Top 5 tips for dealing with painful periods

Many women suffer with cramps and painful periods at that time of the month. Here are a few tips to help you to tackle them.

Cramps are uterine contractions caused by prostaglandins, a hormone-like substance. The contractions help to get rid of the uterine lining that is shed during your period. Usually the pain is mild, but sometimes it can be severe.

Apart from reaching for the painkillers, what are the best tactics to deal with painful periods?

R&R is very important at this time of the month. Relax by meditating or practising yoga. Get enough sleep before and during your period to help you to cope with any discomfort.

You may not feel like it, but aerobic exercise can make you feel much better. In fact, studies have shown that ‘that time’ of the month is actually a brilliant time to exercise.

If you’re not up to that, even some gentle stretches will help ease cramps. Even that sounds like a bad idea? Then don’t do it! This is the time to be listening to your body and only you know what you feel up to.

Some like it hot! A soak in a warm bath can do wonders to get rid of cramps. Or try a hot water bottle or heated pad to warm away painful periods.

Talk to your doctor about supplements. Vitamin B1 and magnesium have been shown to help some women with period pain.

If you have severely painful periods, it’s worth talking to your doctor about any medical options that might be right for you. Hormonal contraception may be an option, for example.

For a start, you need to make sure you’re using the best female protection for you.