This is what you need to do to make your menstrual pain more bearable
I wrote about it before. Because I have endometriosis, my menstrual pain has become unbearable since I stopped taking the pill. Sometimes it starts a week in advance with nagging, and on the first and second day, I am literally writhing in pain. I can't endure those hellish cramps in silence, no matter how hard I try. Standing is impossible at those moments, and there are very few positions where I can find relief. After my period, my stomach feels completely sore and swollen inside, as if there is a balloon in there that is about to burst. It actually looks like that too, and someone recently stood up for me very sweetly on the bus while he looked lovingly at my belly. The penny dropped later, but he probably didn't realize he was standing up for a few painful adhesions and inflammations instead of for a growing baby.
Anyway, unfortunately, it's something I have to learn to live with, and if it has taught me anything, it is to be resourceful when it comes to effective solutions. Do you recognize yourself in this? First of all: I'm sorry that you have to go through this misery every month. Secondly: I lovingly share all my newly found (and golden old) tips to make this period a bit more bearable for you.
TENS device
In this article I wrote before about a TENS device. My lifesaver for when I can't stay home but am suffering from pain. It's a little device that you stick on your belly, after which the TENS technology sends electrical impulses to the nerves in your belly, preventing the pain signals from reaching your brain. So it's still there, but you feel a lot less of it. The only thing you feel are the subtle vibrations of the device, which you can set as hard or soft as you want.
You can shop it here, and it's worth every euro more:
Ovulay Kit, €69.95, Bol.com
Hot water bottle
Okay, big fat duh. Of course, a hot water bottle is nice for pain, everyone knows that. Still, I wanted to have it on the list because I appreciate it even more since I learned the science behind it. The warmth of the bottle increases blood flow to the area of pain, signaling to the body that it needs to work to alleviate the pain. That all happens automatically, and I think that's really cool.
Painkiller level
A tip for when painkillers don't seem to work: build up a painkiller level. I can now reasonably estimate when my pain is going to start, and I often make sure to take paracetamol a day or two in advance. This way, you build up a painkiller level that keeps the level steady. For severe cramps, it's best to take Aleve or Naproxen; these are painkillers that help your uterus contract less hard, and they can even reduce your blood loss.
Stretches
Stretch it out: when I don't know how to sit anymore, I often try a few stretches to relieve the pain. My favorite is a kind of butterfly position where you lie on your back, put the bottoms of your feet together, and push your knees outward, but there are many more exercises you can try. Below are a few examples:
@kic Replying to @Trish save this one for next month 😉 #periodcramps #stretchesforperiodpain #periodproblems #menstrualcycle #womenshealth #keepitcleaner ♬ original sound – Kic
Don't eat or drink this
Alcohol, coffee, and anything that makes your intestines restless. Your uterus is so close to your intestines that an unsettled metabolism can make your cramps much worse. So also avoid spicy and fatty foods for a while.
Do eat or drink this
Raspberry leaf tea is the life hack when it comes to naturally relieving your pain. Because it is rich in iron, something you need even more during your menstrual week, it helps you combat menstrual complaints. Want to see if this works for you? Drink one to three cups of raspberry leaf tea per day a week before your period is due. Furthermore, it's important to eat easily digestible meals and to allow yourself that much-needed chocolate bar as well.
Buy something
My sincere apologies to your wallet for this irresponsible tip, but I always feel temporarily better when I've bought something nice for myself. It can be anything: from a nice cup of (raspberry leaf) tea to go to that one dress you've had your eye on for a few weeks and will absolutely wear once your belly has shrunk back to its normal size in about three to five working days. This will help you, I promise.
