Sunny Health

Many women suffer from a certain degree of pain during their periods. If you have been relying on Panadol Menstrual to relieve your period pains, you may be devastated, like me, to find that it has been discontinued. And as I am allergic to NSAIDS, other popular painkillers for period pains, like nurofen and ibuprofen are out of question.

Nevertheless, generic paracetamol works just as well for relieving muscle soreness and cramps from period pains, according to Professor Paul Ho from the pharmacy department in the National University of Singapore's science faculty. There is also Panadol Extra, which has an extra 65mg of caffeine for better pain relief of really bad cramps. However, if your cramps are so excruciating that they affect your work and daily activities, then it is advisable for you to see a doctor.

For those who have mild cramps and can tolerate them without medication, it is in your best interests to do away with painkillers. According to thehealthsite.com, prolonged use of ibuprofen/paracetamol may cause serious side effects such as bleeding disorders and damage to the liver. Other common side-effects include:

• Gastric problem
• Stomach pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Tightening of the chest
• Dizziness
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting

Incidentally, from the above list, a few are also common symptoms that accompany period cramps. So if you still experience some of these while the pain is alleviated, your painkiller could be responsible for it!

Here are some things that can give a little immediate relief for your period pains:

1) Heat has always proven to be good for soreness. In this case, a hot shower or soak in a warm bath, or a hot compress over your stomach are helpful.

2) Massage your lower abdominal area with light circular motions using your fingertips. Use medicated oil or tiger balm oil for better effect; the heat generated will come as a soothing relief.

3) Hot ginger tea is a popular home remedy and helps relief the bloated feeling that you may get. You can get instant ones at the supermarkets.

The reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps, you should incorporate more exercise in your daily regime. It does not have to be anything intensive. Even a daily walk or slow jog goes a long way in keeping your body healthy and relaxed.

If you are a smoker, then you should consider quitting smoking. Chemicals from cigarettes makes your blood composition thicker. It constricts your blood vessels, thus hindering blood flow and increasing the likelihood of pain during your periods.