If you’re looking for a way to ease your period cramps without taking painkillers, a heating pad is the answer. Heat therapy increases blood flow and relaxes the muscles that cause menstrual pain.
Whether you want a large one to lie down on or a small portable option, we’ve rounded up the best heating pads for your cramps.
How to Use
Whether your cramps are the dull aches of PMS or the sharp, stabbing pains of period cramps, the best way to soothe them is with a heating pad. These pads increase circulation, which relaxes tight or cramped muscles—including the uterine ones that are causing your pain. The heat also helps relieve menstrual cramps by soothing uterine tissue and decreasing inflammation, according to studies.
Luckily, there are many different types of heating pads to choose from, depending on your needs. For example, if you want to take your heating pad with you on the go, try a cordless or rechargeable option that doesn’t require an electrical outlet but still provides hours of heat. You can even find an aromatherapy-infused version that emits a pleasant, calming scent while you use it.
If you’re more of a DIY type, you can make your own heating pad at home using simple materials like a zip-lock freezer bag and uncooked rice. Just be sure the bag you use is microwave safe. You can also use a towel for an extra layer of comfort, especially if you’re worried about burning your skin.
When it comes to using a heating pad for menstrual cramps, you can place it directly against your stomach or back, depending on where the pain is most acute. You can also opt for an electric heating pad, which often allows you to customize the temperature settings and has a machine-washable cover that makes it easy to clean.
While overuse of a heating pad may make your cramps worse, you can always alternate between hot and cold therapy to find the right balance for you. In fact, a recent study found that alternating between these two strategies can help ease menstrual cramps.
If you’re ready to add a heating pad for menstrual cramps to your self-care routine, SHOP has curated 11 of the best options that are sure to provide relief no matter where you are. From a larger pad that you can lay on your bed to an aromatic, travel-friendly patch you can stick to your clothes, there’s something here for every situation.
Benefits
The main benefit of using a heating pad for cramps is that it can help to relieve pain by increasing blood flow to the area. This helps to relax cramped or tight muscles and can reduce the symptoms of menstrual cramps. Many women find that a heating pad can also help to ease back pain and other aches and pains.
There are many different types of heating pads available on the market, from simple microwaveable options to complex electric mats. Choosing the right option for you will depend on your needs and where you want to use it. For example, if you want to use it at home or on the go, you will want a portable option that can be easily carried and stored.
Another important factor to consider is how much heat you need. For example, one study found that applying a heating pad to the abdomen at a temperature of between 104 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit was helpful for reducing menstrual cramps. However, it is important to note that the research was limited and more rigorous high-quality trials are needed to confirm these results.
In addition to using a heating pad, there are other things that you can do to help ease menstrual cramps, including light exercise and stretching. Regular exercise can increase circulation and improve flexibility, which can help reduce pain from cramps. In addition, stretches such as the toe-touching hamstring stretch can help ease lower-body discomfort.
If you do decide to use a heating pad, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to ensure that you are using the heating pad safely and effectively. In addition, it is important to avoid using the heating pad for more than 30 minutes at a time to prevent overheating.
If you are unsure what type of heating pad is best for you, consult with your doctor or nurse. They can recommend a safe and effective treatment for your period cramps. They may also be able to prescribe medication that can help with your pain, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen.
Side Effects
A heating pad for cramps can provide fast, effective pain relief when used correctly. But there are a few things to keep in mind before using one, especially if you’re pregnant.
First, if you’re pregnant, always consult your doctor before using a heating pad or any other kind of heat therapy. Heat can increase blood flow to your uterus, which can lead to complications like uterine fibroids or hypertension in some women. In some cases, if the heat becomes too much, it can actually cause more pain.
Having the best heating pad for cramps can make a huge difference when it comes to period pain. It can help relax the muscles in your abdomen, which can cause cramps and other symptoms of menstruation, such as bloating, headaches, backaches, and indigestion. But the most important thing to remember is to use it only for short periods of time. Overuse can cause burns on your skin, and it can lead to other health complications as well.
The good news is that there are plenty of other ways to deal with period pain, including taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. Exercise, which can also help ease cramps, and ice therapy are other ways to soothe pain. Some women even find that masturbation or sex helps, as it releases natural pain-relieving hormones.
Regardless of the method you choose for relieving your period pain, the most important thing is to be patient and try different techniques until you find what works best for you. If your pain is severe, talk to your doctor or gynecologist for advice and guidance.
When it comes to finding the best heating pads for cramps, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite options. To get the most effective relief, we looked for pads that were rated highly in our Health Testing Lab and offered extra features, such as an auto shut-off timer. We also looked for comfort, portability, and durability, so you can use the pad wherever you go. Read on to discover the top five options we found.
Bottom Line
When you’re dealing with period cramps, a heating pad can be a great way to ease the pain and relax your muscles. The heat from the pad causes your blood vessels to dilate, which relaxes the uterine muscles that are causing the cramps. However, they shouldn’t be your only tool in the fight against period pain, as you should also use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
When shopping for a heating pad, it’s important to look for one that has all the safety features you need. You want a pad that has an automatic shut-off timer and temperature control so you don’t accidentally overheat the pad or cause any burns. You should also consider a model that is lightweight and compact so you can easily take it with you wherever you go.
If you’re looking for a high-quality heating pad for your period cramps, this one from Voligo is a great option. It takes just three seconds to start heating up and has multiple settings for both heat and vibration. It’s small enough to carry around with you and has an automatic shut-off timer after 10 minutes. It also has a rechargeable battery so you can keep it charged when on the go.
Another good option for those on a tight budget is this portable heating pad from Rael. While it’s not technically a heating pad, the adhesive patches work well to relieve cramps by targeting the pain directly. They are reusable, easy to use and don’t require electricity. The best part is that they come in a variety of soothing scents to help distract you from the pain.
If you’re looking for a more advanced heating solution, there are several models to choose from that include moist heat. Moist heat is more effective at treating muscle aches and stiffness as it penetrates deeper into the tissues. The Sunbeam model on this list includes a water reservoir with three different heat settings, as well as a sliding controller to manage the temperatures. It also has a 9-foot cord, so you can get relief wherever you are.