Traditional Pain Relievers or Natural Remedies for Menstrual Periods?

Sometimes it seems that nothing will help relieve a painful menstrual period. Endometriosis is the number one cause for painful menstruation. Endometriosis is a disease in which the tissue that lines the uterus, or the endometrium, is found outside of the uterus. Like the uterine walls in preparation for pregnancy, this tissue builds up every month, and then during a period, sheds and bleeds. However, there is no way for the body to rid itself of the blood that is outside of the uterus. This causes lesions to form, resulting in pain and inflammation and a large variety of other often quite serious ailments.

This disease is only officially diagnosed through surgery, and surgery is often the most effective treatment.

So, how can one rely only on natural pain relief when faced with surgery?

JenniferL has some excellent recommendations for menstrual pain relief in her post. However, those of us who experience debilitating pain or surgery need additional relief.

If you have overwhelming pain and are missing out on everyday activities or taking sick days, then talk to your doctor about prescription and over-the-counter medication. (I recommend trying to avoid prescription narcotic pain relievers which have lots of side effects, including the risk of becoming addicted. That’s between you and your doctor).

I think it’s important we don’t rule out natural remedies in helping assuage pain.

Tips for Beating Menstruation Pain:

• Take a pain reliever like ibuprofen, which is a muscle relaxer, too. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Take the pills before your cramping gets bad.

• Eat cherries. Dark red bing cherries are most helpful. They can be frozen and kept for when they are out of season.

• Drink feverfew tea or another herbal blend of tea designed to relieve cramps. I have found if I time it properly, the tea can substitute for ibuprofen.

• Drink very mild black tea or green tea when you are on your period. These are diuretics and help flush you out and regulate any bloating or water retention.
• Use an icepack or a cool wash rag on your abdomen to obtain relief.

More Tips: Prevent Pain

• Know your trigger foods. Avoid caffeine, chocolate, salts, and extra carbs like in bagels and potato chips during and a few days before your period. I found that if I have coffee or chocolate immediately before or on my period, then I will cramp almost immediately after. Avoiding your trigger foods before your period helps prevent breast soreness, too.
• See your doctor. A good gynecologist is up-to-date on the latest research and helpful with suggestions on both traditional and natural pain relief. The Endometriosis Association can help you find a knowledgeable doctor. It’s a relief to know if your period cramps are caused by a disease or not.
• Educate yourself. Whether or not you have endometriosis, it’s helpful to know all you can about women’s health. Scour bookstores and the internet. Join the Endometriosis Association so you can keep up with the latest research on the disease and pain remedies.
• Exercise every day of the month. Vigorously at least 3 or 4 times a week. This is quite effective in keeping cramps at bay.
• Share your story. Meeting with other women who suffer is extremely helpful. Plus, you’ll probably learn about other natural remedies to combat menstrual pain.
• Post what you’ve learned here at www.painrelief101.com.

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