Have you ever wondered how to ease period cramps? Here are ten things we do that might help you!

Move your body

Moving your body can give us endorphins which relieve stress, and the extra oxygen flowing can help circulate blood flow to your body, including your pelvic region. If anything, going on a walk outdoors can give you some vitamin D before you go back inside to Vampire Diaries reruns and your hot pack. 

Turn up the heat

Heat can help contracted muscles release and can be soothing during your period. Whether this is a hot shower, bath, or a hot pack, you can’t go wrong in soaking in the warmth. 

Have an Orgasm

When you have an orgasm or pleasure that allows your uterine walls to contract, it sends various chemicals to your body. Oxytocin and Dopamine, both natural stress relievers, will light up the feel-good part of your brain to take your mind off, ease period cramps and bring pleasure rather than pain to your uterus. 

Check your Vitamins

Being low on specific vitamins can affect your period experience. Your body may need more vitamins than before, depending on your hormones and how old you are. If you feel extra tired, check your B12, Vitamin B, C, D, and Iron to see if a little boost can help. Check out our blog post on Seed Cycling about an option to give yourself extra support during your cycle. 

Relieve the stress

Our bodies often tell us if we have gone overboard. They give us warning signs of how it feels both in our daily lives and our cycle. If your body is begging for rest; your cramps may be more severe because of the stress you’ve been carrying around for a whole cycle (or more). Take some time to journal, rest, and allow yourself this time to slow down. Take a break instead of pushing yourself to go at the same speed you usually do. 

Advil or Tylenol?

Sometimes Pamprin is just what you need. If you don’t have pain pills just for your period, remember, “Different classes of pain relievers work differently. For period pain, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are likely to work best since they can reduce prostaglandins—the hormones that stimulate the contractions leading to menstrual cramps,” explains Dr. Borchardt.

Hydrate

Getting enough water can make the difference between light and severe cramps. You may notice this if you work out; the same applies here. Drink about four water bottles a day. Without water and electrolytes, your muscles will cramp. If you hate water, grab a Gatorade to mix it up.

Pour yourself a cuppa.

A cup of tea isn’t just great for the cozy vibes. Health Partners states, “Certain types of herbal tea have anti-inflammatory properties and antispasmodic compounds that can reduce the muscle spasms in the uterus that cause cramping. Drinking chamomile, fennel, or ginger tea is an easy, natural way to relieve menstrual cramps.” Check out your local herbal shop, or peruse any number of Etsy shops with homemade teas you can use. 

**Always ask your doctor before drinking anything medically related, and ensure the person you buy tea from is informed of the proper usage of plants. Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s good or healthy for you. 

Massage it out.

Getting a full body massage can give your body the signal that it can let down its guard and relax. Sometimes muscles can be extra tight (which can cause cramps to be worse), and sometimes, the best way to ease period cramps is to let go and go with the flow. Rubbing your abdomen with varying pressure strokes may also help. 

Talk to a Doctor

If your cramps are unbearable and keep you laid up, it may be time to talk to a doctor. If you are bleeding in clots, there may be signs of a more significant issue. Don’t chalk up all pain to, “it’s just my period.” If something feels off, trust yourself and talk to someone you trust.