With roughly half of the global population laying claim to a uterus, it seems strange that women are still struggling to find the best solution to deal with cramps and discomfort associated with menstruation. However, considering how menstruation is still considered a taboo conversation topic in places around the world, it does make sense that discussing symptoms and pain relief aloud can feel strange.

Luckily, many women are opening up about their own experiences; especially speaking out about living with conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and endometriosis. This global community of women who are sharing how their body and mind feels before, during, and after menstruation means that tips and tricks for relieving cramps and associated discomfort are more accessible. Team Med discusses some of the most popular techniques women use to relieve period pain.

Get yourself a heat pack

Cramps are a result of the uterus contracting in order to shed its lining. One tried and tested method of relieving the muscle tension and pain from this is heat – specifically, a good quality heat pack or hot water bottle.

Period cramps can cause aches and pains all throughout the abdomen and back, but applying a heat pack to these areas can help lessen the severity of this discomfort. It is important to ensure the pack or bottle isn’t applied directly to your skin in order to reduce the risk of burning or scalding yourself. There are many great heat packs on the market, including wraparound stylesthat deliver heat to your back and abdomen simultaneously.

Brew some herbal tea

There are several types of tea that have been attributed to alleviating period pain and discomfort.

• Peppermint tea is a popular one, as it is often used to relieve bloating, stress, and fatigue. It is readily available at most supermarkets.
• Red raspberry leaf is another common brew for balancing hormones, but isn’t typically available from your local supermarket – this one may require a trip to a health or organic shop.
• Ginger tea is often used to quell unsettled stomachs, but it is also effective at making cramps more bearable. Fair warning – this flavour can be a little hard to adjust to. Brew your own with fresh ginger (and some lemon, for taste!) or purchase it directly from supermarkets.
• Chamomile tea seems to have a range of medicinal uses; from soothing irritations, relieving stress, and apparently working wonders with menstrual cramps. Though some people find it hard to drink on its own, there’s no denying that chamomile tea has a myriad of health benefits.

Get up and moving

When cramps hit, there’s nothing more tempting than the idea of curling up on the couch with a heat pack and some snacks. But in order to relieve your discomfort, you might need to do the opposite. Getting out and doing some exercise is a sure-fire way of getting your blood flowing – and since cramps occur due to temporary restriction of blood-flow to the uterus, what better way to combat that than by getting your heartrate up? Go for a gentle walk, practice some stretches or yoga, or hit the gym – whatever it takes to get your body moving,

Find the right medication for you

Sometimes natural remedies just don’t cut it, and you have to call in the big shots. Most medicines that are specifically designed for period pain inhibit the production of prostaglandins, the hormone-like substances that are responsible for causing the contractions in your uterus and triggering the inflammation.

At Team Med, we’re committed to providing medical professionals with the best equipment, and the wider Australian community with the best advice. To find out more about our services, get in touch with us today.