips to calm period cramps you can do at your home.