Natural hygiene products such as the menstruation disc can relieve and reduce period pain usually associated with monthly menstruation.

From migraine headaches to bloating to abdomen pain that feels as if fish hooks are tearing your insides apart, period pains play a part in every female’s monthly menstruation cycle and can often interfere with our day-to-day activities.  

The good news is that period pain doesn’t have to be endured. By making a few simple adjustments to your daily habits and choices, you can manage and reduce your discomfort during your monthly menstruation.

Firstly, what are period pains all about and what is going on inside our bodies to cause them? The human body is an incredible machine of divine creation which works on its own internal intelligence system to monitor, respond and heal itself.

During our monthly period, a hormone called prostaglandins is released, tasked with the responsibility of contracting the uterus so it can expel the endometrial lining in the form of blood and mucus, which arrives as your period.

Period pain is not caused by the contraction of the uterus, rather the contractions of the uterus, in turn, cause the side muscles to contract which causes our pain. This should be a light period pain and is deemed normal. If you are experiencing heavy periods and discomfort before menstruation, together with extreme cramping, then your body is doing its job and alerting you to a root problem which may need to be addressed.

Diet and exercise play a huge part in controlling the amount of pain you may be experiencing. If your period pain is so debilitating that you are unable to get out of bed, you need to consider some lifestyle changes under the advice of a medical doctor or naturopath. In a similar vein, premenstrual stress (PMS) is not normal but rather the result of a hormone imbalance and is a warning sign that something is not well in your endocrine system.

Let’s look at some suggestions for alleviating your monthly period pains:

Natural Hygiene Products for Period Pain

Avoid using tampons, which can lead to infections and in some cases life-threatening toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Ongoing tampon use can irritate your vagina and cause dryness especially if you are needing to change it regularly.

Medical professionals recommend using the latest development in feminine hygiene provided by the menstrual disc, which better manages your monthly period flow and your period pain with up to 70% of consumers reporting a reduction in cramping when they used the menstrual disc, unlike that of the menstrual cup.  

Manufactured from medical-grade silicone, the menstrual disc is non-toxic and hypoallergenic and BPA and phthalate free. Easy to insert and remove, (you can watch the video here) it uses the heat of your body to mould into the natural shape of your vagina, and because it sits above your vaginal canal, unlike a tampon, you can’t feel it when its inserted. This is because it sits safely beyond your vaginal canal.

We’ve all had the added pain and discomfort of removing a tampon which can be so abrasive it tears the sensitive walls of the vaginal canal. The menstrual disc effectively bypasses this, since you can empty it without having to remove it to buy yourself more ‘wear time’ while you are out and about. From your seat on the toilet, simply lean forward as far as required to break the seal on the ring, allow the menstrual blood to flow out and into the toilet. Once finished, it’s as simple as sitting back upright, the muscles in your vagina bring the cup back to its proper position then just wipe yourself and leave the toilet. Keep in mind that every 12 hours, your disc must be removed, emptied, rinsed and reinserted.

Both disposable (it lasts for three menstrual cycles) and a more hygienic option, it passively collects menstrual fluid instead of having to absorb it and; unlike other products on the market, it provides mess-free, leak-proof protection for 12 hours, so you are not continually excusing yourself to the loo to keep changing your sanitary wear.

A one-of-a-kind menstrual hygiene product, it’s a one-size-fits-all product that is so comfortable and discreet, it can even be worn during sexual intercourse.

Medication for Period Pain

Period pain tends to hit us at the most unexpected times and its Murphy’s Law that its usually when you are on a work deadline at the office or there’s a family celebration you have been looking forward to attending but due to the gnawing pain in your abdomen, you simply can’t focus, let alone face a social gathering.  In these situations, it’s okay to reach for some fast pain relief in the form of an over-the-counter pain medication but understand that medication is not a long-term solution as it puts strain on your liver and can intensify any hormonal imbalances. Speak to your pharmacist for a pain medication that specifically targets period pains. For milder pain, use medication containing Ibuprofen or aspirin. For stronger pain, use muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories.

Home Remedies for Period Pain

Remember how Grandma always used to have a hot water bottle handy? Traditional pain alleviation, through applying heat, works by calming the pain down and relaxing the muscles surrounding your uterus. You can gently massage your uterus at the same time and apply Deep Heat cream.

It is always best to treat the root cause of your period pain through long-term management of the issue. Grandma would likely have also agreed with the homoeopathic remedy of supplementing your body by taking dolomite and magnesium together with Omega 3 fatty acids three days prior to your period starting and over the duration of your menstruation. Keeping a box of Chamomile tea at hand, which contains Hippurate and glycine, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, will also comfort and relieve period pains.

Natural Hygiene Products for Period Pain

Avoid using tampons, which can lead to infections and in some cases life-threatening toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Ongoing tampon use can irritate your vagina and cause dryness especially if you are needing to change it regularly. When a tampon is inserted, it creates microscopic tears along the vaginal canal. Tampons can leave behind residual fibres and traces of bleach, dioxins and other residues from the cotton cultivation and tampon manufacturing processes. Menstrual discs leave the body just as it is – no micro-tears, no residues, no change in the body’s natural pH or bacteria levels. Watch the video here of what is happening internally in your body when you use tampons and learn why you need to start using menstrual discs instead!  

Medical professionals recommend using the latest development in feminine hygiene provided by the menstrual disc, which better manages your monthly period flow and your period pain with up to 70% of consumers reporting a reduction in cramping when they used the menstrual disc.  

Manufactured from natural silicone, the menstrual disc is non-toxic and hypoallergenic and BPA and phthalate free. Easy to insert, (you can watch the video here) it uses the heat of your body to mould into the natural shape of your vagina, and because it sits above your vaginal canal, unlike a tampon, you can’t feel it when it’s inserted. Reusable and a more hygienic option, it passively collects menstrual fluid instead of having to absorb it and; unlike other products on the market, it provides mess-free, leak-proof protection for 12 hours, so you are not continually excusing yourself to the loo to keep changing your sanitary wear.

Physical Movement and Period Pain

Your hormonal system controls almost every function in your body, including menstruation. Keeping it in top form will significantly alleviate monthly period pain, as will regular exercise. Ease yourself off the couch, gently stretch and regularly take a walk in the sunshine to help reduce any moodiness, cravings or low energy which might also be accompanying your cramps.

Don’t rule sex out either. The gentle rocking of intercourse, together with orgasm can help in reducing period pain as it releases endorphins and helps blood circulation. If you are using a natural feminine hygiene product like the menstrual disc, then mess-free sex is possible. With its 12-hour protection, it’s so discreet, your partner won’t even know you are menstruating and there’s a good chance you too may forget about it for a while!

Try the most natural and pervasive way of managing period pain with the regular use of the menstrual disc for your monthly flow. 

Download our free guide to a happier period where we give you tips and advice on that time of the month!