Periods or Menstruation is the most important development that marks the onset of puberty in a girl’s life. ‘Menarche’ is the term used to define the start of periods and it generally happens between the age group of 12- 14 years. Period is the monthly discharge of blood that repeats itself after every 28 days to complete each menstrual cycle. Periods generally last for 5- 7 days.
The cycle is marked by changes in hormones which results into conditions such as Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS and menstrual cramps. PMS is marked by symptoms such as headache, mood swings, migraines, acne and many others and thus women while on their periods often experience extreme range of emotions from anxiety to depressions which are at times difficult to predict and understand. However, Period Cramps are the sum total of all the pain that accompanies the blood flow and mood changes. The symptoms of cramps are a pain in the hip region, pressure on the belly region and also vomits, upset stomach and loose stools.
Cramps are often known as ‘Dysmenorrhea’ that occur due to muscle contractions. The pain is experienced differently by all, it can be avoidable or moderate but in some cases it becomes extreme. Menstrual cramps occur due to excessive development of ‘prostaglandin’ that is released from the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandin helps the endometrium discharge the blood. Cramps begin immediately after the discharge of egg and its movement to the fallopian tube and remains at its peak during the initial days of the period. It generally occurs in the lower abdomen and continues for 2- 4 days. Sometimes, the cramps start even before the periods. The cramps are considered barbaric in a woman’s life and so the pain sometimes becomes intolerable. Recent movies like ‘Period: End of Sentence’, an Oscar winning movie is instrumental in talking and creating awareness about menstruation but the real pain that a woman goes through is often hard to understand and feel. So, here are some methods on how to relieve period cramps fast-
How To Stop Period Pain Naturally:
1. The most common solution on how to stop period pain naturally that your family offers when you crib about your cramps is to take a good amount of rest. Well, we often tend to ignore it but we should always realize that good sleep is the best relief to forget about the cramps for the brief duration of sleep. Take a healthy sleep and never skip the sleep due to pain, often in cases of Insomnia. Insomnia can create disturbing effects, so an adequate amount of sleep manages both the well being and also reduces the pain. To get a healthy sleep, one is advised to avoid over usage of TV, Computer and mobile phones at least when on your period.
2. The most common help that our grand- mothers provide is to use hot water bags. The heat therapy is considered one of the best ways to reduce cramps as it is cheap and causes no side effects, instead shows its positive effects in a few minutes .We cannot deny that this is the best relief in times of such unbearable pain.
3. Another way to reduce the cramps through the Heat therapy is to take a bath in warm water. The warm water bath helps to relax the muscles and eventually reduces the cramps. Even, covering the body with a warm towel works as a miracle to reduce cramps.
4. Massaging at specific points of the abdomen turns fruitful in an attempt to reduce the cramps for as little as 5 minutes. One may consult a therapist to learn about these specific points and then continue the massaging at home and use massaging oils enriched with lavender to work for the same purpose.
5. Vitamin D like chamomile tea prevents the secretion of prostaglandin which is responsible for the contraction of uterus and eventually to the shedding of the lining of the uterus. As we know this shedding is the root cause behind the increment of cramps, so we should take an adequate amount of sunlight to reduce the pain significantly. Instead of rushing to the doctor for Vitamin D capsules, we can simply stay at home and enjoy a sun bath which also reduces menstrual cramps.
6. Exercise is one of the very few remedies that work in all sorts of ailments. Exercise not only promotes the wellbeing but also is helpful in painful periods. There is a misconception that exercise can lead to heavy discharge of blood but we should understand that exercise helps in relaxing the muscles and thus reduces the cramps. A daily routine of exercise works best in this case. Exercise not only reduces stress, symptoms of PMS but also decreases the pain.
7. Performing Yoga to stretch and stimulate the abdomen is also a fruitful exercise in order to learn how to reduce menstrual pain instantly. The recommended yoga asanas are Bridge, staff - pose and bound angle.
Diet:
1. Drink plenty amount of water because that helps to ease the bloating which is accompanied with cramps. Vomiting is a common symptom that occurs during periods, so to avoid dehydration or loss of fluids drinking an adequate amount of water becomes very important in reducing period cramps. One can also drink pitchers of various fruits to balance the fluid content and stay refreshed.
2. The body undergoes hormonal changes, so one may want to eat a variety of food while on their period. Anti- inflammatory foods are one of the best options such as blueberries, tomatoes, squash and others. Skipping refined foods, sugar, bread, pasta and other trans-fatty foods like French fries, cookies is often recommended by doctors. One should also refrain from alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine as they increase inflammation and may encourage period cramps and make the condition even worse. Caffeine has developed itself as an addiction in reducing and keeping away from any form of tension. Although it works as a stress reliever, yet it is not advisable for the ones experiencing menstrual cramps. Any form of caffeine like coffee, chocolate carries chance to increase the pain, thus as an alternative one can drink pitchers as already mentioned above and protein powder that can help in reducing the pain accompanied with the monthly discharge of blood.
3. Sip chamomile tea. It restrains the development of prostaglandins which are responsible for provoking the cramps. Thus, a sip of chamomile tea helps to ease the period cramps.
4. The intake of fennel is one of the easiest techniques in reducing the cramps.
5. A sprinkle of cinnamon helps in reducing the chances of vomiting and also reduces the cramps. Thus, it is advisable to sprinkle cinnamon in your food to lessen the cramps.
6. Another way to escape doctors and reduce the pain through the diet is to eat ginger. Ginger is instrumental in reducing menstrual cramps and is often considered one of the most important anti-drugs to ease the painful cycle of periods.
7. Dill is another herb which is a good anti drug in these cases. The Dill powder often works as the best way to fight the period pains.
8. Curcumin, a member of the ginger family benefits those undergoing unbearable menstrual cramps.
9. Fish oil and the intake of Vitamin B1 helps the period pains to not last for a long time and also reduces the period cramps.
10. Calcium is another nutrient that not only provides healthy bones but also help ones who are undergoing the painful periods. Research has proved that women who take a good amount of calcium have less painful periods as compared to the ones who tend to ignore the importance of calcium. The low- fat dairy products, orange juice, salmon and other calcium rich food are suggested to all women who are looking for some easy remedies in reducing their menstrual pain.
11. Magnesium rich foods such as almonds, spinach, cashews and peanuts help in leading a period cycle that is less painful.
How To Reduce Menstrual Pain Instantly With Medical Remedies:
2. As a part of medical treatment, Acupuncture is a technique to stimulate various trigger points and help is achieving the specific result. Thus, an Acupuncturist use needles to trigger such points or spots in a woman’s body to reduce menstrual cramps. Such pressure points once stimulated become an effective remedy. As this therapy is drug free, it has no side effects and is a safe medical remedy.
3. A routine health check up can also help in reducing the menstrual pain as a regular follow up allows the doctor to recommend a particular medical advice in these cases.
Conclusion:
Period pain is often considered normal, but it is important for us to take into consideration the above mentioned remedies on how to relieve period cramps fast and follow them regularly so that we can lead a pain free cycle of periods and enjoy to the fullest even while menstruating. Although the pain experienced by all is different, yet the above remedies on how to stop period pain fast and naturally are sure to suit all and become instrumental in reducing even the extreme pains.