Of all the joys of womanhood, in today’s blog we’re spotlighting the delight of period cramps. On the first day of your period to be exact, is when period cramps are at their peak. But why? The pain associated with menstruation inhibits the lives of millions of women, creating a debilitating set of distractions that put a pause in their daily routines. Here, we'll examine why period cramps hurt so bad on the first day of your menstrual cycle, and more importantly, what you can do to alleviate the discomfort.
Why do period cramps hurt so bad?
The pain associated with period cramps, scientifically known as dysmenorrhea, is caused by the contraction of the uterine muscles, which takes place in the days leading up to and at the beginning of menstruation. During menstruation the body releases hormonal substances called prostaglandins that facilitate the shedding of the uterine lining. The uterus contracts in order to shed its lining, inevitably inducing the pain and discomfort you experience as period cramps.
Why is the first day of period cramps the worst?
Particularly on the first day of your menstrual cycle is when prostaglandin levels are at their highest, triggering the most intense uterine contractions. Consequently, this is why your cramps feel more severe. These high prostaglandin levels also usher in other fun PMS symptoms that cause hormonal fluctuation and inflammation, which contribute to further discomfort.
How to relieve abdominal pain caused by period cramps
Many women turn to over-the-counter drugs to relieve bad period cramps, even when doing so comes with a host of unwanted side effects that negatively impact their health. The struggle for reprieve is real- but it doesn’t have to be. Natural alternatives provide a safer, arguably more effective solution for women struggling with bad period pain. The use of alternative medicine has been documented for centuries in Eastern cultures as a holistic solution to a variety of women’s health concerns, including premenstrual syndrome.
One example is Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an ancient system of traditional medicine from India that offers a holistic approach to health management, particularly notable for women's health. The theory aims to restore balance across mind, body, and spirit by harmonizing the body’s natural rhythms. Ayurveda addresses the effects of hormonal fluctuations specific to menstruating individuals, offering a unique approach to holistic pain and stress management during each phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Another botanical compound making waves in alternative medicine is CBD. CBD is popular in the wellness industry today for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to modulate physiological processes thrown off by hormonal fluctuations like PMS and menopause.
Despite its name, Ladykind’s Tough Love Period Pain Relief Cream delivers nearly instantaneous relief to any kind of physical pain, whether or not the culprit is menstruation. This topical cream leans on the power of both CBD and well-known Ayurvedic herbs such as lidocaine, cramp bark, and licorice root, making it an ideal candidate for pain management. Once you try it, you’ll realize there’s no need to try and survive your next period without it. Take 20% off your purchase when you order today with discount code TOUGHLOVE20.
