Relieve menstrual pain: 6 remedies to soothe ovarian pain
More than half of women suffer each month the so-called menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, which produces severe pain in the ovaries when the menstrual period arrives.
Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are one of the most effective methods to prevent colic, but there are natural ways to relieve menstrual pain without resorting to medications. We will tell you!
- Related article: "How to delay menstrual period with birth control pills (effectively)”
Menstrual pain: why does it occur?
During the menstrual period, the muscles of the uterus contract to let the blood flow from the lining of the uterus, producing menstrual cramps or pain in the ovaries, abdomen, and back. This is known as dysmenorrhea, and it can be very annoying and even affect a woman's daily life.
As the blood is released, the uterus releases substances called prostaglandins, which are the ones that produce contractions. They are also the cause of dizziness and nausea, which can be accompanied by headache, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Prostaglandins are also produced when mature eggs are released each month, so it is possible feel the odd contraction during the ovulation period.
If the pain persists or is too intense, the gynecologist should be consulted to rule out that the pain are not caused by some other problem such as endometriosis, which can cause pain pelvics.
- Related article: "Everything you need to know about PMS”
How to relieve menstrual pain: 6 natural remedies
Although it is something natural and occurs every month, we do not have to be suffering the painful consequences of the rule. There are ways to relieve menstrual pain naturally, which can be helpful if you can't or would rather not take anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen.
Here we show you 6 natural and home remedies to relieve menstrual cramps quickly, they will become your allies against ovarian pain every month.
1. Hot
One of the easiest ways to relieve period pain is by using heat on the colic-affected area. To do this, it is best to place a hot water bottle in the lower abdomen, which helps to relax the contracted muscle fibers and calms the pain.
It's one of the more traditional remedies to relieve menstrual cramps, and the cheapest and easiest to do at home. If you don't have a hot water bottle, you can use water-heated compresses or a thermos.
2. Changes in diet
A good diet is synonymous with well-being, but there are certain types of foods that may be more beneficial during menstruation.
For example, foods rich in calcium and magnesium help relieve menstrual cramps. In the same way, nutritious foods, fatty fish or foods rich in vitamin B also help reduce menstrual cramps.
The same goes for foods to avoid during menstruation. Reduce or avoid caffeinated products or foods that cause bloating, such as soda, fatty foods, or legumes.
3. Herbal teas
Good hydration will also be key to avoid fluid retention typical of the menstruation period, but it will be especially effective if these are hot, since it will also help to relax the contracted muscles and relieve pain menstrual.
For this, it is best to take teas and herbal infusions, which also have anti-inflammatory properties that will help relieve menstrual cramps. Chamomiles, ginger infusions or green tea are recommended.
- Related article: "The 5 types of tea, their origin and their properties”
4. Hot bath
Another of the easiest home remedies to relieve menstrual pain are hot baths. As with the hot water bottle, heat helps relax muscles, which when contracted produce menstrual cramps. Taking a nice relaxing bath will help relieve pain and contractions.
5. Massages with essential oils
Essential oils are another relaxing way to relieve ovarian pain. To do this, you must add a few drops of a relaxing essential oil to your body cream, and massage the lower abdomen with it. Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and rose oils are especially recommended.
You can also add a few drops of these oils to your hot bath for greater effectiveness of these two natural remedies for menstrual pain. At the end you will feel like new!
6. Physical exercise
Many women avoid physical exercise during their menstrual period. It's uncomfortable, you're fatigued, and you don't want to add any more pain to your body. But the truth is that when performing physical exercise the body releases endorphins, which help relieve menstrual pain, as well as make you feel better.
Other physical activities such as yoga can also be effective in calming menstrual cramps. Some postures help reduce contractions and relieve ovarian pain. An example is the child's posture, that of the cobra or the standing pincer.
- Related article: "The 7 most common yoga postures and what they are for "