Don’t let period pain keep you on the sidelines. Here’s a few ways to get them under control.

Plan Ahead

If you are someone who always gets period pain, the best method for stopping them is preventing them from starting in the first place. A day or two before your period is supposed to start, begin taking over the counter ibuprofen tablets. Most women can take up to four of the 200mg tablets (800mg per dose) up to every six to eight hours safely. Doing this consistently can actually stop period pain in their tracks. If your period is less predictable, don’t wait until your period pain get bad to take medication. Taking something at the first sign of pain will save you from suffering later.

Heat It Up

One of the best methods for relieving period pain is heat. A heating pad, or a “rice bag” (you can make your own!) works wonders. Or take a hot shower or bath. Hey, when you have bad period pain you can use it as an excuse to pamper yourself! Light candles, play soft music, and slip into a warm bath. Or even try and imagine yourself in a spa.

Distract Yourself

You aren’t going to feel better if all you can focus on is how bad you feel. Getting rid of period pain takes time, and no pain relief technique is going to work instantly. One go-to method for surviving particularly bad period pain is to take pain killers, throw on a heating pad, and turn on your favorite movie. Chances are you’ll get so into the movie that you barely notice when the pain subsides. Don’t have time for a movie? Meditating, imaging yourself somewhere relaxing, or even singing along to a few songs on the radio can move your mind off the pain in a pinch.

Be Good To Your Body

When you feel bad it may be tempting to binge on some unhealthy comfort food. Resist the urge! Stuffing your face with sweets or salty snacks will only make you feel worse. If you overdo it, you may end up feeling bloated and crampy—and nobody has time for that! It is also important to stay hydrated, as the discomfort you feel may be from water retention (that sometimes happens on your period) and drinking water can help get things flowing again. Warm water or tea always helps.

Head To The Doctor

If you get to a point where your typical tricks for relieving period pain aren’t working anymore, or if no amount of heating pads, hot tea or positive thoughts help with the pain, it’s time to visit a medical professional. Especially if your period pain is severely interfering with your life. Even if you just have questions about what is normal, don’t wait—head to your healthcare provider now.

Source disclaimer: Article is adapted from original article source U by Kotex - USA