Paid advertorial brought to you by Panadol Extra Film-Coated Tablets. Contains paracetamol. For pain relief. Always read the label.
From medication to self-care, we’ve got some tips to help you navigate your next period.
Between dealing with painful symptoms, nausea, mood swings and ensuring we have enough sanitary products on hand, our periods can take a lot out of us each month.
While symptoms may vary from person to person, a self-care plan can make a world of difference when your period rolls around.
To help you understand the ins and outs of period pain, we’ve teamed up with Panadol to bring you a handy guide. Here, you’ll find self-care tips and advice on the medication you can take to reduce pain.
So whether you’re no stranger to premenstrual syndrome or you’re on the hunt for tips to reduce lower back pain or headaches, have this guide on hand and let it help you navigate your next period.
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are among the most common period pain symptoms. They usually occur before you start to bleed and they may continue for a few days after. The pain usually lasts for 48-78 hours. These cramps typically occur in the lower abdomen and they’re the result of the muscles of the uterus contracting.
The main symptoms of menstrual cramps include:
- Throbbing or cramp like pain in the abdomen
- Dull aches
- Pain that radiates to the back, resulting in backache
Premenstrual Syndrome
About 90% of women experience premenstrual syndrome, which is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that can occur up to a week before a period.
The main symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are:
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Lower back ache
- Physical Fatigue
Pre-menstrual syndrome is also marked by a variation of mental signs:
- Irritability
- Mental fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Reduced interest in sex
- Food cravings
Self-care tips for period pain and premenstrual syndrome
If you suffer from cramps, headaches or backache during your period, over-the-counter medication like Panadol Extra Film-Coated Tablets can offer some relief. In fact, Panadol Extra Tablets have been found to provide up to 30% more powerful pain relief than standard paracetamol tablets. Panadol Extra contains two active ingredients – paracetamol and caffeine. The paracetamol works to relieve pain while the caffeine amplifies the pain-relieving effect.
There are several self-care tips that can make you feel more comfortable. Hot water bottles or heat pads can ease pain in your pelvis or back, and a warm bath, gentle yoga and mindfulness can make you feel more relaxed. Some lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and a balanced diet, can support your immune system and wellbeing. You might also find it helpful to cut back on alcohol, caffeine or sugar during your period.
Paid advertorial brought to you by Panadol Extra Film-Coated Tablets. Contains paracetamol. For pain relief. Always read the label.
