There are so many things to love about being a woman, but I think we all can agree period cramps are not one.
Once a month, mother nature pays us a visit to remind us who's boss while silently beating our uteruses into submission. You've probably heard stories of women whose cramps are so painful that they it inhibit their everyday lives during that time of the month. Some women have to miss out on work and life's precious moments for the simple fact that their period keeps them bed-bound. Every woman doesn't experience period cramps the same but we can agree period cramps can be a bit aggravating.
One thing that may slip our minds about our period, is that the cramps we feel a due to a muscle (in our uterus) contracting in order to shed and keep the blood flowing. Like other muscle cramps, there are some great ways that you can beat your period cramps without turning to painkillers every few hours. Of course, period cramping is a spectrum, ranging from intermediate pain to severe. Those who fall at the latter end of the spectrum may indeed need to seek a professional, however, starting with some at-home remedies never hurt a soul.
Here are 6 for you to try:
Heating Pad
This is the age-old and most common answer to period cramps and that's because it works. The heat from the pad does wonders for soothing the pain associated with your period. If you've been sleeping on this you need to get with the program. Of course, this isn't a viable option for on the go.
Warm Bath
This is another one of the not-so-secret age-old remedies that work especially when you're home. Not only will a warm bath be what the doctor ordered for your cramps, but it also gives you an excuse for some much needed self-care.
CBD Muscle Cream
You may have been hearing about the hype surrounding the wonderful healing powers of CBD, but guess what? It's not hype and what you've heard is true. Many people use creams or balms with CBD for muscle soreness (specifically post-workout) but it is also great for period cramps. CBD can be applied topically to soothe cramps but it can be also used in other forms throughout your cycle (i.e. sublingually, through CBD infused snacks, Vaped). In addition to being the ultimate cure for period cramps, CBD is also a great way to deal with other PMS symptoms that some women may experience during that time of the month, such as anxiety and depression.
Pineapple Juice
This tasty fruit juice is more than the perfect mixer for your favorite cocktail. Pineapple juice contains an enzyme, brolemine, that is a natural muscle relaxer. Many people run to pineapple juice to induce their period because it helps the uterine lining shed but it also calms cramps.
Orgasm
If sex is your favorite form of exercise (or your only), you're in luck. A little (or a lot) of penetration has been proven to lessen period cramps so you may need to pencil in a D appointment or two with your partner during that time of the month. When you have sex, your body releases endorphins such as oxytocin and dopamine that act as natural pain relievers. If period sex isn't your cup of tea, you may want to reconsider.
Exercise
Same concept as sex--when you exercise, your body produces those natural mood lifting endorphins that also make coping with period pain 10 times easier. Even if you aren't usually in the gym, hitting the treadmill or taking a light jog outside is a holsitic way to minimize the cramps you experience.
Period cramps might seem like a pain - literally and figuratively - but they're not impossible to beat. What are some of your favorite ways to alleviate your period cramps?
Featured image by Getty Images
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