Thursday 28 November 2019

My Painful Period Must Haves!

For those of you who have been following my blog for a while, you would know a few things. The first being that I have an unhealthy obsession with eye shadow palettes. And the other, that I don't exactly have the best health.

Now, when It comes to my health I'm not too keen to share all the nitty gritty details of what exactly goes on with the online world. However, when it comes to discussing serious topics like period pain... I'm a bit more keen to share!







Which brings me back to my original point. If you have read my previous posts. (Especially where I discuss my experiences with contraception) Then you'll already have a fair idea of what I experience when that lovely time off the month comes around.

So, for the benefit off those who do not know...  It involves an intense and almost unbearable amount off pain.

And yet, every-time I look to the online world for possible tips and advice when it comes to managing period pain, as intense as mine. I'm constantly given the options of using Heat (Which I always do anyway) Or taking some Ibuprofen...

...So, it got me thinking. What about all us Sufferers out there, who aren't fortunate enough to just take a few painkillers and get on with things, like so many online articles would suggest?

Well, I'm going to share just a few different things, or products that I've tried throughout the years that I've found can actually help ease that intense pain!



The first thing we need to discuss is NAUSEA!!


It's very rare that I've actually read online about how to relieve the horrible "sickey" feeling that comes along with both the pain and ever changing hormones.





One of the best things that actually works for me is a fantastic wee gem that comes in the form of Peppermint Tea!

Peppermint Tea is actually best known for it's health benefits, as it can help aid the digestive system. So, for some people it can help give relief with bloating, gas, and the all important NAUSEA!

And by all means, of course you can go out and buy a fancy, organic pure leaf tea. But, if we're being honest, that can sometimes be more on the expensive side. So, I simply buy the Tesco own brand where I can get 40 tea bags for around the £1.20 mark!

With all this being said, It is of course important to note that everyone's body is different. So, unfortunately, although this may work for me, It might not benefit yourself. Although, seeing as the cost is so affordable, I would definitely suggest giving it a wee try and seeing if it helps!


The Next all Important thing about this time of the month, is controlling pain with HEAT!


Now, believe it not, I am one of these people, who thankfully find heat a huge comfort when I'm in pain. And if you have followed some of my health related posts in the past, then you'd also know that I practically live with hot water bottles clamped to my body. Which is great and all. (until you have burn marks on your body from them *cues eye roll*





So, a really great way around this, is to actually buy the stick on heat pain patches. You can practically buy them anywhere these days. Although, my absolute favourite ones are from Poundland. (if you're UK Based.)

The reason these are so great is because they aren't designed to be applied directly to the skin. So, I usually stick them onto a vest top, or something underneath my outfit. Which means, you still have the comfort of the heat patch, with far less risk of burning your actual skin!

And this style of pain relief, is absolutely perfect for those of us, who still have to "try" and keep up with daily life during the time of the month!

I would highly recommend wearing one off these, and then keeping another one in your handbag just incase of an emergency later in the day!


Now, when it comes to managing the pain, one of the best pieces of advice that I can give to you, is to keep a log of all your symptoms during your period. (There are apps available that can help you do this. Clue and Flo are a few of my favourites.)

The reason that I'm advising this, is despite what people may think about having a period, and I cannot stress this enough.. Having unbearable Period pain, is not a normal thing!

So, If you are suffering with horrific cramps (don't worry, I feel your pain!) I would encourage you to go see a professional. Hence why having a note of all your symptoms will come in handy!

This also, can open up the discussion with your doctor about possible pain relieving medications that may benefit you during your TOM. (And, no I don't mean the pill, because believe it or not, there are other options available!)


The next step is managing period pain without heat!


Now, one of my absolute favourite products for managing my period pain, actually comes from a company called BeYou!

I ended up hearing about this brand, because of a fellow blogger on Instagram.





Beyou are a really great brand, that sell products to try and relieve period pain, using natural alternatives, such as CBD oil, Menstural Cups, and these pain patches!

 The pain patches are actually sold in sets of five, and come in at around the £7.00 mark, with free delivery directly from there website! (they're also available on Beautybay and Cultbeauty)

The patches pretty much look like giant plasters, that you can stick anywhere on your body. I usually end up with one on my lower back and the other on my tummy.




From what I can tell, after doing some reading up on the brand, the only ingredients that the patches contain are eucalyptus oil (which is a natural anti cramping type thingy) and Menthol, that gives a really nice cool feeling, when they're applied. Which I've actually heard can be really great for people who find heat makes their nausea and cramps worse.

I've used these patches a good few months now, and the first few times I ordered them I didn't really feel like they made much off a difference. However, unbeknownst to me, It's actually recommended that you start wearing these patches a few days before you're actual period begins.

So, the next time around, I tried using them a few days before hand, like suggested, and honestly there was a far more noticeable difference when It came to my pain levels!

Yes, I was still in pain, but it was so much more bearable than usual! I was actually really surprised at the difference!

And you know, unfortunately with these sort of products, they don't always work for everyone in the same way, but for me personally? I've found these patches super helpful and they have become a part of my go-to during my period.

So, you know, if you do have some extra money next month, I would suggest grabbing yourself a wee packet from their online store, just to see how your body reacts. And hopefully you'll find them super helpful like I did.


My final tip is a for those of us with super painful periods. Now, hear me out, An at home TENS Machine.





And before you start panicking thinking this is going to cost an absolute fortune. Superdrug actually sell an at home TENS machine for around £15.00. So don't fret! (Side note: The one I use was actually given to me from a family member, but I've seen that the Superdrug own version has good reviews online.)

I've actually found that using my own handheld TENs machine has been super helpful when my period cramps are getting to that unbearable point.

You simply, stick the patches that are connected to the machine close to the area of pain, for example: your lower back, thigh, or abdomen, and find a setting that is comfortable for you!

I always start on a low setting, and depending on how painful the cramps are, will gradually increase it. It really does come down to what works for you. (unfortunately there have been times where I've had my machine on one off the highest settings, so just experiment for yourself.)


You know, I have tried a whole bunch of other things throughout the years to try and manage my period pain. Unfortunately the vast majority off them haven't worked. Thankfully, the things that I have written in this blog post have managed to help me recently. Even if it hasn't totally stopped the pain, it's certainly eased it slightly!

So I do hope that at least someone has found this blog post even slightly helpful!


Wishing you all a pain free period!

ShawtandSimple! Xo


















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