Period pain solutions: best practices and products for Australian women and girls
By
2024
Period pain, or dysmenorrhea, affects many Australian women, causing discomfort that can interfere with daily life. Fortunately, there are various solutions to help manage the pain effectively.
Best Practices for Managing Period Pain:
- Heat Therapy: Applying a hot water bottle or heating pad can relax the muscles and ease cramps.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce menstrual discomfort by boosting endorphins.
- Diet: Eating anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, fish, and nuts, can help ease pain.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated prevents bloating, which can worsen pain.
Top Products for Period Pain Relief:
- Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or paracetamol can manage mild to moderate pain.
- Menstrual Cups & Pads: Some women find that menstrual cups reduce discomfort compared to traditional pads or tampons.
- TENS Machines: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units provide non-invasive relief by sending electrical impulses to the muscles.
- Herbal Remedies: Products with ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and chamomile can offer natural relief from cramps.
Consulting with a Doctor
If period pain is severe or persistent, it’s important for women to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional may recommend treatments like hormonal birth control or even surgery for more severe conditions, such as endometriosis or fibroids.
By combining lifestyle adjustments and the right products, Australian women can find effective solutions to reduce the impact of period pain and lead a more comfortable life during their menstrual cycle.
Want to discover more?
Explore our database of everyone working towards menstrual equality in Australia.
Inclusivity note
Within this article, we may use the terms she, her, woman, girl or daughter. We understand that not all people with uteruses who are assigned female at birth menstruate, and not everyone who menstruates identifies as a female, girl or woman. For more information on this, please see our article about the importance of gender inclusivity when discussing periods and menstruation.
