During my training as a health coach, a teacher used to say: Do you want to know what the following disease is that you will have? -Look at the side effects of the medication you are taking now.
😱 And that was my reaction after hearing this statement. Mainly because I suffer from an autoimmune disease, and now I’m wondering what the painkillers I used for years to calm my period pain have to do with it.
Pop a pill for Menstrual Cramps
So, I’ve been there too! You are not alone. Because around 80% of women experience period pain at some stage in their lifetime.
I always remember the first time I had menstrual cramps. I couldn’t stand up. So, I was lying on the floor, and my sister told me to take a painkiller. Then I saw the heavens open instantly!
And after that discovery, I started using painkillers every time I had a period. That was my way to get along with it and keep going with my busy schedule.
Today, we Alpha Women, Super Moms, and Power Lady Bosses don’t want to be held back by menstrual cramps.
Hell no! People will think we’re weak because we can’t get things done during our periods! So popping a pill is often the quickest and easiest step to forgetting that our red days exist.
Why might painkillers not be the best treatment for menstrual cramps?
So, we have already seen that painkillers are super effective. But this quick fix costs our bodies a high price.
The most common over the counter pain relievers we use are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which include:
- Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, and Ecotrin, Excedrin, St. Joseph)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox DS, Naprosyn)
However, all of them warn that its consumption can increase the chance of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding.
Here are some of the common side effects of painkillers:
- Stomach pain, heartburn, and ulcers.
- Predisposition to bleed more, especially when taking aspirin.
- Headaches and dizziness.
- Ringing in the ears.
- They could cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, wheezing, and throat swelling.
- Additionally, they could potentially lead to liver or kidney toxicity.
- Its intake can cause or worsen high blood pressure.
- Leg swelling.
And guess what else?
- They negatively affect our immunity, suppressing our antibodies.
- Painkillers disrupt the balance of our gut microbiome.
WOW! Pharmaceutical companies should call them Lifekillers instead of painkillers!
How many Painkillers does a woman take for menstrual cramps?
Girls usually have their first period around age 12. And we will likely experience natural menopause between ages 40 and 58, averaging 51. So, most of us will have menstruation for around 39 years.
When you Google it, most established websites recommend taking one pill per day to relieve the pain and minimize side effects.
However, if we take ONLY one pill for 2 to 7 days to alleviate menstrual cramps every time we have our period, for around 39 years, at the end of menopause, we will possibly have ingested around 936 to 3276 pills.
And this is an incredibly high amount of medication that will cause negative consequences on your health over the years.
Natural remedies for menstrual cramps
There are some natural remedies I started using to alleviate my period pain. Some are backed by scientific research, and others are part of my mom and grandma’s wisdom.
They work wonderfully for me, and the best part is that there is no harm in trying them.
#1 Turmeric
Since I discovered turmeric, I have never again bought a painkiller.
Some researches prove the efficacy of Turmeric compared to Ibuprofen. That’s because of Curcumin. A compound found in it that works as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
One of the characteristics I love the most about turmeric is its versatility. You can drink it in a tea or the famous “Golden Milk” and blend it with a smoothie or juice. Also, you can use it to spice up your food, mixing it with some fat and black pepper to enhance its properties and absorption.
#2 Ginger & Cinnamon tea
This tea is fantastic for alleviating menstrual cramps. It is my go-to remedy during periods, and it works miracles.
In a 2009 study, 150 women were instructed to take either Ginger or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the first 3 days of their menstrual period.
Finally, they concluded that Ginger could reduce pain as effectively as NSAIDs.
Learn how to prepare this Ginger & Cinnamon tea and its benefits.
Check this post if you want to know more about Ginger’s remarkable properties.
#3 Magic Bag
A magic bag is a quick, convenient, and cozy remedy for period cramps.
You put this bag full of beans in the microwave for two minutes and then place it on your belly. It feels like a hug. It warms you up, relaxes the lower abdomen, and simultaneously, its texture massages the area promoting blood circulation.
Some of them are scented with essential oils. This singularity makes them even more comforting and soothing.
In any case, if you don’t have a magic bag, any warm compress will help increase blood flow and promote relaxation, which will go a long way in relieving cramps.
Lifestyle changes to minimize menstrual pain
While menstrual cramps are quite normal, they can be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Check with your doctor to discard potential causes of Severe Period Pain, such as Endometriosis, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Uterine fibroids, or Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Research has shown that a few lifestyle changes can diminish period cramps. So give a try the following tips:
- Quit smoking. It increases the incidence of period pain by reducing the supply of oxygen to the pelvic area.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption.
- Eat high-fiber foods.
- Avoid the Standard American Diet (SAD) and better choose an anti-inflammatory diet such as the Mediterranean.
- Eat plenty of Magnesium-rich foods like salads and vegetables.
- Eat lean and organic meat and poultry. Also, pick wild-caught fish to avoid the hormones used in farmed animals.
- Avoid sugary foods, chocolate, cakes, and biscuits since they are highly inflammatory.
- Satisfy your cravings with healthy choices. 85% or plus dark chocolate, berries, almond butter, sweet root veggies, or fresh fruit are excellent.
- Cut down the amount of salt in your diet to avoid water retention.
- Choose mineral water over sugary drinks.
- Homecook as much as possible to avoid hidden ingredients in the food that are pro-inflammatory.
- REST! Honor your body, my friend. Menstruation is a season to slow down and promote intense self-care routines.
You might also want to read The Most Anti-Inflammatory Foods.
Final Thoughts
You will have your period for most of your life, and menstrual cramps can occur with it. It mainly happens because our uterus is contracting to shed its lining, but sometimes it can be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Taking painkillers for menstrual cramps is widely used. However, it comes with taxing side effects that can affect our health over the years.
Rest, lifestyle changes and some home remedies can help relieve the pain without wreaking havoc on your well-being.
I hope this post will help you feel better. Let me know in the comments section and share your tips to alleviate menstrual cramps with me. Have a fantastic day.
XOXO, Idania
🩺MEDICAL DISCLAIMER🧬💊
All information and resources found on www.wifenewlife.com are based on the author’s opinions as a Health Coach. My advice is intended to encourage readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their healthcare provider.
The information on this website, including medical matters, health issues, treatments, and products, serves only informational purposes. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician or specialist. Neither is intended to diagnose health problems or prescribe medications.
