What treatments do you need during your period?

Menstrual pain is pain that occurs in the abdomen, back or pelvis during menstruation. This discomfort is not normal, but it is common. Over half of all women suffer from pain during their period, and surveys show that a staggering 90% of adolescent girls are affected. The pain can range from mild to severe and might hamper the ability to perform daily activities.

Although the old-school world frowns upon using any form of period pain treatment that isn’t natural, gynaecologists today recommend opting for these treatments.

This abnormal pain and discomfort during bleeding are known in medical terms as dysmenorrhoea. There are several period pain treatment options available.

Given below is a list of some of the most popular period pain treatment options:

● Avoid caffeine: food with caffeine and high salt content and fried food and chocolates should be avoided in the week leading up to your periods.  Chocolates are high in methylxanthines, which the liver must process and detoxify. An extra burden on the liver that is already busy processing hormones (and performing its many other vital functions) can aggravate symptoms.

● Use a hot-water bag: Using a hot-water bag can help ease cramps during your periods. They help the muscles relax and relieve pain and discomfort.

● Tap into ibuprofen: Popular painkillers like ibuprofen or other prescription painkillers. However, consult your gynaecologist first and find out all the side effects. Ibuprofen is the most effective period of pain treatment.

● Try a high-quality supplement: A good general one for all kinds of menstrual pain is fish oil. Omega-3 oils have a great anti-inflammatory effect on the body, especially when combined with a good diet. Besides consuming wild-caught fish from the ocean (not farm-raised!), try supplementing with a good quality fish oil like Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil. One daily will help decrease inflammation, as it is naturally high in Vitamins A, D3, and DHA and EPA.

● Get adequate sleep and exercise: the quality of sleep you get also elevates your period cramps. Exercising is also very important. Ample exercises everyday help in stretching out the muscles.

● Hormonal therapy, including oral contraceptives, can help lower menstrual cramps by up to 90%. The hormones do not allow the body to produce prostaglandin, averting uterine contraction. However, there are a few risks associated with hormonal therapy.

● Peppermint tea: One of the often recommended period pain treatment is the use of chamomile and peppermint tea. They are said to relieve cramps and relax the abdominal muscles.

See a gynaecologist rule out potentially serious underlying causes, especially if your condition persists or worsens. Sometimes of menstrual pain, however, dietary measures and holistic treatments are very effective in relieving pain and restoring a normal quality of life.