Very Health Q&A Women’s Health

How to relieve stomach pain during period

Asked by:Borst

Asked on:Apr 12, 2026 03:12 AM

Answers:1 Views:396
  • Marcia Marcia

    Apr 12, 2026

    Stomach pain during menstruation can be relieved by applying heat to the abdomen, exercising moderately, taking painkillers, drinking ginger tea, and massaging acupoints. Dysmenorrhea is usually caused by excessive secretion of prostaglandins, abnormal uterine contractions, mental stress, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and other reasons.

    1. Apply heat to the abdomen

    Place a hot water bottle or baby warmer on the lower abdomen and control the temperature at 40-50 degrees Celsius for 15-30 minutes. Hot compress can promote local blood circulation, relax uterine smooth muscle, and reduce prostaglandin stimulation of nerve endings. Be careful to avoid scalding the skin, and use excessive heat with caution when bleeding during menstruation is heavy.

    2. Moderate exercise

    After the second day of your period, you can do low-intensity exercises such as walking and yoga. Movements such as cat stretch and baby pose can relax the pelvic floor muscles. Exercise promotes the secretion of endorphins, which has a natural analgesic effect and helps menstrual blood to be discharged smoothly. Avoid strenuous exercise that may cause fatigue, and keep warm before and after exercise.

    3. Take painkillers

    Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen extended-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and naproxen sodium tablets can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. It is recommended to take the dosage according to the instructions in the initial stage of pain, and those with weak gastrointestinal function should choose the enteric solvent type. Do not take it continuously for more than 3 days. If side effects such as nausea and vomiting occur, the medication must be discontinued.

    4. Drink ginger tea

    Take 5 grams of fresh ginger slices and boil them for 10 minutes, then add brown sugar to taste. Gingerol can block pain signal transmission, and brown sugar can replenish iron lost during menstruation. Drink it 2-3 times a day. Patients with gastric ulcer should dilute it and drink it in small amounts. It can be combined with warm tonic ingredients such as red dates and longan to enhance the effect.

    5. Massage acupoints

    Use your thumb to press Sanyinjiao (3 inches above the tip of the medial malleolus) and Guanyuan point (3 inches below the navel) for 3-5 minutes each, until you feel soreness and swelling. Acupoint stimulation can regulate endocrine and relieve uterine spasm. The effect is better when combined with moxibustion. It is forbidden to operate on damaged skin or during pregnancy. It is recommended to start daily massage one week before menstruation.

    Keep your abdomen warm during menstruation and avoid cold and raw foods and caffeine intake. Drink 1500-2000 ml of warm water every day and choose whole grains, dark vegetables and other foods rich in vitamin B. Record the degree and duration of pain. If there is continued aggravation, non-menstrual pain or excessive menstrual bleeding, timely gynecological consultation is required to rule out organic diseases. Establish a regular schedule and relieve tension through meditation, deep breathing, etc. in the week before menstruation.

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