How does a heating pad help women during menstruation?

Menstruation for ages has become a synonym for discomfort. Once knocked on the door, it often comes with food cravings, sleep disturbances, mood swings, irritability, and the worst i.e. cramps. It is said that 80% of women experience period cramps at some stage in their lifetime. Some experts have even assumed period pain is worse than labor pain. This makes it clearer to understand that period cramps can become intolerable and treating it with ease is necessary.

Therefore, various remedies are available which help to ease the discomfort. One such remedy is using heating pads which are saviors. Within the pages ahead, we will be explaining how heating pads work to relieve period cramps and can be effective to use during menstruation. 

* What are period cramps and Understanding why it occurs?

 In the first place, the important question to ask is to understand what period cramps actually are. It is a painful sensation that is caused during periods. This sensation is usually experienced in lower abdomen back pain. During menstruation, the uterus contracts which expels the lining. Sometimes it contrasts too much, which starts pressing against blood vessels. Often after getting pressed hard, it cuts off the supply of oxygen. Lack of supply of oxygen leads to discomfort and causes cramps.

* How do heating pads work to relieve period cramps?: Heating pads and cramps.

 Heating pads are believed to have been practiced for ages. But why? Well, this is because it works with the idea of heat therapy. Heat therapy works with an application that involves a process that alleviates pain and helps with the relaxation of muscles.

Here are the following ways in which the heating pad works to help relieve the pain:

1. Muscle Relaxation: The science behind the usage of heating pads claims that it helps significantly in letting the muscles relax. The contraction during menstruation is the major reason behind the period pain. A heating pad tackles the issue by reducing the tension that is caused by the muscles and alleviates the stress on it.
2. Increase the blood flow: Another reason behind the intense pain during periods is improper circulation. A heating pad often helps with the circulation of blood which ensures that the blood is flowing in an improved manner. This automatically helps to bring down the pain during periods.
3. Pain Reduction: Heat generated by heating pads can be beneficial to send a signal to the brain. When placed on the skin, the sensory nerves send signals to the brain by responding to the heat and releasing chemical messengers. That automatically brings down the intensity of pain for a while.
4. Distraction: Heating pads are known to give a very soothing effect which helps one to get distracted from the pain. For a while, this technique definitely helps one to feel less pain and makes it more bearable.

* How to use heating pads?

The earlier the realization dooms, the better it is for one's health. Using heating pads with the right tactics can alleviate the pain. In contrast, doing it in the wrong way can lead to some dire consequences. That's why adopting the right way to use is the key. Here are a few tips that need to be considered while one is using heating pads:

1. Adjust the temperature: While buying heating pads, consider buying the one whose temperature can be adjusted. Initially, start with a low temperature and keep increasing it over time. Doing this will provide more comfort than going with high temperatures at once which can cause burns.
2. Skin Protection: Refrain from directly placing the heating pads on the skin. It is advisable to keep it above a thin towel or cloth. This is helpful for one with sensitive skin as it will prevent skin from getting too hot or red.
3. Putting limits on usage time: The time of using heating pads should be taken great care of. Using it for around 20-30 minutes can have effective results. Avoid overheating as it has an adverse impact. Taking short breaks by applying and reapplying is good to consider.
4. Combining with period pain essentials: Using the roll-on period pain relief essential oils while combining them with the therapeutic way of heating pads can at great extent relieve the pain. This is because it creates ground for two techniques to provide the remedy which works as an extra shield to eliminate pain
5. Place your pads in the appropriate place: Heating pads work wonders if placed in the right place. Placing heating pads on the lower abdomen and lower back can add greater relief than putting them in any other place.

* Summing up:

Cramps during menstruation are absolutely normal but that doesn't mean that it can't be corrected. That's why, women need to understand the effective remedies which one could go with and how heating pads can be helpful during menstruation. An individual can navigate the most suitable way to alleviate the pain. Remember, the intensity of pain varies from person to person but by using heating pads, one can be resilient to fight against the pain. To sum up, heating pads are a great tool that if not expelled can at least help to reduce the pain.

* Note: If the problem of cramps persists for more than a day, it's better to consult with a gynecologist. This article shares only the benefits of using heating pads which are not a substitute for medical consultation. Underlying medical conditions, pregnancy, or any other issues one is facing, it is judicious to consult the professionals  before using heating pads.