Period pain is very common and almost affects all females who menstruate or get periods.¹ While some women experience mild pain, others experience extreme pain, whatever the intensity of pain is, a pain is always troublesome and uncomfortable.² Different women deal with the pain in different ways, while some succumb on the couch to the cravings of chocolates and treats, others continue with their daily chores ignoring the pain, what remains common is not addressing the pain and looking at the ways to manage pain.

Here are various remedies and treatments for managing period pain.

Heat therapy is sometimes helpful in relieving period pain. You can use a heat pack or patch, a hot water bottle, or a hot towel. A hot bath will also work.³

Application of local heat minimizes muscle tension, relaxes the lower belly muscles, and increases blood circulation thereby reducing pain.⁴

Exercises are useful at times to relieve period pain. They improve blood circulation in the body and release feel-good hormones known as endorphins. Engage in medium-to-low-intensity exercises like yoga and walking to alleviate period pain. However, these should be done at your own comfort level.^3,5

Herbal teas like ginger and cinnamon have been known to alleviate period pain to a certain extent. These teas have muscle-relaxing and soothing properties that can provide relief. Drinking these teas regularly during your period can help soothe discomfort and relieve womb muscle contractions.³

Your diet plays a significant role in managing period pain. Try incorporating the following dietary changes.^6,7

- Increase your intake of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, flaxseeds, and nuts.
- Consume green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Avoid eating fried, junk, spicy foods, refined grains, and meat.
- Avoid canned foods, and aerated drinks.  

Staying well-hydrated is crucial during your periods. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms, so make sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated. You can also include hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber in your diet.⁶

Pain-relieving medications known as analgesics can help reduce period pain. Medication like MEFTAL-SPAS tablets can be an effective option for managing period pain.⁸ It reduces contractions of the womb and pain by decreasing prostaglandins.⁹

MEFTAL-SPAS tablet is the most trusted choice of physicians for period pain.
Do not self medicate, always consult your Doctor before taking any medication.

References:
1. Period pain. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Available at: Period pain: Overview - InformedHealth.org - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov). Accessed on: Oct 27,2023.
2. Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [Internet]. Available at: Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods | ACOG. Accessed on: Oct 27,2023.
3. What Helps Menstrual Cramps: 6 Home Remedies and OTC Options to Manage Pain. Healthline [Internet]. Available at: Menstrual Cramp Home Remedies to Manage Pain (healthline.com). Accessed on: Oct 27,2023.
4. Ke YM, Ou MC, Ho CK, Lin YS, Liu HY, Chang WA. Effects of somatothermal far-infrared ray on primary dysmenorrhea: a pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:240314.
5. Yoga Exercises and Menstrual Cramps. Nationwide Children’s [Internet]. Available at: Yoga Exercises and Menstrual Cramps (nationwidechildrens.org). Accessed on: Oct 27, 2023.
6. 16 Foods to Eat (and Some to Avoid) During Your Period. Healthline [Internet]. Available at: What to Eat During Your Period: Fish, Leafy Greens, Yogurt, and More (healthline.com). Accessed on: 27 Oct, 2023.
7. Using Foods Against Menstrual Pain. Physicians committee for responsible medicine [Internet]. Available at: Using Foods Against Menstrual Pain (pcrm.org). Accessed on: Sep 28, 2023.
8. Dysmenorrhea. American Family Physician [Internet]. Available at: Dysmenorrhea - American Family Physician (aafp.org). Accessed on: 27 Oct, 2023.
9. Mahadevan S, Dharman D, Manohar D, Daran S, Vinod V A, Aleena R. The self-medication practice in primary dysmenorrhea among pharmacy students cross-sectional questionnaire study. International Journal of Research in Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy. 2019;1(4), 97-100.