Beyond the Medicine Cabinet: Natural Remedies for Period Pain

Period cramps can be a pain in the… abdomen, but sharing ways to ease symptoms is one of our favorite things to do. If you want to close the medicine cabinet and explore natural remedies, we have a few ideas you can try. If you find that you’re still experiencing discomfort, make an appointment to talk to a provider at your nearest The Right Time health center to discuss how birth control could help you feel better.

Cut down on fat, sugar, salt, and caffeine. If you’re thinking, “But that’s all I eat when I have my period,” we feel you. This one may not be easy, but it can significantly help you avoid that bloated feeling. Try eating complex carbs or calcium-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, salmon, and spinach instead.

Hit the gym. Exercise releases endorphins, which act as a natural pain killer and mood-booster! Walk around your neighborhood, try a gentle yoga class (or watch a period-specific yoga video on YouTube), or throw on your headphones and use a treadmill, elliptical, or bike for a more rigorous workout.

Drink more warm water. Cold water can worsen stomach cramps, but warm or hot water increases blood flow and helps relax cramped muscles. Depending on what kind of phone you have, there are plenty of free apps that can help you to drink water and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Eat magnesium-rich foods. Try eating more dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, and collard greens), nuts and seeds, fish, soybeans, avocado, bananas, and best of all, dark chocolate! Depending on the severity of your cramps, a magnesium supplement may be helpful, but always consult your provider before taking any medications.

Wanna skip Aunt Flo altogether? The providers at your nearest The Right Time health center can talk about how birth control can help with that.

Updated January 2020