It is estimated that between 30 and 50% women experience period pain that is bad enough to disrupt their life. It is a lot. Painful periods are common, and often unexplained. There are many conditions which can trigger pain during a bleed, such as endometriosis or fibroids, but the subject of this article is unexplained period pain. And the good news is that there are ways to manage the pain and maybe even eradicate the pain totally. Periods do not have to be painful.
Having a period is a good way to cleanse our body, flush out toxins and start a new month afresh. I can certainly appreciate that many of you do not like this time of the month, and I fully sympathise with you. But in this article I want to share with you some tips and homeopathic remedies that can help manage the pain. I also share my story, which will hopefully inspire some of you.
Symptoms of painful periods
Period pains are most often cramping pains in the lower abdomen during the bleed. But the symptoms vary greatly from woman to woman. Sometimes the pain starts before the flow; most of us will suffer during the flow; and a few women have more pain towards the end of the bleed. In addition, the pain can be felt in the back, in the vulva or in the thighs. Some of us also experience a change in body temperature, or perhaps nausea and vomiting. Emotions can be impacted too: some will become tearful whilst others may become irritable or depressed during their menses.
Why are periods painful?
This is an extract from the NHS website:
“Period pain happens when the muscular wall of the womb tightens (contracts). Mild contractions continually occur in your womb, but they’re usually so mild that most women cannot feel them.
During your period, the wall of the womb starts to contract more vigorously to help the womb lining shed as part of your period.
When the wall of the womb contracts, it compresses the blood vessels lining your womb. This temporarily cuts off the blood supply – and oxygen supply – to your womb. Without oxygen, the tissues in your womb release chemicals that trigger pain.
While your body is releasing these pain-triggering chemicals, it’s also producing other chemicals called prostaglandins. These encourage the womb muscles to contract more, further increasing the level of pain.”
In my experience, period pain is often the result of stress, anxiety and work overload. Perimenopause is also a common cause.
Some practical tips to help alleviate the pain
Period pain can be debilitating at its worse and so taking steps towards managing the pain between bleeds is a good idea.
1. Deep breathing
What has been helping me the most is breathing exercises. Taking a long breath through the nose, into the abdomen is incredibly powerful. If you can, take a few moments each day to just breathe. Take a long breath, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly. Repeat several times. This can be done during meditation, yoga, or done on its own.
2. Calming down the mind
Calming down the mind is also a powerful tool to manage period pain. Breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi or any gentle exercise help with managing stress or other emotions. Doing it daily or several times a week, rather than just during your period, will help in the long run.
3. Nutrition
Throughout the month your hormones will fluctuate, and this is more noticeable in the second phase of the cycle. Progesterone levels increase steadily and then drop a few days before the flow starts. This means that the liver has to work harder to clean the blood from these hormones. And you are more likely to suffer from period pain or abdominal discomfort before and during your period if your liver is overburdened.
Eating green vegetables, particularly a few days before the flow starts, and avoiding alcohol, sugar and heavy meals will help support your liver. If you tend to have pimples or spots around your period, this is a sign that your liver needs rebalancing.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium taken as a supplement or via a foot bath will also help to alleviate cramps.
5. Take time for yourself
When your body hurts, it is a sign that it needs to be looked after. It is important to acknowledge it and maybe change your priorities when you have your period. It is hard when we have a job, children to look after, and various responsibilities. But if you can, take some time to yourself and rest or do some exercise, or whatever your body is calling for. Sometimes, just acknowledging your body needs taken care of can help.
6. Massage your belly
Massaging your belly on a regular basis will support your digestion as well as helping with period pain. Using essential oils, such as lavender oil or this Women’s balance oil, will provide further relaxation. Start by massaging your abdomen in a clockwise direction starting from your liver, repeat several times. You can continue by going a bit deeper and massaging your belly as if kneading dough, still in a clockwise direction. Finally, rest your hands on your tummy whilst breathing deeply for a minute or two.
A note on conventional treatments
Several conventional treatments exist for managing period pain. Whilst they can be useful if you are in pain and have a commitment you cannot postpone, the drugs only suppress the issue instead of addressing the cause. They have a major impact on the liver, and can have further side effects. Some treatments, such as the birth control pill, have a detrimental impact on the endocrine system, therefore disrupting hormones. Limiting the use of conventional drugs and looking for alternative natural approaches have a more durable effect whilst supporting you in a holistic way.
Homeopathic remedies for painful periods
Homeopathy offers many remedies to alleviate, or eradicate, period pain. The remedy selected for you will depend on your own symptoms. Here are three examples of homeopathic remedies that can be taken during the acute phase of the pain.
– Mag Phos
This is probably the most commonly used remedy for period pain. It is useful if you suffer from severe cramping pain which is better for rubbing the abdomen and warmth. The pain is worse in the cold and exertion can bring on cramps. Feeling better for hard pressure or doubling up is another indication for this remedy, so if you are one of those who like to curl up in bed with a hot water bottle, Mag Phos may well help you. Drop a couple of pills in a mug of warm water and sip it throughout the day.
– Belladonna
The main indications for choosing this remedy are: sharp or throbbing pain, profuse bright red blood, a great sensitivity to pain. If you also feel worse for lying down, but better for standing or sitting down upright, then Belladonna is likely to help you.
– Chamomilla
This remedy is well known for teething pains but is also very useful to manage period cramps. The pain feels like labour pain and may extend down the inner thighs. You will feel very angry whilst in pain, perhaps capricious, not knowing what you want. The pain is better for a cold application and vigorous walking. If the pain was triggered by anger or emotion and your symptoms match these described here, then look no further.
I suggest taking theses remedies in a 30C or 200C potency. If you are unsure of how to take remedies, then click here for some advice.
What about long-term pain management?
Managing the pain when it comes is certainly a relief. But if you endure painful periods on a regular basis, then a long-term treatment may be appropriate. There are many remedies such as Pulsatilla, Sepia, Cimicifuga or Nux Vomica which can be introduced in your treatment.
As homeopaths, one of the things we look for is addressing root cause of the issue. If we can do that, then we can help your emotional symptoms, hormonal imbalance as well as your monthly pain.
My story in short
Painful periods have been with me ever since puberty. My first period was very painful, although thankfully the pain became more manageable for the following few years. After seeing a French homeopath as a teenager, my periods actually became very easy for a couple of years or so.
I then moved to the UK and the pain returned progressively, to the point of being intolerable. Some months I had to take time off work because the pain was so bad. I had terrible cramping pains, on a few occasions the spasms would make me be sick. The flow was quite heavy and lasted 7 to 8 days, the pain lasted a good 5 days.
Eventually though, I turned back to homeopathy and I am glad to say that my periods became easier, lighter and shorter over the years. I may occasionally suffer from a few cramps, but they are very mild and of short duration. So if you have painful periods, be hopeful!
If you would like to find out more about a homeopathic treatment, book your free 30-minute chat here.
With best wishes for a happy life,
Priscille Francetti LCCH MARH
Homeopath
