'Menstrual cramps, it will go away after marriage', said my mom each time my sister or I suffered from period cramps. Not only my mom, every single female relative of ours gave us this same one liner. It was like a slogan that people used in tandem with period cramps.
Well, I don't blame them because I am sure my mom and all my Gen X relatives received the same piece of advice from their parents and grandparents. Plus it was and is still a taboo back in India to openly and socially talk about periods.
Whenever I had my period and/or cramps, my mom would hand me a hot water bag and that was it. By God's grace I never suffered major cramps unlike my younger sister and a few close friends. They who would be miserable with the pain. A couple of them would even be bed ridden and suffer atrocious pain the first two days.
Coming back to the marriage and cramps correlation, so there is no theory that has actually been backed by science. A simple explanation: sex releases endorphins in the body that can momentarily help reduce the pain but it's not the most effective solution.
I'm glad gone are the days when writing these cramp off as something that would go away after marriage was considered normal. These days there are so many non-invasive ways to deal with the cramps. Unless it is a serious case like ovarian cyst or sort, the pain related to period has become so manageable.
OTC ( over the counter medication )
NSAIDS like ibuprofen and naproxen can help manage pain. These are safe but should be taken only in the recommended dosage.
Heat
The old-time home remedy that we all use- heat. Applying heat to the abdomen and lower back can help alleviate some cramp pain. Just be careful as prolonged and too high heat can cause burns and chafing. Use intermittently.
Believe it or not I had my doubts about it's efficacy. But when I tried this Control menstrual cramp relief cream myself- I was super impressed! CONTROL is a topical cream that was specifically formulated to quickly relieve the pains related to menstrual cramping. Control goes on easily, absorbs quickly into the skin and goes directly to the pain area to provide long lasting relief. Women of all ages can now get pain relief in just minutes without the side effects or dangers associated with taking oral drugs. I am so glad I found it, I shall be stocking up on it for when my daughter starts her menstruation.
ESSENTAIL OILS
Massaging with some essential oils can give relief from period pain. Oils like lavender, marjoram, sage, grapeseed, and sweet almond are considered helpful in managing the pain.
Herbal treatment
Anti-inflammatory herbs like chamomile, fennel, cinnamon, ginger, dill are some of the herbs that can alleviate period pain. Add them in your tea or make a concoction, I've tried herbal treatment and it's effective but not one hundred percent. Good thing it is all natural, so there is nothing to loose unless you have any allergies to the aforementioned herbs.
The idea of exercise immediately before or during your period may not appeal to you. But exercising releases endorphins and is effective at reducing menstrual pain to the extent it may also eliminate or reduce the need for pain-relief medication. Moderate activity such as walking can be beneficial during your period in place of more strenuous activity.
Yoga is a gentle exercise that also releases endorphins and helps prevent or reduce menstrual symptoms. Three different yoga poses - Cobra, Cat, and Fish - significantly reduced intensity and duration of pain during menstruation. I've tried the yoga poses and its has always helped me handle post and pre menstrual stress well.
REIKI
Less heard of but Reiki can help get rid of period cramp pains for good. Reiki is an ancient Japanese art of energy healing. I've never tried it before but I've heard success stories of women with endometriosis and unbearable period cramps. Learn more abbey this healing process HERE.
Which ones from the above have you tried to manage period cramp pain?
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