Every month, many women experience PMS which may involve just having a bad mood to as worse as not being able to be function because of menstrual cramps and migraines.
Menstrual cramps happen when too much prostaglandins are produced by the cells lining the uterus which can cause severe pain. Migraines, on the other hand, happen because the blood vessels in some women’s brains are more sensitive to the changes in progesterone and estrogen during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Many women experience menstrual cramps and migraines during their period which can stop them from doing their daily activities.
Photo Credit: The Guardian
When the pain becomes unbearable, many women choose to pop a pill in order to find relief. However, there are some ways which could help ease these menstrual cramps and migraines without having to take any medicine.
Here are 8 ways to ease menstrual cramps and migraines the non-pharmacological way:
1. Heating pads
Can’t bear the pain of your menstrual cramps? Apply a heating pad or a water bottle with warm water on your belly. The heat can increase the blood flow and provide relief from menstrual cramps.
2. Warm baths
Aside from making you feel clean during your period, taking a warm bath also helps ease menstrual cramps just like applying a heating pad on your belly. So, if you have menstrual cramps, take a warm shower. It will not only make you feel clean, it will ease the pain you feel from menstrual cramps too.
3. Exercise
Exercise not only increases endorphins (happy hormones) that can help ease the pain, a study also found that it also helps reduce cramping. According to a recent study, exercising 3 to 5 days a week can help reduce menstrual cramps. Exercising also improves blood flow and provides better oxygenation to the uterus.
4. Lavender Oil
If you like essential oils, try lavender oil when you have your period. Having a sniff of lavender oil can help ease migraine according to several studies.
5. Chamomile Tea
A recent study revealed that chamomile may have pain-relieving properties. A research done by the Imperial College of London also revealed that there is an increase in hippurate, a natural anti-inflammatory, which helps decrease prostaglandin production.
6. Warm water
Drinking warm water also helps ease menstrual cramps. Warm water increases blood flow to the skin, thus, reducing menstrual cramps.
7. Vitamin D supplements
Taking Vitamin D supplements help prevent menstrual cramps. A study revealed that participants who took high dosages of Vitamin D supplements experienced a significant decrease in menstrual cramps.
8. Adequate sleep
Are you not able to get enough sleep during your period? That might be to blame for your menstrual cramps. Interruptions in your regular sleep may cause further cramping during your period. So get enough sleep during that time of the month.
Sources: Today, Everyday Health, Medical Daily