The human body is a cellular maze of countless biological systems that perform distinct functions essential for survival. Many body functions, for example, women’s menstruation cycle, do more than one specific thing. Every month, almost every woman goes through her menstrual cycle, a biological structure heavily responsible for the reproductive system. The menstrual cycle is also the body’s way of preparing for a possible pregnancy. A significant issue for most women regarding their menstruation cycle is the pain they experience in the first day or two. Some women go to the hospital due to the high intensity of the pain. Even though many over-the-counter medications reduce period pain, many at-home remedies have proven to be as effective today.
The menstruation cycle is a vital system of the female anatomy; besides being responsible for our reproductive system, it also provides other benefits. Monitoring your menstruation cycle says a lot about whether hormones function well or are out of balance. It also provides insight into our metabolic health, thyroid, and bone status. Dysmenorrhea, more commonly known as period pain, is the biological term for menstrual cramps in the lower abdomen. Women experience cramps before and sometimes throughout their monthly cycle. The uterus lining causes various effects on the body; women often experience headaches, stomach pain, and general discomfort. Continuous period pain can occur for different reasons, such as premenstrual syndrome, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Aside from applying heat to your abdominal area and taking hot showers to help relax the muscles, here are some natural at-home remedies that can relieve some pain, if not all.
Natural period pain remedies to try at home
Liquids
For women who suffer from bloating, drinking water can diminish some of the discomfort and muscle contractions resulting from your period. Aside from consuming water regularly, drinking warm and hot liquids can relieve period muscle cramps and boost your body’s blood flow.
There are certain types of tea blends that contain anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agents that alleviate uterus cramping. For example, Chamomile tea is known to be a simple and at-home remedy for menstrual cramps. Furthermore, herbal teas are stress relievers and can assist individuals who have insomnia.
Nutrition
What women consume during their menstrual cycle can heavily impact period-related discomfort. Following an anti-inflammatory food diet stimulates our bodily blood flow and eases uterus cramps. You can find a lot of natural cramp-related food such as berries, pineapples, tomatoes, almonds, walnuts, and even fatty fish (salmon).
Concentrating on food with low fat, low sugar, and salt level is important since the latter are known to increase bloating and inflammation. Replace fatty snacks with healthy ones, like snacking on fruits or unsalted nuts, if your sugar craving is high.
Movement
Despite sounding contradictory, exercising is a great way to boost your endorphin body production and ease tensed muscles. You do not have to do an intense session, but easy exercises, like yoga, stretching, or walking, can reduce period pain.
According to a National Center for Biotechnology Information study, massage therapy is a proven menstrual pain reducer, especially for women with endometriosis. Focused massage therapy to the abdominal area targets period pain; regular full-body massages diminish overall stress levels and subsequently reduce menstrual pain.
As the female body grows, it also passes through many stages: from early period years leading to menopause. Listening to our bodies and understanding how they function is important to maintain physical and mental wellness. Although every woman has a unique menstrual cycle compatible with her physiology, learning about our processes can help us identify needed health interventions. Dedicate time to understanding your cycle better and how it affects your overall health, hygiene, and body functions.
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