All content within this page has been reviewed by
Dr Tariq Miskry, Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician
Learning how to deal with period pain and menstrual cramps can be hugely helpful in adjusting to menstruation and enjoying puberty as best you can.
So here are our best tips for how to get rid of period pain (or at least decrease the pain):
Get moving
Yes, we know. You want to stay on the sofa. But resist that urge to remain curled up in a ball on the couch and get moving. Your body will thank you for it.
That’s because exercise releases endorphins – the feel-good hormones.
Endorphins actually change the way the brain processes pain, and therefore can make pain feel less intense. Pretty neat, huh?
Fitting in some light exercise can be as simple as doing a few minutes of yoga or taking a brisk walk around the block. The main thing is to increase your blood circulation, loosen up your muscles, and get those endorphins flowing.
Hug a heat pad or hot watter bottle
Applying heat to your crampy area can increase blood flow, which in turn helps loosen the muscles that are contracting and causing cramps.
Added bonus: you get to cuddle up all warm and cozy for some relaxation time. All in the name of how to stop period pain.
Take a warm bath or shower
Warm water can help relax your muscles and ease the pain in case you have period cramps.
Stay hydrated
Ok. So drinking water isn’t exactly how to stop period pain . But, it helps alleviate bloating, which can intensify cramps.
So, keep a water bottle handy and drink plenty of water to help ease your period pain.
Eat a balanced diet
Eat foods that are rich in fibre (like lentils, spinach, beans and vegetables) and try reducing foods that are fat and sugary.
This way you’ll stay healthy and give your body the right ingredients to fight period pain.
Rest
If your cramps are really bad, try resting. Take a quick snooze. You may wake up feeling refreshed and cramp-free.
Relax
Try to relax and avoid stress. Start by practicing deep breathing exercises.
Relaxing your muscles is the name of the game when it comes to managing cramps.
Skip the caffeine
Caffeine tends to make your blood vessels constrict. This can make cramping feel more intense.
During your period, skip the morning coffee and opt for a herbal tea instead!
Try an over-the-counter painkiller
Popping a painkiller may be the first thing that comes to mind when asked how to get rid of period pain.
Over-the-counter painkillers lower the levels of cramp-inducing chemicals in your body known as prostaglandins.
You can take a pain reliever when you start feeling crampy and inflamed, to try and side step feeling bad altogether.
Be sure to talk to your parents before taking any medication and always follow the dosage instructions on the box.
Visit a doctor
If you still find it difficult to deal with period cramps and think you might need some specific medication, talk to a trusted adult, or visit a doctor.
Be sure to combine your new ninja PMS- obliterating skills with some Always Ultra sanitary towels for a knock out combination.
Super absorbent and comfortable with up to 100% leakage protection, Always Ultra pads let you be your usual amazing, confident self even when you have your period.
Protect against heavy leakage during your period with Always Platinum period pads! They provide effective protection against leaks due to their special design and unique combination of an ultra-absorbent core and top sheet made of soft non-woven material containing 1000 micro-cushions acting as leakage barriers. Who said you can't feel comfortable AND protected?