Menstruating women around the world unite over one common experience that intimately connects them: PMS. For many, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) induces a distinct set of symptoms that indicate aunt flow is on the way. Typical PMS symptoms include bloating, mood swings, increased appetite, and tender boobs. Yet, the most widely discussed symptom is period cramps, which is considered a medical condition of its own called dysmenorrhea. Those who experience dysmenorrhea know how disruptive it can be to daily life; debilitating, even. Without some aid, excruciating cramps can upend daily routines and productive workflows, making it a serious issue for those with severe cases. This blog will explain how period cramps work and explore natural solutions, such as CBD for period pain.
What is dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term used to describe period cramps, characterized by throbbing pain sensations in the lower abdomen before and during the menstrual cycle. Right before a woman’s period starts, her body releases prostaglandins, a hormone that causes uterine muscles to contract. These contractions are commonly referred to as menstrual cramps. This condition impacts women to varying degrees, rendering some unable to get out of bed during menstruation while leaving others entirely unaffected. To understand this range of effects adequately, it is essential to recognize that there are levels of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary.
Primary dysmenorrhea is the first level of menstrual cramping that most women experience, which comes with a host of symptoms including nausea, headaches, indigestion, brain fog, and fatigue. In contrast, secondary dysmenorrhea goes beyond general discomfort. It’s caused by another underlying medical condition or uterine abnormality that exacerbates period pain, such as fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (POS), or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Those dealing with severe pain from secondary dysmenorrhea should consult a doctor or medical professional, as interventions for relief will be more complex. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Yes, PMS is a common experience. However, that doesn’t mean those affected should accept it and begrudgingly muscle through each month. Per usual, Cloud City Supply has the answers and is here to offer solutions that are as pure as they are potent.
Natural pain relief for period cramps (that actually work)
Fortunately, modern science and technology have enabled us to discover several solutions that remedy period pain without harmful drugs. As consumers become increasingly health-conscious and prefer natural medicines over pharmaceutical interventions, many earth-derived developments have emerged. If you struggle with painful periods but don’t want to take a prescription painkiller, here are some options to try.
Heating pads
Before contemporary alternative health agents became popular, many women relied on heating pads to find relief from period cramps. This topical solution works by applying mild, localized heat to increase blood circulation in the abdominal muscles, effectively relaxing the affected area and alleviating the discomfort. Although heating pads provide comfort and relief, they pose a challenge for those who need to be mobile during their menstrual cycle.
Stress-reducing habits
Albeit cliche, proactively managing daily diet and exercise regimens, especially during your period, can significantly reduce dysmenorrhea. During menstruation, hormonal fluctuations increase your body’s water and salt retention. As a result, bloating is a natural consequence. Thus, anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fish are your friends. Moreover, your favorite guilty pleasures filled with sugar, caffeine, and alcohol are *not*.
Of course, drinking more water than you need also helps to reduce dehydration, which largely contributes to dysmenorrhea. In the same way, though exercising may be the last thing you want to do while PMSing, movement promotes better blood circulation and triggers the release of endorphins, which are hormones that act as natural painkillers.
Alternative health aids
The newest (and arguably most effective) research in period pain relief includes complementary therapies like acupuncture, magnesium supplements, and cannabidiol (CBD). Acupuncture works similarly to heating pads and exercise by increasing blood flow and stimulating the release of endorphins.
Likewise, magnesium supplements help balance hormone production, which in turn decreases pain perception. Supplements are a great way to support the mind and body during menstruation, as they allow for greater mobility and accessibility throughout the day. Popular magnesium supplements include magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium oxide, and magnesium malate.
Finally, cannabidiol (CBD) has completely dominated the health and wellness industry as a safe, natural, and effective aid for all types of pain relief. Obviously, that includes period pain. 🙂
CBD works with your body’s endocannabinoid system to modulate CB1 and CB2 receptors, which regulate several physiological functions, including pain perception. Notably, this star extract also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, which intensify its pain-reducing capabilities.
CBD for period pain: Recommendations from the best CBD store in Silicon Valley
Because of how CBD has dominated the health and wellness space, newbies in need of quick pain relief solutions might be overwhelmed by the plethora of options available. Alas, Cloud City Supply is here to show you the best way to dive in. Think of Cloud City as a trusted advisor for all your hemp-based needs. Whether you’re dealing with primary or secondary dysmenorrhea, you can rest assured that cannabidiol is a safe and effective aid that will help alleviate discomfort so you can get back to living your life, pain and stress-free. What period?!
Mercury News readers have voted Cloud City the best CBD store in Silicon Valley for three consecutive years, primarily due to its top-shelf CBD product selection, which demonstrates a commitment to thorough quality assurance. Additionally, the store’s dedication to CBD education, whether through blogs like this or one-on-one in-store consultations, has made it a go-to hub for all things cannabidiol.
On that note, these CBD tinctures by Ladykind have remained a favorite among the menstruating community for cramps and other PMS symptoms, including brain fog, mood swings, low energy, and poor sleep. This coveted set of tinctures is crafted with pure, high-quality ingredients and has been proven to help women thrive during menstruation, even through painful cramps.
Ladykind for pain-free periods
Ladykind’s dynamic CBD duo includes two tinctures. The Rise Up Daily Mind Clearing Tincture is best for when you need a boost of energy and focus, and the Wind Down Nightly Mind Relaxing Tincture comes in clutch when you need to relax and give your brain a break from relentless anxiety.
These harmonious tinctures work together to keep your hormones in check and pain at bay around the clock, particularly useful for managing premenstrual syndrome symptoms. As a general rule, cannabidiol works better when you consume it daily. So, incorporating it regularly allows its medicinal effects, such as pain relief and stress management, to proliferate. Ladykind blends broad-spectrum CBD with ancient ayurvedic medicine to enhance therapeutic benefits, spanning mood regulation to pain reduction.
If you’re still trying to identify the best solution for painful periods, look no further! Cloud City Supply has the goods. Visit the downtown Campbell store to learn more about Ladykind’s CBD tincture duo and other premium CBD products that can support pain-free living before, during, and after your cycle.