Relieve menstrual cramps: 5 ways to relieve them in cold weather

The gynecologist reveals what to do to relieve the discomfort caused by cramps during the menstrual period

Many people suffer from terrible menstrual cramps, which can directly affect productivity and quality of life. With the arrival of winter the body is subjected to low temperatures and becomes more sensitive to pain. The reason is that in the cold the blood vessels compress, which can intensify cramps.

To treat this discomfort, it is common to use medications, especially analgesics and anti-inflammatories, to temporarily relieve the pain, but there are other ways to relieve cramps without overusing medications.

To help deal with pain during this period, gynecologist Dr. Patrick Bellelis, collaborator of the endometriosis sector of the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo, has separated 5 practical tips to relieve menstrual cramps during the cold. Watch!

1. Hot water compresses

One of the oldest and most comforting techniques in case of colic can be explained by the fact that heat activates blood flow and relieves pain. To do this, simply place a hot water bottle or compress on the cramp area and leave for about 15 minutes. It is important to protect your skin from direct contact by placing a cloth between the bag and your skin to avoid burns.

2. Bet on hot drinks

Hot drinks have the same effect as a hot water bottle, helping to relieve pain. However, avoid caffeinated drinks, which could potentially make pain worse in some people. Bet on teas that help regulate the cycle, such as chamomile, mint, rosemary, bay leaf and lavender, which have relaxing, calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Pay attention to your diet

Some foods, such as sweets and fatty foods, can cause bloating and fluid retention in some bodies, increasing the appearance of menstrual cramps. During the cycle, therefore, it is interesting to maintain a more balanced diet, avoiding excess sugars and fats, favoring vegetables, fruit and lean meats, as well as drinking lots of water.

4. Maintain healthy habits

Exercise helps a lot in relieving cramps during the menstrual period. Physical activities increase blood flow, releasing endorphins, a hormone that helps control pain. On the other hand, smoking can be even more harmful during this period, due to the vasoconstriction caused by tobacco. Therefore, avoiding smoking is also the best solution to relieve cramps.

5. Rest

Stress linked to a hectic lifestyle contributes significantly to the increase in colic. When the body rests during quality sleep, balance is restored. Therefore, rest combined with healthy habits contribute to having a menstrual cycle with less discomfort.

Symptom of endometriosis

While menstrual cramps are common, these pains can be linked to other conditions, such as endometriosis, which affects approximately 10% of the female population of reproductive age, profoundly impacting women’s health.

According to gynecologist Dr. Patrick Bellelis, when pain occurs outside of the menstrual period, it is a sign that you need to seek medical attention and begin treatment. For this reason it is important to observe the signals that the body gives to contact the doctor as soon as possible.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.