Picture this scenario. You’ve woken up bright and cheerful, have listed out your to-dos and are all set for a day of productive, focused work. Just as you’re about to get started, bang! Period pain hits you – literally below the belt – and messes up all your good intentions!
Period pain is a reality of many women’s lives, and it can seriously interfere in your daily life. But you also have a solution of using a heat patch!
Considering that a woman menstruates for approximately 40 years of her life, period pain can be a major disruptor of regular activities. In order to tackle this issue, it helps to understand why you get period pain in the first place. And what are some solutions to tackle the period pain relief, like a heat patch that helps to provide period pain relief.
But first, let us understand period pain and why do you get it. And you’ll read more about the best remedies for period pain too!
Why do you get period pain?
Period pain is also called dysmenorrhea, and refers to painful symptoms that start before menstruation and continue during the course of the period. Your period occurs when there is no fertilized egg at the end of a menstrual cycle and the uterus has to get rid of all the lining it has built up in the course of the month. To do this, the muscles of the uterus contract and relax to shed the lining, which comes out along with blood. This action is triggered by changes in the levels of certain hormones, especially prostaglandins.
Prostaglandin levels gradually increase as menstruation approaches and are highest on the first day of the new menstrual cycle. This explains why period pain is the maximum during this stage. As the uterine lining is shed and prostaglandin levels drop, the pain subsides.
Period pain looks different for each woman, and can appear like any one or a combination of these symptoms:
- Intense cramping or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen
- A dull ache in the abdominal region that is ongoing
- A feeling of pressure in the abdomen
- Pain that seems to radiate towards the lower back and thighs
- Lower abdominal pain accompanied by headache or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Altered bowel movements or diarrhea
- Intense fatigue
Generally, period pain begins 1-3 days before the period, and peaks in the 24 hours before menstruation starts. It usually subsides in a few days, although some women suffer for longer. For some women, the pain is mild and a mere annoyance. For many other women, however, it can be severely limiting. Studies show that over half the women who menstruate suffer some kind of period pain, while 1 in 5 women experience extreme dysmenorrhea. These are some factors that may be why some women have more intense dysmenorrhea than others:
- Being under the age of 20
- Going through menarche (getting your first period)
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Growths in the uterus
- Family history of period pain
- Early menarche, at 11 years of age or earlier
- Having delivered a baby
- Use of birth control pills
5 Best Natural Remedies for Period Pain
Generally speaking, period pain is harmless and does not require medical intervention in most cases. However, they can affect your daily activities like work, study, exercise and going out. Rather than suffering through the pain, you can try out some simple, natural remedies for period pain that can greatly improve your quality of life during these days of the month.
1. Using a Heat Patch for period pain
Period pain is caused by the contracting of the uterine muscles, and applying heat to relax the muscles can ease the pain. Applying a heat patch to the lower abdomen also boosts blood circulation to the area that helps flush out excess prostaglandins and decrease pain. Using a heat patch for period pain is one of the best solutions for this.
There are many ways to apply a heat patch to the pelvic region, such as electric heating pads or the more traditional hot water bags. However, these can be cumbersome to use, since they don’t stay in place and aren’t travel-friendly. On the other hand, a heat patch is smaller and easier to use. It also doubles up as a good heat patch for cramps and provides period pain relief.
You can make your own heating patch with pieces of fabric together and uncooked rice. However, you can save yourself the trouble and buy a natural heat patch that is ready to use. One good option is the Urban Yog heat patch that is self-heating and comes with an adhesive layer. The good part is that this is also a good heat patch for back pain as well.
While something like a hot water bottle can offer relief, it needs to be constantly refilled and is certainly not travel friendly. This is a huge advantage with a heat patch like the Urban Yog heat patch, since it heats up on its own and doesn’t require any other step like microwaving, filling with hot water or connecting to an electrical socket.
Today’s women and girls are active and have multiple interests outside the home, which means you need a period pain solution that is portable. The Urban Yog heat patch can be easily slipped into your purse so that it is available whenever you need it. It is small enough to be applied directly on the affected area and practically disappears behind your clothes so you don’t have to worry about it being visible.
The Urban Yog heat patch is made with 100% natural and biodegradable ingredients like activated carbon, natural salt, vermiculite (clay) and iron. This means that not only is it safe for you, it is also safe for our planet once you’re done using the patch.
The heat patch is easy enough to use even for young girls who’re just starting on their period. The heat patches are hygienically packed in individual packs. As soon as you open the cover, the patch begins to heat up on its own. Peel off the transparent layer and stick it directly on the affected area, whether it is the lower abdomen or back. The patch reaches optimal temperature in about 15-20 minutes and provides relief for up to 10 hours.
2. Abdominal Massage
Massages are well known to relieve pain and they work well for period pain too. An abdominal massage targeting specific points on the lower abdomen, sides and back is effective, especially if done a week before menstruation starts.
Using essential oils may increase the benefits, particularly aromatic oils like lavender, rose and peppermint that also improve mood. Essential oils need to be diluted with carrier oils like sweet almond oil or olive oil, in a ratio of one drop per one teaspoon of carrier oil. A heat patch for cramps also works to give relief to abdominal pain.
3. Herbs and Spices
There are many herbs and spices that have benefits when it comes to period pain, and most of these are easily available in our kitchens.
- Turmeric – The main compound of turmeric, curcumin, contains anti-inflammatory properties that affect neurotransmitter levels which help decreasing pain.
- Chamomile – Chamomile is soothing and also lowers the levels of prostaglandins, thereby reducing abdominal pain and headaches.
- Ginger – Ginger lowers the levels of prostaglandins in the body while also reducing bloating and fatigue. Ginger can also help make irregular menstrual cycles more regular.
- Fennel – Fennel works to reduce the impact of uterine contractions, which are the main cause of period pain. Fennel also eases digestive troubles associated with period pain.
4. Nutrient-rich Diet
Sometimes, nutritional deficiencies can make period pain worse, and it helps to ensure that you are consuming a diet rich in these essential Vitamins and minerals:
- Magnesium – Magnesium eases cramping in the uterus and lowers the risk of endometriosis. Magnesium can be found in almonds, cashews, peanuts, black beans, spinach and yogurt.
- Manganese – Like magnesium, manganese also helps in easing cramping during periods. Nuts and seeds are good sources of manganese, like almonds, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
- Iron – Iron is a nutrient most women are deficient in, and which is further lost during menstruation. Iron is found in chicken, fish, red meat and green leafy vegetables like spinach.
- Calcium – Calcium reduces period pain and boosts the health of muscles, including those of the uterus. Dairy products are a rich source of calcium, along with almonds, sesame seeds and green leafy vegetables.
- Boron – Boron improves the absorption of calcium and also reduces the length and intensity of period pain. Foods rich in boron include peanuts, prunes, chickpeas, bananas and avocados.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – These have anti-inflammatory properties and also help decrease levels of prostaglandins. Flax seeds and fish oil are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Yoga
Many women don’t prefer heavy workouts during their period, which is why yoga is a great choice to stay physically active during this time. Yoga also relaxes the mind and releases endorphins that are mood-boosters. The best yoga poses for period pain are:
- Baddha Konasana (Cobbler’s Pose/Bound Angle Pose)
- Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle)
- Upavistha Konasana (Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend)
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
- Balasana (Child’s Pose)
- Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
- Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Malasana (Garland Pose)
- Savasana (Corpse Pose)
During periods, it is best to avoid inverted poses that interfere with the natural period flow, such as shoulder stands or head stands.
Do’s and Don’ts of using Urban Yog Heat Patch
Do:
- Leave the cover unopened till it’s time for use
- Stick the patch directly on the affected area
- Store the patch at room temperature
- After use, dispose of the patch in the bin
- Keep away from children and pets
Don’t:
- Do not open a new cover if not to be used
- Avoid heating or chilling heat patch
- Do not use it on open wounds or on wet/infected/inflamed skin
- Don’t use the patch for more than 10 hours
- Do not use more than one patch a day
- Do not reuse the heat patch
In addition to these natural remedies for period pain, be sure to drink enough water throughout the day, at least 2 liters. Drinking enough water prevents water retention and bloating. Warm water is more soothing, and they also increase blood flow to cramped muscles.
These remedies are ideal for general period pain that is purely due to uterine contractions, referred to as primary dysmenorrhea. If you suffer from extreme pain before or during the period, it could be due to secondary dysmenorrhea, which can be a sign of conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or cervical stenosis. You should see your doctor if you experience severe pain accompanied by extremely heavy bleeding that doesn’t go away even with medication.
Commonly Asked Questions About Heat Patches
Q1. Does it cause redness on sensitive skin?
A1. If you notice some redness, then don’t worry. It is because the heat patch heats on its own. You can even stick it on the cloth instead if you have sensitive skin.
Q2. Does the heat patch only work on the lower abdomen?
A2. No, the heat patch works for both the back and lower abdomen.
Q3. I have a hairy back; can I use it?
A3. Yes, you can use it. But stick it gently and remove it slowly to avoid any pain.
Q4. Can I reuse the heat patch?
A4. No, do not use it for more than one day. Dispose of the patch after usage.
Q5. Can I remove the cover and use it later?
A5. No. You should only unwrap it when you need to use it as it heats on its own.
Q6. Can I apply the heat patch immediately after bathing?
A6. You should not apply it to wet areas. Pat your skin dry then apply the heat patch.
That is wrapping up about the best home remedy for period stomach pain. If you have a list of best natural remedies for period pain, share with us in the comments.
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