Period cramps.
They’re just no fun.
There are no ifs or buts about it.
And yet, they are a natural part of menstruation. How to stop period cramps is a hot topic for those who experience them every month.
Good news - there are ways of learning how to deal with period cramps. There is truly no need to suffer!
Here are few tried and tested tips for how to stop period cramps:
1 Get moving
Yes, we know. Moving can be the last thing on your mind when you’re crampy and barely feel like getting out of your sweats.
But resist the urge to remain curled up in a ball on the couch. Instead, get moving.
Movement and exercise are some of the most natural ways to stop period cramps.
Exercise increases blood circulation and loosens up your muscles, both of which can make period cramps less painful.
Exercise also releases endorphins – the feel-good hormones. Endorphins actually change the way the brain processes pain, making it feel less intense.
Pretty neat, huh? Try some yoga poses. Even a short walk around the block can go a long way.
Your body will thank you for it.
2 Hug a heat pad or hot water bottle
Hugging a heat pad or hot water bottle is one of the most popular ways to stop period cramps.
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 cosy for some relaxation time.
3 Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps reduce bloating, which intensifies cramps.
So, keeping a water bottle handy can be another helpful tool in your arsenal for how to deal with period cramps.
4 Avoid caffeine
Lay off the lattes and iced coffees. These restrict your blood vessels, making period pains more intense.
5 Consider an over-the-counter pain medication
When all else fails, popping a pain killer may be the next thing that comes to mind when asked how to stop period cramps.
Over-the-counter pain killers lower the levels of cramp-inducing messenger molecules in your body known as prostaglandins.
Be sure to talk to your parents before taking any medication and always follow the dosage instructions on the box.
6 Get prepared!
If there’s a silver lining to getting period cramps, it’s that they often start a day or two before your period.
This gives you a nice (if uncomfortable!) heads up that your period is on its way, and enough to time to check if your supply of pads and tampons is fully replenished from last month’s period.
You can also start wearing pantyliners to catch that first bit of period blood when it starts.
After all, there’s nothing worse than a surprise period stain on your knickers.
Always Dailies pantyliners are great for this because the absorbent core ensures protection throughout the day and they are so thin and flexible that you barely feel them.
Learning ways to stop period cramps will go a long way in not letting your period derail your life. So, hopefully you now feel more prepared to know how to stop period cramps before they stop you.
