How to Reduce Period Pain?
Written By Kirti Gaggar
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Yash Bahuguna, MBBS, MS, DNB, Medical Registration No. 110281
Last Updated: 27 July 2025
Read Time: 2 mins
Period pain is usually experienced in areas like your abdomen, thighs and lower back.
The muscles of your womb contract and relax during your period to help remove the built-up lining. Period cramps occur from time to time, indicating that your muscles are working. Some people may also experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, etc.
Doctors are still confused as to why some women have menstrual pain while others do not. The following are some of the factors linked to more severe pain:
Intense menstrual flow
When you have your first child
In your 20s or just beginning your cycle
Overproducing or being sensitive to prostaglandins, a type of compound in the body that affects the womb
Some home remedies can serve as pain relievers for mild to temporary cramping. Continue reading for quick period pain relief tips and information on how to potentially reduce period cramps during your next period.
Using OTC (over-the-counter) medicines:
For menstruation discomfort and excessive menstrual flow, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most used over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen are included in NSAIDs (Aleve) and reduce the amount of prostaglandin produced by your body.
Heat application
Take a warm bath or use a hot towel if you don't have a hot water bottle or heating pad to relieve pre-period pain or cramps during periods. Heat therapy was shown to be as effective as NSAIDS in relieving menstruation pain in a 2018 evaluation of studies. It may also result in fewer adverse effects.
Using essential oils for massage
A 20-minute massage therapy can be beneficial. Massage treatment for menstruation involves pushing certain spots on your abdomen, side, and back while the therapist's hands move around them. Aromatherapy massage with essential oils may have extra advantages as per some studies.
Orgasming
While no clinical research has been conducted on the direct effect of orgasms on period cramps, science suggests that it may be beneficial.
Vaginal orgasms affect your entire body, including your spinal cord, which triggers neurotransmitter release. A vaginal orgasm can cause the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and oxytocin in your brain which can help to reduce pain.
Avoid certain foods and add herbs to your diet
Avoiding meals that promote bloating and water retention during menstruation is a good idea. The few of the worst culprits are foods rich in fat, carbonated drinks, alcohol, salty foods, caffeine and so on. Painful cramps and stress can be relieved by reducing or eliminating these foods.
Although the evidence supporting home remedies for period pain is very mixed, there are many anecdotal reports of the same being helpful. So adding ginger, chamomile, white peony etc. have been reported by many, including traditional medicine practitioners to provide symptomatic relief as they contain anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic substances that can help relieve menstruation pain by reducing muscle spasms and swelling.
When to consult a gynaecologist
However, if the above period pain remedies don’t work for you, you should consult a physician. The following symptoms are your sign to visit the doctor:
the pain prevents you from doing everyday tasks
the pain worsens or the bleeding becomes heavier over time
you're over 25 and severe cramps are a new occurrence
over-the-counter medications don't work
A doctor's diagnosis of the reason of your menstruation discomfort is the best approach to seek treatment in extreme circumstances.2
If your period cramps are getting in the way of daily life, don’t ignore them. A quick chat with a Pinky Promise gynaecologist can help you understand what’s normal and what needs attention.
References
1 - What Helps Menstrual Cramps: 6 Home Remedies and OTC Options to Manage Pain; From Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cramp-remedies). Retrieved on 14.04.2022
2 - What are Prostaglandins? ; From Everyday Health
(https://www.everydayhealth.com/prostaglandins/guide/). Retrieved on 09.06.2022
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