Natural remedies for menstrual pain

Menstrual pain is a fact of life for many women every month. Cramps, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue: this time of the month is definitely not a walk in the park! The pain that accompanies menstruation can be very uncomfortable for many women, but fortunately, there are several solutions to relieve and prevent it.

What is menstrual pain?

The vast majority of women experience varying degrees of menstrual pain. Mainly in the form of abdominal cramps, menstrual pain starts at the same time as menstruation or a few hours before. It typically lasts 2 to 3 days. Other symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, headaches or backaches, may also occur. 

Menstrual pain is more frequent in young women and tends to diminish over time. For some women, the pain is so intense that they have to miss work or school. That is why it is important to prevent or relieve it effectively.

Tips and tricks to relieve menstrual pain

Sometimes, the only practical option for relieving severe menstrual pain remains anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen. However, several natural solutions can be tried beforehand to relieve menstrual cramps:

• Heat application is known to be very effective in relieving painful menstruation. Taking a hot bath or applying hot water compresses to the lower abdomen is an excellent way to reduce menstrual cramps.
• Eat a healthy, varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• Although temptation is particularly strong during menstruation, it's best to avoid foods that are too sweet, fatty or salty, as these can aggravate menstrual pain.

Physical activity during menstruation

While it may be tempting to bundle up in cozy blankets while listening to your favourite TV series, being physically active during your period is recommended. In fact, physical exercise is beneficial in reducing the intensity and duration of menstrual pain. Sport can even help reduce menstrual flow.

A relatively gentle daily activity, such as yoga, walking, or swimming, is more than enough to oxygenate the body and soothe aches and pains. The aim is to remain in a relaxed state. High-intensity exercise is not necessary and can actually increase stress and pain. All you have to do is move your body and respect your limits.

Natural health products: effective or not?

Certain supplements and herbal remedies can help relieve menstrual pain naturally. Here are a few that can be tried, in combination with the measures mentioned above, before turning to medication:

Ginger

Its anti-inflammatory effect naturally relieves menstrual cramps and bloating. It is also widely used to counter the tummy troubles associated with menstrual pain.

Lavender

Lavender essential oil not only has a calming effect but is also said to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fennel

In an essential oil or seed form, fennel has antispasmodic properties; it reduces intense muscle contractions, which may help against menstrual cramps.

Fish oil 

In combination with vitamin B1 and/or vitamin E, With its anti-inflammatory effect, fish oil is said to help reduce menstrual pain. Its weak point: it can give you bad breath!

Before consuming any natural health product, it's best to consult a health professional to make sure it's safe for you. Just because they're natural doesn't mean they're safe; some natural products can interact with medications.

How to prevent menstrual pain

While there are many ways to relieve menstrual pain, either naturally or with medication, there aren't many ways to prevent it. The tips and tricks mentioned earlier can be tried 1 or 2 days before the start of menstruation to prevent menstrual pain from setting in.

Magnesium supplements are often used to prevent the onset of cramps and pain. In fact, menstrual cramps are thought to be linked to a lack of magnesium: a supplement could be the solution. Check with your healthcare provider to determine if a supplement is right for you.

For some women, using an oral contraceptive remains the best way to eliminate or at least reduce the unpleasant symptoms associated with menstruation.

Pain-free menstruation: It is possible!

There's no need to resign yourself to suffering every month during menstruation, as there are several ways to relieve menstrual pain. If your periods are preventing you from enjoying life to the full, don't hesitate to book an appointment with a healthcare professional for help!