As someone who has been dealt the burden of both endometriosis and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), painful (and I mean truly gut-wrenching) period cramps are something I’ve been navigating since my very first period. As is often the case with menstrual health struggles, I was told by medical practitioners birth control was my best option for keeping period pain at bay.
While birth control certainly helped relieve some of the agony, it came with its own slew of unpleasant side effects—namely at the expense of my mental health. Wanting to feel more in tune with my body’s natural cycles, a few years ago, I chucked my birth control pills into the trash. The relief was swift and immediate, before I was abruptly reminded just how much my period sucks.
Despite diagnoses like mine being all too common, as are PMS symptoms in general, there’s little research and little aid beyond birth control and heat compresses. Left to my own devices, I’ve tried just about every period cramp remedy under the sun—aside from giving up my favorite period snacks (thanks, but no thanks).
Tested and trialed by yours truly, these go-to remedies aren't a cure-all, but they’ve helped make my period more bearable—hopefully they make yours more comfortable too.
Prickly Ash
A recent trip to a naturopath led to my latest period cramp discovery: prickly ash. A true life-saver, this plant-based remedy comes from evergreen trees and helps reduce inflammation. I take 10 drops, diluted in water or a cup of hot tea, every hour when my cramps are at their worst. It’s my favorite antidote to date. Best of all, I’ve also found it helps take the edge off a nasty hangover.
Leakproof Underwear
Okay, so this isn’t a period cramp remedy, per se, but it has definitely made a world of difference in making my period more comfortable. That’s gotta count for something, right? For one, when I’m on my period, the last thing I want are too-tight underwear digging into my bloated breadbasket. For this reason, I especially love the second-skin fit of Knix Leakproof Boyshorts and High Rise Underwear. On lighter days, it means I can forego tampons and diva cups altogether. I also sleep soundly knowing I’m not going to leak onto my precious new flax linen sheets.
Ginger
Ginger is my cure for everything. This spicy root is an elixir that soothes everything from rough days to body-writhing cramps. A small piece of grated ginger (and some turmeric, for good measure) in a mug of steamy water is the cramp-relieving nectar I find myself turning to month after month. This is scientifically backed, too, with a university study finding that taking ginger a few times a day can be as effective as ibuprofen when it comes to pain relief.
CBD
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From bath bombs to CBD oil, there’s no shortage of CBD-infused options out there to sample. Currently, I’m obsessed with CBD epsom salts—which heighten the soothing power of a hot bath and last longer than a bath bomb. CBD ointments and oils, which you can get online or from your local dispensary, also work like a charm when it comes to relieving cramps, as well as other pesky period discomforts like back pain, breast tenderness, and headaches.
Vitamin D
This is a long game remedy—but one I’ve found to be effective, no less. On top of its mood boosting benefits, which come in handy if you live somewhere that gets dreary during the winter months, popping a Vitamin D capsule everyday can also help reduce inflammation in the long run. One study found that it was effective in decreasing period pain within a couple months of treatment.
Orgasm
(cottonbro/Pexels)
Yep, you heard that right. Since cramps, at their core, are caused by tightened and contracting muscles, having an orgasm can be akin to unclenching a sore, overused muscle. It also doesn’t hurt that orgasms flood your body with endorphins and oxytocin, which can help up your pain tolerance. It’s just science. With that in mind, consider making your next period-relief purchase a vibrator.
Acupuncture
If you’ve been reluctant to pay someone to insert delicate needles all over your body, I can’t blame you. But, if it’s any consolation, I’ve found it to be such a gentle process that I hardly even notice. Pairing it with a massage session (many RMTs also offer acupuncture) has also helped me find my zen pre-acupuncture. By placing the needles in strategic spots, your acupuncturist can help get the blood and energy flow you need to abate the worst of your PMS symptoms. Bonus: it can also help regulate your cycle.
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We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.