Happy Halloween!!
You’re still with me after reading that headline? Thank you! Real talk is necessary and taboo topics that shouldn’t be taboo need a safe place to be discussed. A few weeks ago I decided, in my moments of sheer agony, that place was Twitter.
Perhaps not the first platform that comes to mind when thinking about supportive, nurturing conversations, but I was pleasantly surprised that in this case, its users delivered in a positive way.
The Situation
Have you ever been so miserable, in so much pain, that you’ll try ANYTHING to make it stop? Well, on the date in question, I was at my misery threshold in the midst of my menstrual cycle and needed some help. I appealed to the community for recommendations.
Before I go any further, I must state that I’m not a doctor or medical professional and nothing in this Bulletin is meant to be taken as “medical advice.” Please consult your doctor before trying any of the ideas I mention below, as they were merely suggested in an open, public forum as part of a topic thread.
The Response
I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people who responded! Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who needed relief nor the only one who had tried many solutions with only limited results. Some wrote in to commiserate; others asked questions of those who swore by their hacks. Pretty soon, it was a full-blown period party!
Some addressed their creative ways to address pain relief:
@Puff_lya If you don’t have a heating pad at home, putting uncooked beans or rice in a long sock and warming it in a microwave works just as well.
@tnwhiskeywoman • CBD suppositories (vaginal or rectal) when the premenstrual cramps start.
CBD balm as a topical for cramps & backache.
@BlackOliveSA Cayenne pepper and ginger in warm water = painkiller.
Staying away from dairy about a week or 2 before also reduces pain.
Pure cocoa or dark chocolate with mint calms any discomfort.
@lorngood A physical therapist suggested [putting] ice packs on the soles of your feet and heat on your neck. I used to have debilitating periods with fevers/chills, nausea, cold sweats and more and this was what helped the most. Hope you find some relief!
There were also many natural remedy responses:
@DomitiaEnobaria Make a mug of tea and rest the mug on your lower abs.
@_ethatsme Bananas for cramps. Stop eating meat, dairy and gluten days before and during. Increase water and greens intake. I almost never have cramps since starting to eat like this.
@PrototypeWright Eat A LOT more greens and veggies the week leading up to, cut back on the heavy exercise and focus more on deep stretching & breathing, walking, drink pure red raspberry leaf tea.
@Leshkee I have been drinking Anise Star tea and for some reason that has been helping me so much and reduces my pain. I usually get pain that has me vomiting and sometimes trips to the hospital, so the Anise Star just makes it so I need a heating pad and to relax and I'm fine.
Some of my favorite suggestions related to self care:
@mwahahavilah I give into it. Let myself use it to take a self-care break. Obviously not always possible, but a bowl of mac n cheese with a brownie, a heating pad, and some cartoons hit the spot. And maybe a glass of red; for the symbolism.
@mylarthis No hacks, but I 100% advocate for down time: minimal/functional work only or time off if possible & say yes everything you need during this time: coffee, dark chocolate, naps, hot showers, more naps, sweat pants, legs elevated on wall (yoga), cool towels, hot pads. ALL OF IT.
@shoesforall Mochas, baths, shopping for shoes.
LOL!
Many also mentioned yoga and exercise as well as common over-the-counter medications & birth control to reduce inflammation and fight pain. Several folks discussed changing their method of managing blood flow, recommending sustainable period panties, disposable incontinence underwear and menstrual cups (though I, personally, had a terrible experience with one of these and was advised never to use them again, lol).
What I tried
I bought a topical CBD ointment that did help and I’m looking forward to researching more of the suggestions to try next month. Deep gratitude to anyone who contributed to the positive, helpful thread—let’s keep this topic in the light and not be so silly about talking about it in the future.
Deal?
Are there any period hacks the community missed? Share yours in the comments section.