How to deal with the period symptoms
Both pains and cramps in the abdomen are usual period symptoms. The intensity may differ not only from woman to woman, but also from period to period. Some women are facing severe symptoms (dysmenorrhea) and others, lighter. There are a few lucky ones, that do not feel anything! But they are only few of them…
The good news for all the rest with dysmenorrhea is that there are many ways to deal with the pain:
1. Any hot drink, such as chamomile or lavender, will definitely help you reduce the intensity of the pain. Try to avoid caffeine because it causes contraction of blood vessels and dehydrates the body, which might intensify the discomfort and increase nervousness.
2. Hot baths or hot pads in the area you feel pain may also help, since they help relax the muscles and thus relieve pain.
3. Mild exercise, as strange as it may seem, can help you deal with the symptoms of the period, as it will improve blood circulation and secretion of endorphins, which will contribute significantly in the pain relied.
4. Drinking plenty of water, especially those days, will also help to fight the feeling of exhaustion caused by dehydration.
5. As for all health issues, also for the treatment of menstrual pain, the right diet is of maximum importance. These days, try to consume foods rich in vitamins (e.g. orange for vitamin B & C, whole grains of Vitamin D), Omega 3 acids (e.g. fatty fish, nuts, etc.) and calcium (e.g., spinach, broccoli, etc.).
6. For a few days try to avoid your favorite tight jeans. Okay, you definitely want to wear them today to go for coffee with your girlfriends, but the tight clothes, combined with the swelling feeling, will intensify the discomfort and will not help you forget that you have your period.
7. Get some rest! Of course you can be as active as any day. But if you feel weakness or have a heavy flow, it would be good to listen to your body and let it relax. In a few days you will be able to be again as active as you want!
In collaboration with Dr Olga. E. Bikou, Obstetrician-Surgeon-Gynaecologist
