Lethargy, bloating, mood swings, and acne breakouts -- these are all common symptoms that arise either before or during a period. But nothing is as common or causes as much pain as menstrual cramps.
80% of women suffer from menstrual cramps or period pain. The intensity of this cramping in the lower abdomen and pelvis can range between mild twinges of discomfort to sharp pain that is severe enough to disrupt their lifestyle. This severe form of menstrual cramps is known as dysmenorrhea.
However, despite the varying severity of period cramps, most of the time menstrual cramps are part and parcel of having your period.
Period cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus. The contractions are completely normal during your period as the uterus muscles need to contract and relax to shed its lining in order to grow a new one. After all, the shedding of the uterus lining is the main reason behind your period.
These contractions are triggered by a hormone-like substance called prostaglandins that is linked to pain and inflammation. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more painful cramps.
With period cramps being as common as they are, you would assume that someone would have already created a super pill to combat cramps. Sadly, none exist yet.
Period pain is commonly treated with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, these medicines do come with side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that have shown to provide great relief for menstrual cramps.
One favourite remedy that is said to help even the most severe pain that comes from dysmenorrhea is the humble hot pack. The warmth from the hot pack reduces the severity of the contractions, thus providing relief.
Another common natural remedy is to sip on ginger tea or chamomile tea. Ginger tea helps reduce bloating and is said to have the same pain-relief properties as painkillers. Meanwhile, chamomile tea helps reduce the levels of prostaglandins (the hormone associated with pain during contractions) while also improving menstrual flow.
A lesser known but easily available remedy is vitamin D. Derived from sunlight, vitamin D also reduces the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing the intensity of period cramps.
Other remedies include ensuring your diet has plenty of omega-3 foods and less refined sugar, taking fish oil supplements, and even carrying out gentle exercises such as yoga or going on slow walks.
Different remedies work better on different people, so try a few and see what works for you. But no matter you try, the best way to combat period cramps is to ensure your personal comfort.
So, ensure that personal comfort with sanitary pad or pantiliner that fits your flow. Choose Sanita Ultra-Thin Wings for light menstrual flow, Sanita Maxi Wings or Maxi Wings Cottony Soft for a heavier flow, sleep with ease wearing Sanita Overnight Wings and to keep you fresh and confident all day long, choose the Sanita Soft Pantiliners.
All the pads and pantiliners are soft, great at absorbing discharge and come with odour control technology to prevent unseemly odours so that you can carry out your day stress-free.
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