Have you ever felt personally victimized by period pain? You're not alone. Period pain is a serious issue, with studies indicating that 80% of women experience cramps each month. That's a significant number of women dealing with discomfort regularly. Fortunately, heating patches can provide relief for cramps, but how exactly do they work?
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about using a heating patch for cramps.
Why Do We Get Period Cramps in the First Place?
Before exploring how heating pads can alleviate period pain, it's important to understand why cramps occur in the first place. So, why do women experience these painful contractions? Let's find out.
Period cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterine muscles, which typically occurs just before or during menstruation. These contractions are triggered by chemicals known as prostaglandins, produced in the uterine lining. When the endometrial cells break down during the menstrual cycle, prostaglandins are released. They are also linked to estrogen levels.
Interestingly, the use of hormonal birth control can reduce the production of prostaglandins, and consequently, decrease the severity of menstrual cramps since the endometrial tissue buildup is minimised.
Your uterus functions as a large muscle, and its contractions help shed its lining, leading to menstruation. Cramps are usually more intense in the first couple of days of your period.
You might wonder why some women experience mild discomfort while others find the pain debilitating. This variation can be attributed to factors such as heavier menstrual flow, medical conditions like adenomyosis, individual pain tolerance, and the passage of larger blood clots. Conditions like endometriosis can further amplify the pain.
Menstrual cramps can cause significant discomfort in the abdomen and lower back, with pain intensity ranging from mild to severe.
For instance, a recent study revealed that one in ten women find their period cramps so intense that they are unable to perform daily activities. However, this level of severity is not common. Most women experience cramps that, while uncomfortable, are manageable and not incapacitating. Nevertheless, these cramps can still affect one's mood and daily routine.
Heating Patches and Period Cramps
Heating patches have long been a go-to for relieving menstrual pain. They work by increasing circulation, which helps relax cramped or tight muscles. When applied to the lower abdomen, heating pads can have the same effect on the uterine muscles, easing their contractions.
Here’s a closer look at how this works:
Heat therapy is effective for pain relief because it naturally increases blood flow to the painful area, which in turn relaxes the muscles there.
For menstrual cramps, one theory suggests that heat relaxes the myometrium—the middle layer of the uterine wall that contains the smooth muscles responsible for contractions and pain.
When the myometrium relaxes, the previously constricted blood vessels can expand, improving blood flow to the uterus.
But what does research say about this? A study involving women with menstrual pain found that using heating patches at 40 to 42 degrees Celsius significantly reduced their pain:
- 27% reduction in pain after one hour
- 43% reduction in pain after two hours
- 79% reduction in pain after four hours
In addition to pain relief, the study also noted increased blood flow to the uterus. It’s important to note that this study lacked a placebo group, so while the results are promising, they aren't conclusive.
Hopefully, future research will continue to explore this topic under more rigorous scientific conditions.
Where should I apply the heat patch for period pain relief?
To relieve period pain, many women find that applying a heating pad to the lower abdomen is most effective. You can also apply heat to your lower back for additional comfort.
Where you apply the heat depends on where you feel the most pain. Some areas of the body may tolerate heat better than others. If your lower abdomen is too sensitive, try placing the heating pad on your lower back, or vice versa.
Wondering how to best use a heating pad?
There are two main methods:
- Use it alone.
- Pair it with cramp-relieving essential oils.
For the first method, place a heating pad on your lower abdomen or back. There are various types of heating pads available, including cordless, portable, electric, and microwavable options. Our preferred choice is our own self-warming patches here at Reneue.
Our powerful self-warming heat patches will instantly warm up to the perfect, therapeutic temperature to promote blood flow and help your muscles relax for maximum relief.
They are extremely easy to use and will kick those pesky periods cramps to the curb in no time!
The second best way to use a heating pad to fight menstrual cramps is by combining a heating pad with essential oils.
Essential oils alone are a great natural remedy for period pain, but when combined with a heating pad, you get an extra pain-fighting boost.
Okay, so how exactly do you use essential oils and a heating pad for painful menstrual cramps?
It’s easy! Simply massage your diluted essential oil onto your lower back and/or abdomen for roughly one minute. Then, apply a heating pad over the area, and voila!
The heat also helps to boost your skin’s natural absorption of the oils. Now in terms of which oils to use, there are tons of amazing essential oils you can choose from to help with your menstrual pain. These include:
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Ginger
- Lemon balm
- Rose
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Jasmine
A final word
Even though period cramps are very common, you don't have to suffer through them without help! Natural remedies, like using our self-warming menstrual patch from Reneue, offer a simple and quick way to relieve discomfort so you can carry on with your day.
At Reneue, our mission is to enhance women’s lives through holistic feminine care. We provide innovative, natural, and effective solutions for every stage of a woman's cycle and life. Periods are natural, and so is Reneue.
