Do you experience period cramps before your actual period? Does the pain ruin your entire pre-period week? Do you wonder if it’s normal? Are you clueless about how to deal with it? Fret not, because we’re here to address all your pre-period menstrual cramp woes. Whether you experience these cramps one or two days before your period or a week prior, we’ll talk about all the possible reasons and solutions to make your life easier before shark week strikes. Read on for all the deets:
Can You Get Cramps Before Your Period?
Before your period begins, the cells that form the lining of the uterus (endometrial cells) begin to break down and release large amounts of hormone-like substances, called prostaglandins. These chemicals constrict the blood vessels in the uterus and trigger contractions in a bid to expel the uterine lining from the body. This can lead to inflammation and cramps one-two days before or during your period.
However, it is also possible to have cramps five-seven days before your period due to a condition called the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is a result of the estrogen-progesterone fluctuations in the body as it gears up for a period. PMS-induced cramps are often accompanied by PMS symptoms like mood swings, tender breasts, and fatigue.
Are Period Cramps Before Period Normal?
Mild menstrual cramps one to seven days before your period are deemed as a usual side-effect of PMS and aren’t usually a cause of worry. However, experiencing excruciating menstrual cramps before a period due date could be an an underlying health condition, which needs medical intervention.
Reasons Behind Cramps Before Period
So what are those health conditions. Let’s take a look:
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition wherein the endometrial tissue that is usually found inside the uterus grows outside of it on your ovaries, bowels, or abdomen. It can lead to severe inflammation and pain even two weeks before your period along with other symptoms like heavy bleeding, nausea, and pain during urination.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths on the uterus. This condition may have strong symptoms like painful cramping during and before your period, pressure on the pelvic area, and irregular or heavy periods. Sometimes, it may have no symptoms at all and goes undetected. The best way to find out whether uterine fibroids are to be blamed for those cramps before your period is by visiting your doc.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common condition that affects several women across the globe. It is characterised by the development of cysts on the ovaries and can trigger hormonal imbalance in the body. Its side-effects include, cramps before periods, acne, excess body or facial hair, and extreme mood swings.
Implantation
Sometimes, cramps before your due period date can also be due to implantation, a process that occurs if a sperm fertilizes an egg. It’s possible to feel cramping when the fertilised egg gets implanted into your uterine wall. This usually happens closer to the time you are expecting your period. However, depending on when ovulation and conception occurred, the implantation cramping could happen a week before your period. Other symptoms of implantation include spotting and bleeding.
Ovulation pain
It is possible to experience a twinge of cramping before your period due to ovulation, a process in which the ovaries release an egg for fertilisation. You can experience this pain about two weeks before your period along with symptoms like increased vaginal discharge and spotting.
Early Period
Menstrual cramps before your period could also mean that you may get your periods earlier than their due date. This change can be triggered by factors such as sudden weight loss or gain, dietary changes, heavy exercise and stress.
Home Remedies To Manage Period Cramps Before Periods
If you experience mild or bearable period cramps before a period because of PMS, don’t worry you can manage it. It can be managed with these six seriously-effective home remedies. Check them out:
Heat Therapy
Applying heat to your lower abdomen and back works like magic when it comes to dealing with cramps before or during your period. You can use a hot water bottle or a heat patch on the affected area for some side-effect free relief from period pain.
Massage
Massaging your abdomen and back with essential oils can help lower your stress levels, relax your abdominal muscles, and provide relief from menstrual pain. Get your hands on a bottle of lavender, peppermint, or fennel seed oil for best results.
Herbed Teas
A hot cuppa ginger, chamomile, or cinnamon tea can help alleviate cramps before period. That’s because these herbs have a calming, anti-inflammatory effect and can thus provide relief from menstrual pain.
Exercise
Low or medium intensity aerobic exercise can help boost blood circulation and release feel-good hormones–oxytocin and endorphins. This in turn can reduce pain due to cramps before a period. So squeeze in a 30-minute walk in the park or a 20-minute stretching session into your schedule and you’ll feel better for sure.
Take A Hot Bath
A hot shower or a 15-minute dip in a hot tub can help relax your pelvic and abdominal muscles and thus, give you some much-needed relief from cramps before your period. You can add some epsom salt or a few drops of lavender oil to make it even more relaxing.
Sirona Recommends Best Products To Manage Period Cramps Before Periods
Sirona Feminine Pain Relief Patch
You can count on Sirona’s Feminine Pain Relief Patch to reduce pain due to cramps before your period. Sticking this sleek patch can provide instant relief minus any side-effects. That’s because it is made with natural pain-relieving ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus oil. It is easy to carry and stays effective for 8-10 hours.
Sirona Pain-Relief Heat Patch
Made with 100% natural ingredients, The Pain Relief Heat Patch By Sirona is a safe and hassle-free alternative to dealing cramps before your period. Sticking this patch on your abdomen can work like a soothing balm. These portable wonders can provide heat relief for up to eight hours straight and can be disposed of easily after each use. No hot-water-bottle hassles involved!
Sirona Feminine Cramp Relief Roll On
The Sirona Cramp Relief Roll On can be used on your lower back, abdomen, and legs. Packed with all-natural ingredients like lavender oil, clove oil, cinnamon, and eucalyptus, it helps relieve pain–even while you’re on the go. It’s calming aroma helps relax your muscles and the smooth roll-on application makes it convenient to use.
Electric Hot Water Bag
Sirona’s Hot Water Bag is a blessing in disguise for dealing with cramps before your period. It comes with an automatic temperature control and a quick-charging feature. It eliminates the need for heating water and filling it up into the hot water bottle every few hours. All you’ve got to do is to charge it once for seven to 12 minutes and tada! It helps relax your muscles, lowers inflammation, and relieves pain.
Folks, it’s important to get yourself diagnosed for any underlying health conditions if you experience excruciating cramps before periods. For the bearable ones, you can count on these home remedies and products. They will surell help.
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
How a partner can help in period pain: Here’s how to be there for your partner when they’re in pain.
Pain During Sex: Read this if sex is more painful than it’s pleasurable.
Reasons for Delayed Periods: Here’s why your periods are not on time.
Home Remedies for Period Pain: These home remedies will help you power through painful menstrual cramps like a champ.
