How To Relieve Period Pain This Christmas

Dec 24, 2017 Period Pain

Period pain is inconvenient at any time of the year but more so at Christmas.  Stress levels are high and there are plenty of irritating people and situations to drive you insane.  The last thing you want is to be doubled up in agony on the sofa,   Stomach cramps are the body’s way of shedding the womb lining every month.  Some women experience mild period pain while others have it more severe. This is perfectly normal and is not a cause for concern.  Sometimes chronic period pain may be due to conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids. Normal period pain generally lasts for a few days and can be treated with painkillers or anti inflammatories. Avoiding stress and relaxing also helps but is difficult to do  during the celebrations.

Causes Of Period Pain

Period pain is one of those things that most women have to endure once a month.  It is also known as dysmenorrhea. As well as stomach pain other symptoms include; bloating, breast tenderness, lower back pain, headaches, low mood and irritability.  The extent of these symptoms vary from gentle to severe depending on how unlucky you are. Every month your womb forms a lining in preparation for a fertilized egg to implant itself.  If there is no egg the womb contracts to expel the lining resulting in your monthly period.  The contractions may cause discomfort and pain.  Conditions like fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis make period pain worse. If your period pain is unbearable and you are bleeding heavier than usual it is important that you visit your doctor.   Changes in your periods may indicate an underlying health condition.

Festive Pain Relief

Ways that you can control your period pain include.

• Hot water bottle - grab a comfortable chair and a cuddly hot water bottle and melt the pain away.
• Exercise - go out for a brisk walk, get fresh air and see some old friends at the same time.  The release of endorphins will help to ease the pain.
• A warm drink - comfort yourself with the warmth of a hot drink add some cream and marshmallows to turn it into pure luxury.
• Eat healthily - difficult at this time of the year but try to aim for healthier options when snacking and feasting.
• Over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

If none of these remedies are working then your doctor may prescribe you an NSAID which stands for Non Steroid Anti Inflammatory Drug.  

Mefenamic Acid Capsules

When over the counter pain relief does not work your doctor may prescribe Mefenamic Acid Capsules which are NSAIDs.  NSAIDs work by reducing the production of prostaglandins which is a chemical produced in the body.  This results in less severe contractions during mensturation and less pain. You may not be able to take them if you have weak kidneys or a suseptable to bleeding. Two 250 mg tablets are taken three times a day for a maximum of three days once period pain strikes.  It is important you take the stated dose otherwise you may feel dizzy, have a headache, vomit, faint and a wide range of symptoms.  Arrange to see a doctor immediately if you have taken too many tablets. Take time out of the festivities to look after yourself and prevent your period from ruining the day.  To review and purchase treatment for period pain please click here.