15 Fast Ways to Get Rid of Stomach Pain during Menstruation
For some women, menstruation can be very bothering, thanks to menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps often attack before, during, or even after your period. Menstrual cramps are referred to as “dysmenorrhea” by medical experts.
Types of Camps during Menstruation
There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is when the cramps strike before and during your period. Secondary dysmenorrhea is when the cramps strike after the period.
Before menstruation begins, the level of prostaglandin hikes up. It is a hormone that triggers contractions in the uterus. The contraction can cause pain and inflammation when the muscle contracts too strongly. The muscle can press against blood vessels which for a brief moment cuts of oxygen supply to uterus leading to lack of oxygen and causing the menstrual cramp.
The levels of pain range from mild to severe. Even some women are lucky to not experience the pain at all. As time goes by, menstrual cramps usually become less and less painful. It may even stop for good after you give born to your first baby.
Causes of Camps during Menstruation
There are no scientific proofs that point out the causes of menstrual cramp. However, some women have bigger risks to experience stomach pain during menstruation. These are the factors:
- Genetics factor
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Irregular periods
- Never have a baby
- Reaching puberty before 11
- Smoking habit
So, here are alternative ways to get rid of stomach pain during menstruation:
1. Papaya
Papaya is rich in anti-inflammatory agents such as iron, carotene, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamins C. The agents will help to relieve muscle contractions. Eat a large amount of papaya a few days before your period and continue during the period as well. This can work as pain reliever.
2. Basil (Tulsi)
Basil contains with analgesic properties that relieves pain. And good news! It’s done without any side effect. Follow these simple steps:
- Add few basil leaves in a cup of water
- Boil the water for a few minutes until the good substance contained in the leaves
- Turn off the stove and cover the pot
- Allow the water to cool
- Drink the water every few hours to relieve pain
3. Ginger
Ginger is another natural herb that is not only yummy but also helps to lessen stomach pain during menstruation. Follow these simple steps:
- Grate some ginger
- Put them in a cup of water
- Boil the water for about 4 to 5 minutes
- Filter the water, add honey and few drops of lemon juice
- Drink this 2 to 3 times a day during periods
4. Carrot Juice
One of the factors that cause period cramps is irregular cycle. Carrots will help to keep your period cycle in regular schedule. Drink a glass or two carrot juice before or during your periods every day.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is your friend during periods. It is an excellent antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-clotting that will relieve your cramps. Follow these simple steps:
- Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder to a cup of hot water
- Let it steep for a bit
- Add a spoonful of honey and sip
- Do this 2-3 times a day a few days before your periods to prevent cramps
Try those ways to get rid of stomach pain during menstruation fast.
6. Massage Abdomen with Essential Oil
Essential oils, especially the aromatic ones, have been scientifically proven to relieve menstrual cramps. Only use diluting pure essential oils, but as a precaution, remember to not directly pour the oils all over your abdomen. Apply small amount of the oils onto small area of your skin to see if there is any irritation. Also read about How to Get Good Sleep When Stressed
7. Take a Warm Bath
Heat will help to relax contractions and will bring blood flow to pelvic area. Take a warm bath and relax yourself to ease your menstrual cramps. You may also take a look on Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Dark Armpit
8. Meditation or Yoga
Yoga or meditation strengthen your body and alleviate the pain caused by menstrual cramps. Regularly practice yoga to rise up your resistance against pain.
9. Improving Your Diet
Vegetables is always a good idea. Reduce fat and increase your vegetables intake in your diet. As a start, eat less fats contained in animal products such as, and choose a lot healthier ones like unsaturated fats contained in olive oil.
10. Herbal Tea
Having warm drink to ease your cramps is no longer a myth. Research shows that drinking tea combined with peppermint oil before periods will help to relieve. Enjoy the tea for three times a day.
11. Fish Oil and Vitamin B1
Another natural ingredients to ease period cramps is by taking fish oil supplements or vitamin B1. Research shows teenagers who take fish oil, vitamin B1, or combination of both significantly experience less painful period cramps. This herbal is also work as ways on How to Cure Chapped Lips in 5 Minutes with Home Remedies
12. Acupuncture
The main principle of acupuncture is relaxing nervous system. As we have discussed, cramps happens because of muscle contractions. Hence, acupuncture will help to ease the muscle. The practitioners believe that acupuncture has an anti-inflammatory effect. However, more evaluation is needed to proof the statement.
13. Heating Pad
Heating pad works with the same principle as taking warm bath. Heat reduces pain and when it is combined with ibuprofen, you may expect your painful cramps will be completely gone.
You can make your own heating pad with only two things: warm water and a glass bottle. Fill the glass bottle with warm water, and close it. Put it or roll it over your abdomen to relieve the pain.
14. Exercise to Release Endorphins
Do you know that endorphins have pain-relieving effect? Not only that it helps to boost up your mood, endorphins will also relief the pain in your stomach. Activities that release endorphins include orgams and working out. Regular working out before your period begins is highly advised. Do simple training like stretching after waking up in the morning or simple aerobics. You may also check out the Tips for Weight Loss for Thyroid Patient
15. Take painkillers or birth control pills
When your situation is urgent but your stomach is inconvenient, you may now rely on painkillers. Take a safe painkillers and do not exceed the regulated dose. Birth control pills also helps to relieve painful cramps.
How to Prevent Stomach Pain During Menstruation
- Be well prepared– drink the remedies or fish supplements a day or two before your period begins. If your period is in irregular cycle, take the first sign of pain to start the remedies.
- Heat up– relax and calm down your nerves with warm water.
- Distraction– it feels more painful when you focus on it. Try another thing to do to distract your mind.
- Do not eat sweets or salty snacks
- Stay hydrated
- Check up to your doctor
If the pain is persistent or stops you in your tracks every time, consult a doctor to rule out any medical issues. Indeed, there are many ways to get rid of stomach pain during menstruation. Choose ways that are applicable to you and stay healthy!
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