apollo

Effective Remedies for Period Pain Relief

Find effective remedies for period pain relief, from natural home solutions like heat therapy and herbal teas to over-the-counter medications and lifestyle adjustments. Discover practical tips for soothing menstrual cramps and improving comfort.

reviewerImg

Written by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash

Reviewed by Dr. Siri Nallapu MBBS

Last updated on 28th Jul, 2025

Period Pain Relief

Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a common issue that many women experience during their menstrual cycle. While some discomfort is normal, severe pain can interfere with daily activities and overall wellbeing. The good news is that there are several effective remedies—both natural and medical—that can help ease the pain and make your periods more manageable.

Understanding Period Pain

Period pain occurs due to contractions in the uterus as it sheds its lining. These contractions are triggered by hormonelike substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins can lead to more intense cramps.

Types of Period Pain

1. Primary Dysmenorrhea – Common menstrual cramps without an underlying medical condition.
2. Secondary Dysmenorrhea – Caused by conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

If your pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by heavy bleeding, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

Effective Remedies for Period Pain Relief

Effective remedies for period pain relief are:

1. Heat Therapy

  • Applying heat to your lower abdomen can relax uterine muscles and improve blood flow, reducing cramps.
  • Use a heating pad or hot water bottle.
  • Take a warm bath with Epsom salts for added relaxation.

2. Gentle Exercise & Yoga

  • Light physical activity releases endorphins (natural painkillers) and improves circulation.
  • Walking, stretching, or yoga poses (like Child’s Pose or CatCow) can help.
  • Avoid intense workouts if pain is severe.

3. Herbal Teas & Natural Remedies

Certain herbs have antiinflammatory properties that help with cramps:

  • Ginger tea – Reduces pain and inflammation.
  • Chamomile tea – Relaxes muscles and eases tension.
  • Peppermint tea – Soothes stomach discomfort.

4. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers

  • Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen reduce prostaglandin production, easing cramps.
  • Take them at the first sign of pain for best results.
  • Always follow dosage instructions.

5. Dietary Changes

What you eat can influence period pain:

  • Increase magnesium-rich foods (bananas, nuts, leafy greens) – Helps relax muscles.
  • Omega3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseeds) – Reduce inflammation.
  • Stay hydrated – Dehydration can worsen cramps.
  • Limit caffeine, salt, and processed foods – These can increase bloating and discomfort.

6. Massage & Acupressure

  • Gentle abdominal massage with essential oils (lavender or clary sage) can relieve tension.
  • Acupressure points (like the SP6 point above the ankle) may help reduce pain.

Consult Top Gynecologist

Dr. Tripti Dubey, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Tripti Dubey

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

23 Years • MBBS, MS ( Gynecology & Obstetrics).

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

86%

(150+ Patients)

1700

150 Cashback

1700

No Booking Fees

Dr Bhawna Garg, Gynaecological Oncologist

Dr Bhawna Garg

Gynaecological Oncologist

26 Years • MBBS, MS, (PGI MS ROHTAK) FELLOWSHIP GYNECOLOGY ONCOLOGY, (CANCER INSTITUTE CHENNAI)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1000

150 Cashback

1500

No Booking Fees

Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya, Surgical Oncologist

Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya

Surgical Oncologist

11 Years • MBBS,MS,Mch(Surgical Oncology),Fellowship in Minimally Invasive GI Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery

Kolkata

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata

1000

100 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Kirty Nahar, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Kirty Nahar

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

25 Years • MBBS, M.S. Obst & Gynaecology, FICOG. Fellowship Obstetrics & Gynaec. Ultrasound ISUOG Certified Sonologist. High Risk Pregnancy & Infertifilty Specialist. Sr. Consultant - Obst & Gynaecology.

Ahmedabad

Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad

1000

100 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Harmeet Malhotra, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Harmeet Malhotra

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

44 Years • MBBS, MD, DGO, FICOG

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

98%

(25+ Patients)

2500

150 Cashback

2500

No Booking Fees

7. Birth Control Methods

  • Hormonal birth control (pills, patches, or IUDs) can regulate periods and reduce pain by thinning the uterine lining.
  • Consult a doctor to find the best option for you.

8. Stress Management & Relaxation Techniques

Stress can worsen cramps, so relaxation methods can help:

  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Meditation or mindfulness
  • Adequate sleep – Helps the body recover and manage pain better.

When to See a Doctor?

While mild cramps are normal, seek medical advice if:

  • Pain is severe and disrupts daily life.
  • Pain lasts longer than usual or worsens over time.
  • You experience heavy bleeding, dizziness, or unusual symptoms.

If needed, you can consult a gynecologist on Apollo 24|7 for personalized advice or treatment options.

Final Thoughts

Period pain doesn’t have to control your life. By combining home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical support when needed, you can find relief and feel more comfortable during your cycle. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and don’t hesitate to seek help if pain becomes unmanageable.

Consult Top Gynecologist

Dr. Tripti Dubey, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Tripti Dubey

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

23 Years • MBBS, MS ( Gynecology & Obstetrics).

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

86%

(150+ Patients)

1700

150 Cashback

1700

No Booking Fees

Dr Bhawna Garg, Gynaecological Oncologist

Dr Bhawna Garg

Gynaecological Oncologist

26 Years • MBBS, MS, (PGI MS ROHTAK) FELLOWSHIP GYNECOLOGY ONCOLOGY, (CANCER INSTITUTE CHENNAI)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1000

150 Cashback

1500

No Booking Fees

Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya, Surgical Oncologist

Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya

Surgical Oncologist

11 Years • MBBS,MS,Mch(Surgical Oncology),Fellowship in Minimally Invasive GI Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery

Kolkata

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata

1000

100 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Kirty Nahar, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Kirty Nahar

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

25 Years • MBBS, M.S. Obst & Gynaecology, FICOG. Fellowship Obstetrics & Gynaec. Ultrasound ISUOG Certified Sonologist. High Risk Pregnancy & Infertifilty Specialist. Sr. Consultant - Obst & Gynaecology.

Ahmedabad

Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad

1000

100 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Harmeet Malhotra, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Harmeet Malhotra

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

44 Years • MBBS, MD, DGO, FICOG

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

98%

(25+ Patients)

2500

150 Cashback

2500

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Gynecologist

Dr. Tripti Dubey, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Tripti Dubey

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

23 Years • MBBS, MS ( Gynecology & Obstetrics).

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

86%

(150+ Patients)

1700

150 Cashback

1700

No Booking Fees

Dr Bhawna Garg, Gynaecological Oncologist

Dr Bhawna Garg

Gynaecological Oncologist

26 Years • MBBS, MS, (PGI MS ROHTAK) FELLOWSHIP GYNECOLOGY ONCOLOGY, (CANCER INSTITUTE CHENNAI)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1000

150 Cashback

1500

No Booking Fees

Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya, Surgical Oncologist

Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya

Surgical Oncologist

11 Years • MBBS,MS,Mch(Surgical Oncology),Fellowship in Minimally Invasive GI Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery

Kolkata

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata

1000

100 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Kirty Nahar, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Kirty Nahar

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

25 Years • MBBS, M.S. Obst & Gynaecology, FICOG. Fellowship Obstetrics & Gynaec. Ultrasound ISUOG Certified Sonologist. High Risk Pregnancy & Infertifilty Specialist. Sr. Consultant - Obst & Gynaecology.

Ahmedabad

Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad

1000

100 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Harmeet Malhotra, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Harmeet Malhotra

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

44 Years • MBBS, MD, DGO, FICOG

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

98%

(25+ Patients)

2500

150 Cashback

2500

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Gynecologist

Dr. Tripti Dubey, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Tripti Dubey

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

23 Years • MBBS, MS ( Gynecology & Obstetrics).

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

86%

(150+ Patients)

1700

150 Cashback

1700

No Booking Fees

Dr Bhawna Garg, Gynaecological Oncologist

Dr Bhawna Garg

Gynaecological Oncologist

26 Years • MBBS, MS, (PGI MS ROHTAK) FELLOWSHIP GYNECOLOGY ONCOLOGY, (CANCER INSTITUTE CHENNAI)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1000

150 Cashback

1500

No Booking Fees

Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya, Surgical Oncologist

Dr Supratim Bhattacharyya

Surgical Oncologist

11 Years • MBBS,MS,Mch(Surgical Oncology),Fellowship in Minimally Invasive GI Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery

Kolkata

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata

1000

100 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Kirty Nahar, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Kirty Nahar

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

25 Years • MBBS, M.S. Obst & Gynaecology, FICOG. Fellowship Obstetrics & Gynaec. Ultrasound ISUOG Certified Sonologist. High Risk Pregnancy & Infertifilty Specialist. Sr. Consultant - Obst & Gynaecology.

Ahmedabad

Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad

1000

100 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Harmeet Malhotra, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr. Harmeet Malhotra

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

44 Years • MBBS, MD, DGO, FICOG

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

98%

(25+ Patients)

2500

150 Cashback

2500

No Booking Fees

More articles from General Medical Consultation