Period pains

As women, many of us know the uncomfortable feeling and sometimes the pains that can come with our periods every month. Period pain is very common but can vary from one woman to another. Some of the common symptoms you may experience can be tummy cramps and spasms, back pain, thigh pains, breast tenderness, headaches, bloating and dull tummy ache.

Some tips that could help to try reduce your period pains. They will not all work for you, but hopefully one may. l Herbal teas, especially green tea, has been shown to help with cramps and peppermint tea can help with bloating. l A hot bath or shower can help relieve muscle tension and can help you relax both mentally and physically. l Exercise is the last thing you may think of when you’re on your period but keeping active can actually help reduce some of the pain. Try taking a walk, going for a jog, yoga or some stretching. l Keep well hydrated. l A hot water bottle can help relax your tummy and back muscles. l You may want to indulge in some comfort foods whilst on your period, but these types of food can often be high in sugar and fat and can actually make you feel worse and cause further bloating. Try to eat healthy and maintain a well-balanced diet. l A massage around your lower abdomen and back may also help reduce some of the pain. l If you have really painful cramps and your quality of life is being impacted by your period pain, you should go and speak to your doctor.