MENSTRUAL CRAMPS: HOW TO FEEL GOOD DURING YOUR PERIOD

By Temiloluwa Ruth Areola

The menstrual cycle doesn’t come alone, it usually brings a few uninvited guests like:

■ Nausea

■ Diarrhea

■ Intense abdominal pain

■ Bloating

■ Hormonal imbalance

These are all symptoms every woman goes through three to seven days every month.

Menstruation is a pain in the ass, literally.

It is basically when the uterus gets all happy and expectant for a baby and if it does not get one, it gets angry and lets all hell loose, or in this case, blood.

Menstrual cramps has been likened by many medical experts to a heart attack or one's intestines being pulled out without anesthesia because honestly, that's how it feels like.

Here are a few ways to relieve menstrual cramps:

■ HEAT

Heat dilates (widens) blood vessels, which increases circulation in the area. Better blood flow means oxygen and nutrients get delivered more easily, while waste products that contribute to pain are cleared away faster.

Now, there are various ways you can incorporate heat into your menstrual plans.

You could put heating pads/pouches, microwaved rice in socks on your abdomen or just drink hot water.

■ PAIN RELIEF DRUGS

These drugs work like magic. They go in your body and make every cramps disappear.

Drugs like Ibuprofen, Felvin, and Paracetamol are mostly taken for menstrual cramps.

Fun fact: Drugs like Paracetamol works in the brain. They block the pain receptors. So basically, the pain is still there, you just cannot feel it.

■ YOGA

Some Yoga positions have been proven to relieve menstrual pain. Positions like the Foetal position, Supine Twist, Reclining Bound Angle Pose are effective in dissipating menstrual pain.

■ PREGNANCY

Yes, you read right. This is a proven effective way to get rid of menstrual cramps completely.

Note that this is only effective for 9 months and may come with several side effects like weight gain, protruded stomach, morning sickness and finally, a baby.

■ HYSTERECTOMY

This is complete removal of the uterus. The shedding of the uterus lining is the main cause of menstruation. Hence, removing the uterus puts a definite stop to menstruation.

Side effects include infertility.

Menstrual cramps may feel like your uterus is auditioning for a horror movie role, but thankfully, there are ways to turn down the drama; from heating pads and yoga stretches to over-the-counter meds and, well… pregnancy. While some solutions are quick fixes and others are extreme measures, the key is finding what works best for your body. Periods may never be fun, but with the right tricks, they don’t have to be a monthly nightmare either.

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