Experiencing pain and menstrual discomfort isn’t exclusive to just some women. In a study published in the “Journal of Pain Research”, 84.1% of the participants reported feeling pain during their period. And if you’re among those affected by cramps, breast pain, and other unpleasant symptoms, you probably want to know how to alleviate them.
However, it’s essential to note that severe cramps can be a sign of other conditions, like endometriosis. Hence, it’s crucial to consult a trusted gynecologist and always undergo regular check-ups to rule out the presence of diseases.
3 Ways to Alleviate Menstrual Discomfort
1 — Orgasms
“An orgasm helps increase blood flow, releases muscle tension, and boosts pain relief/well-being hormones in your brain, including oxytocin and endorphins,” says female sexual health coach Rose Schlaff to “Slice”, where the information comes from.
2 — Deep Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing (or deep breathing) happens when you intentionally breathe from the base of your belly, not the chest. To ensure you are engaging the diaphragm while breathing, Rose recommends placing both hands on the lower rib cage and making sure you feel it rise and fall.
“Breathing this way takes your body out of the nervous system that responds to pain (sympathetic nervous system) and moves it to rest (parasympathetic nervous system),” explains the specialist. “Your diaphragm and the pelvic floor muscles are also connected; as you inhale using the diaphragm, the pelvic floor muscles relax, stretch, and receive blood flow.”
3 — Magnesium Intake
Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals might influence how your body responds to menstruation. Besides ensuring healthy bones, magnesium reduces stress, decreases premenstrual tension (PMT), restless legs, and helps alleviate menstrual pains.
