Managing period pain

Perhaps the most frustrating characteristic of most sanitary product advertisements, is the false depiction of what it feels like one is on their period. In reality, much of the length of the period is spent finding the the least uncomfortable posture to ease our knotted abdomen and its clenching pain. More often than not, the resulting appearance somewhat resembles a pretzel. Advertisements do not show people consuming copious amounts of painkillers, and hugging a hot water bottle for most of the day, unlike what happens periodically in our lives. In fact, it raises a question of volume about the lack of pain management that is directed towards menstrual pain. While people all over the world experience it, and in some cases particularly terribly, there still remains an underwhelming number of options to consider from, to manage the pain.

And while I write this, curled up in my bed, hoping to speed up these days, so I can go back to enjoying the sun and summer, here is a personal guide to dealing with menstrual pain.

1.     Sip on warm water or a hot drink through the day: Drinking warm liquids enables the blood vessels to expand and improves blood circulation, that eases discomfort and menstrual pain. It is proven to reduce abdominal spasms

2.     Over the counter pain reliever: Usually having a quick effect on the cramps, pain medication like ibuprofen and naproxen are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that constrain the production of prostaglandins that cause the muscles and blood vessels to contract during the period. When these drugs inhibit the production of these lipids, it causes relief, and reduces pain.

3.     Use a heating pad or a water bottle: Heat naturally causes expansion of blood vessels, and enables blood circulation. Enhanced blood circulation relaxes the muscles of the uterus and eases pain. A heating pad, or a hot water bottle in the abdominal region, and your back, is often used to provide relief. Having a hot bath also has a similar effect.

4.      Exercise: Non-intensive physical activity like walking, stretching or aerobics, also helps stimulate blood circulation in the body. Light exercises also release endorphins also called feel-good hormones, that can instantly lift your mood, and make you feel better.

5.     Vitamin B1: In a study of 240 individuals with dysmenorrhea, with half taking 100mg of vitamin B1 supplements the other half consuming placebo pills, those who took the B1 supplement reported their period pain to have reduced significantly and even halved the duration of the pain. Most practitioners and doctors recommend Vitamin B1 supplements to be taken as an alternative to NSAIDs for menstrual pain, since they have fewer complications.

While these are quick fixes and help to help cope with menstrual pain, if you are someone who experiences intense pain during their period, please visit a doctor. It could be an indication of something that needs more expert and specialized care. There is an imperative need to consider research and development of pain management specific to menstrual health. Without implemented policies of period leave and menstrual awareness, the world suffers from a silent pandemic that needs to be addressed.