Menstrual Cramps, Period Pain, and Heat Therapy

Menstrual cramps affect most women who are in their reproductive years. Some women experience few symptoms with menstruation, but other women may find it difficult to work or go to school because the symptoms are so severe. The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, known as PMS, are responsible for 75 million women missing work each year. When menstrual cramps are very severe, it is known as dysmenorrhea.  This type of period pain is not normal and may require a physician’s treatment. Heat pads are ideal for relieving period pains and the associated stomach cramps and back pains without drugs. They will also provide relief from aches and pains in muscles and joints. Simply heat in a microwave then place over the desired area and after just a few minutes the heat will radiate through the source of pain. The heat pads help increase circulation, decrease stiffness and relax the muscles to relieve painful cramps and tension.

PMS and Dymenorrhea Symptoms

Menstrual cramps are the most common symptom of PMS and dymenorrhea, but there are many other symptoms, as well. Headaches, fatigue, abdominal and pelvic pain, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, bloating, nausea, and food cravings are also very common. Most women suffer from a variety of these symptoms and the intensity of such symptoms can vary over time.

Dymenorrhea is pain during menstruation that is so severe that it interferes with daily activities. The pain may be throbbing, sharp, dull, burning, or shooting. It may start several days before menstruation begins and will usually taper off at the end of the menstruation cycle.

Causes of Menstrual Cramps and Dymenorrhea

Endometriosis is the most common cause of dymenorrhea and severe menstrual cramps. Other causes include ovarian cysts, adenomyosis, leiomyoma and copper IUDs. During menstruation, prostaglandins are released, which cause the uterus to contract. These contractions, as well as the resulting temporary oxygen deprivation to nearby tissues, are responsible for menstrual cramps.

Treatment of PMS, Dymenorrhea, and Menstrual Cramps

For those women that suffer from moderate to severe menstrual cramps, it can seem as though your period will never end. There are a variety of treatments available, but some may work better for you than others do.

NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are very effective at relieving the pain of menstrual cramps. Unfortunately, there are often adverse side effects that may cause long term problems. Hormonal contraceptives, or birth control pills, are also commonly prescribed. There are side effects to these, as well, and women who are over the age of the 35 and that smoke are recommended not to take birth control pills long term. However, there are many women, especially those in their 20s, who have found that this and other hormonal treatment have significantly reduced many symptoms of PMS, including menstrual cramping.

Heat therapy is a good choice for relieving the pain and discomfort from menstrual cramps. In fact, the Mayo Clinic has reported that heat therapy may be just as effective at relieving the menstrual cramps as medications are, but without the side effects. Heat therapy such as using a heat pad or hot bottle can help relieve cramps for several hours. It helps increase circulation, which brings oxygen and vital nutrients to the tissues in and around the uterus and ovaries.

You don’t have to suffer from menstrual cramps each month. There are treatments available that will help. However, not every woman will react the same way to the various treatments, so you will have to find the treatment that works for you. Check out our selection of microwavable hot bottles, heat pads and wheat bags which can bring soothing relief from menstrual cramps and period pain.