Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, affects many women every month. The pains can vary in intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to sharp pain. In this article, we'll explore the causes of painful periods, as well as some surprising tips to help ease the pain.

Causes of painful periods

Period pain can be caused by several factors, including:

• Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are substances produced by the uterus during menstruation, which cause contractions of the uterus and pain.

• Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease in which the tissues that line the uterus grow outside the uterus, which can cause severe menstrual pain.

• Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterus and can cause menstrual pain.

• Contraceptives

Some contraceptives, such as the IUD, can cause menstrual pain.

 

Here are 6 surprising tips to relieve period pain

1) Use a heated pillow

Using a heating pillow on your lower abdomen can help relieve menstrual pain by reducing uterine contractions. Heat can also help relax muscles and reduce pain.

2) Drink herbal teas

Certain herbal teas can help relieve menstrual pain due to their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbal teas made from ginger, chamomile, peppermint, and valerian root can all help ease menstrual pain.

3) Exercise

Exercise can help reduce period pain by releasing endorphins, which are pain-relieving hormones. Activities such as walking, running, and yoga can all help relieve period pain.

4) Use essential oils

Certain essential oils, such as lavender, frankincense oil, and eucalyptus oil, can help relieve menstrual pain due to their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. You can add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath or use them in a diffuser.

5) Eat Magnesium-Rich Foods

Magnesium is a mineral that can help relieve menstrual pain by relaxing the muscles of the uterus. Magnesium-rich foods include spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, avocados, dark chocolate, bananas…

6) Masturbating

Masturbation can potentially help relieve period pain in some women because it can release endorphins, which are pain-relieving hormones. However, this may not work for everyone, as period pain can be caused by underlying health conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids, which require specific medical treatments.

 

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if period pain is frequent or severe. Also, every woman is different and some may feel relieved after these tips. So take the time to find what works best for you when it comes to pain relief.