10 Tips To Reduce Period Pain & Discomfort26 February 2024 | Admin Between cramps, headaches, backache, sore breasts and other uncomfortable symptoms, periods are a disruptive and dreaded time of the month for most of us. Here at Team Cheeky, we've been helping women with their periods for many years now since we launched our 'Simple Reusables' back in 2008. People often tell us that once they have made the switch to reusable period protection, it has helped reduce their pain and discomfort. Although there is no sure-fire solution for period pain, we’ve compiled our top tips to help you reduce period pain and general discomfort this cycle. Please note that if you have irregular periods or experience severe abnormal pain, this isn’t always a sign of a problem, but we'd recommend that you see a doctor. Endometriosis, a chronic condition which often manifests as severe period pain is notoriously difficult to diagnose, but you shouldn't put up with severe pain. Here are our top tips on how to stop period pain: 
Studies have found that heat can increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension and relax abdominal muscles to reduce pain caused by muscle spasms, making it a common method for coping with period pain. Heat patches, hot water bottles, heat pads or a warm bath or shower can help your muscles relax, relieving period pain and discomfort fast. For ultimate convenience, a microwavable heat pad that can be fitted to your waist enables you to provide continuous warmth to your abdominal muscles. Over the counter pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofuen are both helpful in reducing period pain, although ibuprofen as an anti inflammatory drug has been proven to be more effective for reducing painful cramps. 
Numerous customers have reported to us that switching to reusable period undies and pads have REALLY helped reduce their period pain. Our best guess is that it's because reusable period products are so much more comfortable and secure to wear. So you're less tense. And less tense equals less pain. "The period knickers are amazing.! My daughter started her periods young (11yrs) and was having terrible problems and struggling with conventional sanitary wear. She would have heavy and long drawn out periods, cramps and would leak a lot. Since switching to these knickers the leaks have stopped and she's no longer having to struggle to change her sanitary wear. Her periods don't seem to be as heavy, long or painful either. The fact the knickers are non toxic is an absolute bonus! We've been using these for nearly four years now, I highly recommend them." Maria Trustpilot 
All hormonal birth control (Pill, patch, mirena coil, implant and injection) will help with painful periods but reducing the amount of prostaglandins which are what make your uterus contract. Less contractions will ease period pain. A light, circular massage around your lower abdomen can also help relieve menstrual cramps. Or, try activating your pressure points with your hands and fingers. According to Buzzfeed, you should press two inches below your belly button and then the centre of your pubic bone to help relieve period pains. Add essential oils to the mix for a smoother experience, or do this in the bath or shower for a double dose of natural pain relief. Massage therapy may also promote calmness and reduce stress, which can also help relieve period cramps. Similarly, massage can trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers Often the last thing on your mind when you’re on your period is exercise…but it’s a great natural painkiller. Even gentle exercise can release endorphins that make you feel good and reduce pain. Indeed, according to research from Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, when 20 undergraduate students did an hour-long yoga program once a week for three months, they had less menstrual cramping and period distress than 20 women who didn’t.” So, why not try ten minutes of walking or yoga next time you have bad cramps? For extra support and comfort, wear period pants or period swimwear while you work out. These products enable you to get your steps or swim in, without the fear of leaks and stains. There is even some anecdotal evidence to suggest that wearing non-toxic products, as opposed to tampons or single use pads, could help with period pain and length. Another drug-free period pain solution is TENS (Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation) — a small device that uses mild electrical currents to relieve pain. TENS may be used to help with many types of chronic (long-term) pain, but is also great for acute period pain. Just stick the small pads to your stomach, and wait for the machine to send electrical impulse to your muscles. The best part? For most people, TENS is a safe treatment with no side effects. Ovirahood is a popular TENS product that helps stop pain signals travelling to the brain, giving you instant relief from period cramps. 
While it may sound counterintuitive, water can help relieve bloating, muscle cramps, and fatigue associated with periods. One study found that drinking water during menstruation was associated with pain reduction and discomfort. Another study, which focused on hot water intake, found that female subjects experienced relief from menstrual cramps after regular hot water intake during menstruation. Indeed, certain herbal teas are a great home remedy as they contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce muscle spasms in the uterus. Try chamomile, fennel or ginger tea for their added benefits Taken daily, magnesium may prevent menstrual cramps in some people. Although you can purchase magnesium tablets, it is found in lots of foods — dark chocolate, avocado, nuts, beans, whole grains and dark-green, leafy vegetables. Likewise, anti-inflammatory foods (ginger, oily fish, flaxseed, walnuts) might help make your periods less severe. Indeed, just following a healthy and balanced diet that is high in fibre and essential fats can help stop cramps and other uncomfortable symptoms. Last but not least, sex! As reported by Flo, the oxytocin and endorphin released during sexual intercourse can help to reduce menstrual pain (by up to 70%!). If you also reach the big O, the muscles of your uterus contract and release, which can relieve cramps. For some people, period sex can even shorten their period; the above-mentioned contraction of the uterus when you orgasm can speed up the shedding of your uterine lining, Flo reports. And there you have it! A less painful and more comfortable period. If you'd like to know more about reusable period protection If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy these: About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable period kits and reusable sanitary pads. Both she and the rest of the leadership team are now navigating menopause, with all the joys it brings! The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021 | 
