Severe pain in the lower abdomen, head, or lower back not only hurts, but also impairs your overall quality of life. Even though most symptoms aren't cause for concern, you don't have to simply accept them! Here are some home remedies and tips to combat your period pain.
Heat – the simplest home remedy for pain
The application of heat is one of the oldest therapies and is still highly valued in medicine. It has also proven effective in treating pain, as it relaxes the affected muscles and stimulates the body's metabolism. It also improves blood circulation, oxygen transport, and the elimination of waste products and toxins. Heat also has a positive effect on the immune system. But be careful: Heat is not suitable for everyone – if you suffer from chronic or acute inflammation, it should not be used. If you are unsure, consult your doctor!
The following home remedies can help you:
- Cherry stone, linseed, rapeseed or grape seed pillows
- hot water bottle
- warm and moist compresses
- Heat patches
- a relaxing bath
Avoid additional stress!
Relaxation is especially important during your period, as symptoms may otherwise worsen. Suitable relaxation exercises include meditation, autogenic training, breathing exercises, or even yoga.
Exercise is good – but please not too much!
You should avoid strenuous physical activity or strenuous exercise during your period. Instead, focus on light exercise that relaxes and eases muscle tension. Exercise and long walks in the fresh air are especially recommended.
Pay attention to proper nutrition!
Yes, you read that right! Many people don't know it, but the right diet during your period can also support you. Magnesium helps you combat migraines and cramps. Nuts (cashews, walnuts, almonds), pumpkin and sunflower seeds, legumes, and oatmeal are suitable sources. There's also good news for the chocolate lovers among us: chocolate with at least 40% cocoa content also contains magnesium! So you don't have to go without it completely and can reward yourself every now and then! The right diet can also work wonders during the other phases of your cycle. You can find out more about this in our article "How the right diet affects your menstrual cycle."
The general rule during your period is: do what feels good to you! Pay attention to your body and get to know it. It will tell you exactly what to do and what to avoid!
Always seek medical advice
Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.
Normally, blood is red, although all shades from light red to dark red to almost brownish-black are completely normal.
Blood reveals a lot about health and hormone levels. A grayish-red color, for example, can indicate an infection or disease.
During a healthy period, the blood is a bright red, although it may be lighter on heavier days and darker at the beginning and end.
Very light blood can be caused by low estrogen levels, which can be caused by stress, competitive sports or diets, but also by hormonal contraceptives such as the pill.
Yes, there is no need to worry, as brown blood is simply older blood that flows out of the body more slowly.
A very dark menstruation indicates that the blood is flowing slowly, reacting with oxygen and darkening.
Implantation bleeding is usually very light to pink and significantly lighter than a period.
This varies from person to person. The first period can be very light and brownish, but it can also be clearly visible as red blood.
The discharge may appear whitish to yellowish and its consistency is thick.
Postpartum bleeding is initially deep red and quite heavy. It also contains tissue debris. After the first week, the lochia subsides and becomes brownish, finally becoming whitish and stopping completely after about six weeks.
When menstruation returns after pregnancy, it has the typical red hue in its broad spectrum that you already know.
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