15 Effective Ways to Stop Period Pains Immediately

How to stop your period pain fast?

Here is a list of methods to help you immediately stop period cramps. How can I stop period pain ASAP? Not all methods work for everyone, so figure out the best one for you or combine different ways to get relief faster. Let’s explore!

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Before and during your periods, your stomach or other body parts get swollen due to water retention (bloating). This is a common symptom, causing discomfort and severe menstrual cramps.

Drinking water regularly reduces bloating and pain during your periods. So you must drink 8 oz of hot water regularly to relax your muscles and enhance the blood flow through your body, reducing period cramps. 

2. Over-the-Counter NSAIDs

Over-the-counter NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as:

• Ponstel   
• Aspirin (Bufferin)
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

These painkillers are the best medicine for menstrual cramps. These drugs reduce prostaglandins, the hormone which causes contraction and menstrual cramps.

However, if you have an aspirin allergy, liver, kidney, heart, or stomach issues, asthma, bleeding disorder, or ulcers, do not take these drugs. 

So, you can try other period pain relief tablets such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), Midol Complete, Midol Lasting Relief, pyrilamine, or caffeine to stop your period pain.

Moreover, do not exceed the recommended dose and if you have any doubt, take medications according to your doctor’s advice. 

3. Gentle Massage

Where to massage for period cramps? You must massage your abdomen for five minutes for 6 days, easing cramping and relaxing your muscles. So, massage with oil or body lotion; however essential oils are best, including:

• Coconut oil
• Rose oil
• Lavender oil
• Peppermint oil
• Ginger oil
• Fennel oil
• Sage oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Marjoram oil
• Clove oil

Abdominal massage in a circular motion reduces uterine spasms. You can also massage your full body to ease period cramps. If you have an allergy to any of these oils, avoid that oil.

4. Acupressure

Acupressure uses manual pressure, you can do it by yourself or a practitioner. Acupressure on your feet, back, and belly releases endorphins, improves blood flow to the uterus and reduces pain. The steps of acupressure include:

• From your inner ankle bone, measure 4 fingertips up.
• Gently rub this area for a few minutes.
• Repeat this process daily during your period.

5. Acupuncture

In acupuncture, needles are placed on certain skin areas (acupoints), releasing endorphins (natural pain-relieving chemical), stimulating the nervous system, and stopping period pain.

Acupuncture is more effective than NSAIDs, relaxes your muscles, and improves blood flow throughout your body. The acupoints for acupuncture are:

• Inside lower legs 
• Between big toes and second toes
• Between thumbs and index fingers
• Acupuncture five days before the period offers less pain, making it a reliable solution. 

6. Nerve Stimulation

For nerve stimulation, TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy is used. In this, electrode patches containing low-voltage electrical currents are placed on your skin, stimulating nerves or your skin areas, releasing chemicals, and reducing pain. If you do not want to take painkillers, TENS is your way to go. 

7. Dietary Changes

Dietary changes also reduce menstrual cramping. So eat a balanced diet, improve your digestion, and stay healthy.

The balanced diet contains certain minerals (magnesium), vitamins (vitamin B1 or thiamine), and supplements, reducing period pain, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vegetables such as cauliflower, spinach, kale, asparagus, etc.
• Fruits such as oranges, avocados, etc.
• Lean proteins 
  Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains
• Fiber-rich diet
• Legumes such as lentils,  beans, and chickpeas

Vitamin D, vitamin E, cinnamon, fennel, and ginger are also effective in reducing period pain. Other effective supplements include:

• Vitamins B6
• Calcium
• Vitamin B12
• Zinc i.e. 8 mg per day
• Fish oil

8. Reduce Stress

Stress affects your body and immune system in many ways. So reducing stress helps you get relief from your period cramps. To reduce stress:

• Take meditation
• Get counseling
• Perform deep breathing exercise 
• Do yoga

9. Hormonal Birth Control

If your period cramps are due to hormonal imbalance, hormonal birth control pills will help you. They balance the level of progesterone and estrogen, thinning the uterine lining and letting it shed easily.

These pills also regulate the frequency and length of your period, stopping period, resolving PMS, and alleviating pain. Besides these pills, there are some other hormonal birth control methods that are effective, including:

• Depo-Provera shot
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Vaginal ring
• Implant
• The patch

10. Consider Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol-infused tampons, CBD oil, and cannabis reduce menstrual cramps, inflammation, and chronic pain. It is more effective than yoga and exercise. 

11. Apply Heat

So, if you want to know how to stop period pain immediately at home? Peel and stick a heated patch on your abdomen to relax your uterus’ muscles and reduce period cramps.

Heat patches are easy to use and buy, available online or in many drugstores. You can also use hot water bottles or electric heating pads, but a heat patch is better and more effective than others.

However, if you are using a water bottle or heating pad, ensure their temperature is less than 104 degrees to avoid burning.

12. Exercise and Yoga

Physical activity is a natural pain reliever. Walking, stretching, strolling, yoga, and other low-impact exercises release endorphins, ease your period pain, and refresh your mood.

Some aerobic exercises such as biking, jogging, and swimming relax your muscles and block pain. However, avoid doing strenuous exercise during periods as it will worsen your cramps. 

13. Change Your Position

How to get rid of period cramps fast in bed? If you are sitting for too long on your bed or anywhere, change your positions to ease cramps.

Stretch, get up, or walk, occasionally. If you are sleeping, change your sleep position. Place a pillow under your knees, sleep on your back, or stretch out your legs. You can also use a body pillow for support and comfort. 

14. Soak Yourself In a Hot Tub

Soak yourself in a warm bath to relax muscles and reduce period pain. It also eases nighttime cramps, promoting a good night’s sleep.

15. Perform orgasm

Orgasm contracts and releases the uterus, releasing pain-relieving hormones and alleviating menstrual cramps. A vaginal orgasm includes your spinal cord and involves your whole body, releasing neurotransmitters such as oxytocin and endorphins and decreasing pain perception. 

Ongoing Period Pain: Talk to Your Doctor

If your period pain is not alleviated with home remedies, talk to your health care professional or OB-GYN for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

The doctor will prescribe certain medications such as painkillers or birth control pills to reduce your period pain. Other symptoms that warrant you to contact a doctor include:

• Heavy bleeding
• Severe pain 
• Cramps worsen with time or age

These symptoms indicate you have an underlying medical condition such as endometriosis, PMDD, or PID. So consult a doctor and get effective treatment.

Wrapping Up

Period pain is normal but sometimes it interferes with your daily routine activities. However, certain methods, medications, and home remedies help you tackle this situation effectively.

So opt for the method that best suits you and alleviates your pain. However, if cramps become worse, consult your doctor for the correct diagnosis and proper treatment.