Cramping Your Style: 7 Ways to Soothe Menstrual Cramps. Period cramps? The worst. Anyone who menstruates knows how frustrating and sometimes debilitating menstrual cramps can be. And sometimes, it can feel like nothing offers the relief you crave. While you can’t eliminate cramping completely, there are some trusty tactics to keep in your back pocket that may ease your pains and help you feel like yourself again.
But first, what are menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps, otherwise known as dysmenorrhea, are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen. They typically occur just before a menstrual period. Why? During your period, the uterus contracts to help eliminate its lining. Prostaglandins, which are like hormones, trigger the uterine muscle contractions. The higher the prostaglandins, the more severe the cramping. Sometimes, it’s a slight discomfort, other times, it can really get in the way of your day to day schedule! Conditions like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and others can also cause cramping. The good news is, the pain tends to lessen with age, and especially after childbirth.
What are the symptoms?
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Throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen
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Pain that starts 1 to 3 days before your period, peaks 24 hours after the onset of your period and subsides in 2 to 3 days
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Dull, continuous ache
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Pain that radiates to your lower back and thighs
Some women also have:
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Nausea
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Loose stools
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Headache
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Dizziness
What can I do about menstrual pain?
Aside from taking over the counter pain relievers like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Midol, there are a few other ways to help get relief.
1. Apply heat
According to a 2018 study, applying heat to your abdomen and lower back may help treat menstrual pain. Heat applied to the lower abdomen or back can help relax the muscles in the uterus, which are contracting during menstruation. This relaxation can reduce the intensity of cramps. Heating pads, hot water bottles, heat patches, or a warm bath may make a big difference in your pain levels.
2. Exercise regularly
We get it; working out is probably the last thing you feel like doing right now. Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga can help relieve period cramps by releasing endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers. Don’t overdo it with intensity; keeping workouts light, especially if you are experiencing fatigue is best.
3. Have sex
Another thing on the list that may not appeal to you right now… but we promise it can help! Much like that workout, having sex releases feel-good hormones and endorphins which help eliminate pain. Orgasms also cause uterine contractions, which may expel menstrual blood and reduce cramping. It’s a win-win! Chat with your partner to see if they are on board, or discover some solo pleasure.
4. Try a CBD suppository
Hunter Intimacy Melts with CBD are suppositories packed with full spectrum CBD goodness, bringing comfort, relaxation and lubrication. These little wonders help enhance tissue oxygenation, body relaxation, and can be used as a daily moisturizer to support skin elasticity, ease tension, and provide lasting relief from menstrual discomfort. Recent studies show that CBD can have a major positive impact on menstrual symptoms.
5. Choose food wisely
You probably want to reach for the Cheetos right now, but maintaining a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet can help keep cramps at bay. Think: lots of leafy, vitamin-rich vegetables, lean meats, and nuts and seeds. Studies also show that potassium-rich foods like bananas can help too. Another important factor: Alcohol, caffeine, and highly processed foods can trigger more painful cramping. Know what feels good for your body and stick to it!
6. Get a massage
In case you need a reason to book a spa day, massage therapy can be an effective way to relieve menstrual cramps. Massage of the abdomen and lower back can help relax and reduce tension in the muscles, and improve blood flow, potentially easing pain. Incorporate a CBD-infused massage oil like Slide Intimacy Oil into the mix for an extra dose of soothing power.
7. Try acupuncture
Feeling like nothing is working for you? Acupuncture may be worth a shot. Studies suggest acupuncture can help regulate blood flow, release endorphins, and reduce inflammation, all of which can contribute to pain relief. The potential release of hormones like endorphins can help ease cramps, duration of pain, and other period symptoms like headaches.
8. Slow it down
While the pressures and responsibilities of life can leave you with an overflowing workload, this “moon-time” is asking you to pay attention, to perhaps slow your roll and take a little more time for yourself. What can you do to create a little more spaciousness and rest?
Still in pain?
If your pain is feeling unbearable, you are having sudden changes in your pain levels, or your cramps are accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or chills, we suggest consulting with a healthcare professional about your symptoms to receive treatment.
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Whether you're navigating menopause, postpartum recovery, or simply seeking to enhance intimacy and increase arousal, our body-safe, hormone-friendly formulas are designed to support pleasure, connection, and natural balance at every stage of life.
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